Chapter 38
“Oh.” The crowd enpied into a chorus of teasing gasps as Mike’s words hung in the air. –
This whole situation was escalating faster than an out–of–control rollercoaster Plot twists were flying
ng in from every direction–blink, and you’d
miss one.
that she wouldn’t have
Nina arched a skeptical eyebrow. She’d braced herself for something wild, like Mike daring her to streak across the field. Now t agreed to. But a kiss? Seriously? That was nothing.
Without H second thought, she looped her arm around Mike’s neck and leaned in, ready to seal the deal.
The crowd went into overdrive.
“OMG! She’s really doing it!”
“Nina, you are full of surprises!”
“Hurry up before the instructor shows up!”
ading off to the side, couldn’t help but blush. “What is she thin
Took
Even jessica, standing o
thinking! This is so shameless! Oliver, lo
But before she could finish, Oliver was already marching toward Nina with determined strides
Oliver Jessica fi
froze in shock.
Earlier that day, Oliver had carried her to the infirmary when she’d faked a fainting spell, an act she’d been savoring as a personal victory
she’d felt certain be still cared for b
her—at least a little. But now? Why was he charging toward Nina instead of her?
Oliver humself wasn’t entirely sure why he was doing this Watching Nina lean in to kiss Mike ignited a spark of irritation in him that he couldn’t
“What an idiot, he thought. Does she have no sense! That player Mike is obviously toying with her.
Does she only have room in her head for fighting and eating!”
Convincing himself it was purely out of duty–protecting his boss from embarrassment–he quickened his pace.
Buy just as Nina and Mike’s lips were about to meet, a large hand slid between them, halting the kiss in its tracks.
Everyone froze. 1.yes darted toward the band’s owner
“Mr. Suret someone gasped, shattering the silence.
Oliver blinked, equally stunned. He hadn’t realized Clifford was still around.
he other hand, was thoroughly flustered.
“Mr. Suce” far stammered, the blood draining from his face.
Clifford, the epitome of calm sophistication, gave
ave him a polite sundle. “Mike,
Tre still on base. Public displays like this… don’t seem appropriate.
yeah, haha! We were just messing around Mike stammered, forcing a laugh.
A cold dirad crept into his gut. This in a disaster; he thought. Way worse than getting caught by the instructor
Even more travarro stop.” Clifford replied, his smile sharp yet condial. The air around him seemed to shift, heavy with an almost palpable
was all Mike could
I tu sise the bathroom! Ciutta gu! And with that, be bolted like his life depended on it
“Hey!” Nine called after hun. “Are we all kissing or not?
11:33 AM c
Chapter 38
The crowd gasped again, collectively holding their breath.
Mike didn’t answer. I
answer. He just ran faster
The students silently saluted Nina’s sheer audacity. Testing Mr. Suce’s patience like that? Absolute legend, they thought.
Sure enough, Clifford’s smile deepened as he turned to face her
“Nina,” he said, his tone light but teasing, fore you really that eager for a kiss?”
Nina scratched her head. “Not particularly, but he did bring it up first.”
Clifford chuckled softly. “And if someone suggests it, you just go along with itt Nina, you need to set some boundaries. Your future husband might not appreciate this, you know.”
“Why should i care- Nina started, only to stop abruptly when Clifford’s casual yet piercing “Hmm?” cut her off.
Her instincts screamed at her to reucal
“Uh not” she blurted out, shaking her head vigorously. “Nomore kissing! I’m done!“,
Clifford’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before his smile returned
“Good. I’m sure your future husband will be relieved to hear that
Nina, who moments ago had been fearless and brash, now resembled a cornered kitten. She nodded meekly, saying nothing.
The other students were stunned. “Wow, they murmured. “So, Nina, the girl who picks fights with everyone, is actually afraid of someone??
“Mr. Snee, someone whispered in awe, “you’re incredible.”
Meanwhile, Oliver stood on the sidelines, a storm brewing in his chest. Watching Clifford and Nina interact stirred something he couldn’t quite identify–a suffocating, inexplicable tightness
Taking a step forward, he asked, “Clifford, what are you doing here?”
Clifford turned to him with an easy smile. “You’re heading back to school tomorrow. I thought I’d drop by to check on you.”
“Right” Oliver replied, forcing a grin. But something felt off, “Why does it seem like Clifford’s focus is more on Nina than on me? he wondered.
He tried to convince himself. “It’s just my imagination. They’ve only known each other for a few days, they’re not that close.
The students couldn’t help but marvel at the scene before them. Nina was now seated between two members of the Snee family–Clifford on her left and Oliver on her right
The visual impact alone was enough to make anyone stare
But Nina, oblivious to the attention, was preoccupied with Jinishing her last piece of beef jerky. Once done, she casually wiped her greasy mouth on
Oliver, ever the neat freak, immediately frowned: Grabbing a tissur, hur snapped, “Nina, can’t you at least try to keep yourself presemable?” in hand hovered near her lips, ready to offer the delicate service. For days, he had been her dutiful attendant, anticipating her every need, from
a of running errands to the more intimate act of tending to her personal hygiene.
her, another hand moved quicker. Clifford, hubling a wet wipe, leaned in and effortlessly cleanest Nina’s mouth.
“Cufond” Oliver froge mid–motion, summed
other students‘ eyes nearly popped out of their heads. “What the heck?” they gasped. “Mr. Since is wiplig Nia’s mouth?
