Chapter 04

Layla woke up to a warm bed and hard rain slamming against the windows, accompanied by the occasional thunder and lighting. Groaning she tried to reach for her phone, only to be met with empty air. She paused. Wasn't her nightstand always on the left? Or was she wrong and it's all because of her directionally challenged brain? She then realized that the white satin sheets weren't hers and the bed was too huge to fit the dorms. Sitting up, her eyes half-opened, she waited for her brain to process everything from yesterday while she resisted the urge to fall back on the soft, white pillows. 

Ah, right. She went with Caius. They met again, flirted, it rained and then they ended up in his penthouse. Nothing happened, and they went to their rooms, like proper virgins. She scoffed, rubbing her eyes, her movements still sluggish. She took a glimpse of the weather outside and sighed. Looks like she'll be staying here for a while. Hopefully by tomorrow she could go home since she had classes the next day. She grabbed her phone and checked the time before standing up. Shit, she slept in. It was already 12 pm. 

Stumbling out of the bed and into the living room, she was met by the sight of Caius's back, as something sizzled in the air. She sat on the counter dividing the living room from the kitchen and watched him cook. She sighed again. He was too beautiful. Even if he wasn't facing her, he was too beautiful. And yet somehow, this beautiful man, reminds me too much of myself, she thought. Even the beautiful part.  

They were both in a way, different. She cocked her head. Layla had always known that, there was too much expectation from her at a young age. They were expected to be unreachable, to be the best amongst everyone even if it meant leaving somebody else behind. Tha's why Layla only ever had one constant best friend her whole life, nobody could keep up with her except Hadley. She was too ambitious they would say, as if that lowered her self-esteem. 

God knows what would happen to her if Hadley wasn't there. She'd probably die a hermit in the dorms, not going out to eat or interact. But even then, there were some aspects of her life even Hadley wouldn't understand. Though she gets it, and they both still love each other dearly, sometimes she wished someone else would.  

She sighed, for the third time. From a young age, they were taught how to be close to perfect, and this meant being lonely. She leaned her cheek against her hand, as she smiled. Yes, that's the perfect word to describe them. They were lonely people. Just like this penthouse, although it looked and tall, inside it was mostly empty.  

Just as she was lost on her own thoughts, Caius turned around. He flinched when he saw her there, but then a boyish grin spread on his face. Layla pursed her lips. 

"Morning." 

"G'morning." 

"Like the view?" She looked away, not bearing to see the teasing look on his eyes. 

"That smells good," she says instead, focusing her attention on the food. Caius chuckled, choosing to go along and push a steaming plate of eggs and bacon with toast in front of her. There was also a plate of stacked pancakes in the middle, and a bottle of whip cream on the side. For Layla, a busy college student who barely knew the concept of a proper breakfast, this was a feast. He also got her a cup of hot black coffee he brewed earlier. Layla decided she loved him then and there. 

"You look good today, by the way," he added nonchalantly, staring at her shirt. She looked down, only to realize she was wearing his clothes. Looking up, he gave her a sly wink. She felt flustered. This guy is teasing me again, she thought. Why do I kinda like it? He sat down across from her and then they both began their late breakfast. 

"This is pretty good. Are you sure you cooked this?" she asked, taking a few pancakes from the plate before putting a little too much whip cream on top. Caius bit his lip, trying to hide the smile threatening to spill. He focused on his food as he she looked up at him. 

"You would know." She gave him a deadpanned stare as he winked at her. Fine, so she couldn't stop staring at him. He was the only living thing in the room she could watch. Even the plants were fake. She couldn't stay annoyed at him for long though; the food was really good. 

"What do you say," she waved her fork around lazily, "if I paid you to be my personal chef in our dorm?" 

"For you? I'd do it for free." She rolled her eyes, trying hard not to smile. 

"What a flirt. I could take advantage of that you know." He spread his arms wide, looking as if he was accepting fate. 

"Come at me." She couldn't stop herself and burst out laughing, leaning over to playfully slam him on the arm. He pretended to wince in pain. 

"I offer myself to you and yet you abuse me? How tyrannical." She rolled her eyes at him.  

"They continued on with breakfast. From outside, the storm still wasn't letting up. She furrowed her eyebrows, she exchanged messages with Hadley, with what little signal she had back in the dorms. 

"When is the storm leaving?" Caius shrugged. 

"This one was apparently unexpected. They think it'll let off by tonight." Layla sighed before texting Hadley once again, reassuring her that she had a place to stay. She looked out at the window, contemplating all her life decisions that made her reach this point and getting mesmerized by the chaotic view outside when she sensed a strong gaze on her face. Turning her head, she saw that it was none other than Caius, his intense stare making her ears red. 

"What?" she asked, fidgeting in her seat. 

"There's some whip cream on your face." She blushed. Oh, so that's why he was staring. She stubbornly rubbed her cheek. Caius shook his head. 

"No, let me help you." 

"No, I-" she felt his lips land on her cheek, at the corner of her mouth. He leaned back, a satisfying smile on his face.  

"There, all clean." She froze, before looking at him in disbelief. He shrugged. 

"Don't waste food." With a light chuckle, he started placing cleaning up and placing his dirty plates in the sink. When he was about to get hers, he felt his shirt being pulled as his lips collided with something soft. Their breaths mingled, followed by their tongues as he gripped her hair and she tightened her hold on his shirt. The house was quiet except for the occasional muffled sound of thunder accompanied with the hard pattering of rain against the glass pane, and their pants, as they grabbed for each other across the counter. 

Both of them could feel their heart pounding against their chest as they released the suppressed feelings, they had for each other, over not seeing each other for a week, and then as if it was a cliché romance drama, met again. There was little hope they'd see each other again. They had different courses, campuses, schedules and friends. Yet somehow, they met amongst hundreds of people congregating on a huge beach. A part of them had felt relieved, though they would be too stubborn to admit it. 

Finally, they let each other go, their foreheads touching against each other, panting heavily.  

"I think..." Layla gasped, still catching her breath. Her dark brown eyes were shining. Caius found himself entranced. 

"Yeah?" Caius muttered, his voice low and rough, his ocean blue eyes, darkening. Layla found herself bewitched. A naughty smirk formed on her lips. 

"...It's time for us to watch tv." 

**********

They laid blissfully on the couch, as an old horror flick played on the television. The tense atmosphere had disappeared earlier, only to be replaced with something warm and fuzzy. A fluffy feeling rose on her chest as she comfortably laid against his arms, his head leaning on top of hers. She could get used to this. 

They did watch television after what happened on the kitchen counter, and instantly fell into this easy rhythm of asking questions and telling each other almost everything. The atmosphere they had during last date's lunch didn't dissipate. Instead, it felt like they were old, bickering friends, talking about problems and topics only they could relate to. Caius was still being pressured and ignored by his dad, and Layla was still being heavily judged by her uncle's business partners. Nothing was new. Their conversation had ceased into a cozy silence as their attention focused on the screen and the person next to them.  

Caius cuddled her closer, placing a warm blanket around their shoulders since the pent was slightly chilly. This gave her a chance to examine him closer, at his chiseled jaw, his tall aristocratic nose, the way his eyelashes delicately slanted over deep blue eyes that seemed like the ocean, lips perfectly forming cupid's bow, and dark brown hair that was slightly wet from the shower. She couldn't help but inwardly sigh. She can't believe life had led her to snuggling with a Greek sculpture. 

Unbeknownst to her, Caius, had also been catching glimpses of her, atop her head. He also saw her sneaking glances at him and hid his smile atop her hair. The sight of her always made something in his chest tighten. She was always beautiful to him. Be it when he first saw her in the bar, or when she came to their first date, dressed in sweats. Her thick, dark locks framed an oval-shaped face, as he gently played with the wisps of her hair. Her dark-chocolate eyes which always had a fierce and guarded look in them, had now softened and had a look of contentment as she leaned onto him. Her thick, dark lips that he can't help but notice, were soft and sweet. He unconsciously licked his lips. He would know, he tasted them a while ago. 

"This is nice," he murmured, which Layla heard. 

"What is?" He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, softly whispering in her ear. 

"This is." He could see her ears starting to blush and he couldn't help but grin. She noticed this and gave him an accusing glare, slapping his arms away. 

"What, does this make you feel like we're dating now?" She teased, raising a brow. 

"No. I think we're experiencing domestic bliss." Layla blinked. There was no longer the mischievous look in his eyes. He looked serious. 

"S-so-"  

"You wanna move in with me?" The mischievous look in his eyes had disappeared. He seemed serious. Layla had her mouth open like a gaping fish, shocked at the sudden offer and contemplating on what to do, when she noticed him trying not to laugh at her expression. Ah, he fooled her again. He should just become an actor and get an Oscar instead. Grabbing a pillow, she began hitting him with it. Caius, his act now exposed, laughed and tried to defend himself against the attack. 

"Stop laughing," she threatened, hitting him with a pillow. He bit his lip to stop himself and ended up grinning wide. 

"Do you offer your penthouse to every girl you're flirting with?" she smacked him with a pillow and he groaned. 

"You're the only girl that's ever been in my house." She paused, slowly putting the pillow down as she stared at him.  

"Are you being serious right now?" Caius nodded.  

"Not even your past girlfriends?" He shook his head. 

"Nope," he replied, popping the 'p.'  

Layla sat back down, suddenly quiet and focused all her attention on the television. The distance between them was wider than before, and Caius raised his brow, but didn't comment. 

She didn't know what to do. She felt flustered, not even capable of looking him in the eyes. She felt awkward. Her hands subconsciously crept up to her face. I mean, it's not like she came here as a friend, they made out in the kitchen counter for pete's sake. Also, the fact that not even ex's have visited his place and yet she, someone who wasn't even official with him yet.... 

"I don't mind." She whirled around to see Caius watching her, and felt her cheeks burn. He must've watched her go through all of that in her head. His head was propped on to his hand and he had a lazy smile on his face. 

"What do you mean?" 

"I don't mind that you're the first girl that stayed in my house. I wanted you to be here."  Layla put her hands down as their eyes focused on each other. She stared deep into his ocean blues, her thoughts running across her head like a freight train. No one flinched this time when thunder rolled by, their surrounding mute as they stared at each other, figuring the other one out and thinking of a strategy. Then, something flickered in Layla's eyes, as if she remembered something and stood up to get her purse. Caius stared after her in curiosity. She came back, this time with a crumpled piece of paper in her hand. She handed it to him. 

"Here." He furrowed his eyebrows. 

"What's this?" She scoffed. 

"Don't tell me your forgot?" His confused expression changed that to one of realization and Layla smirked, pushing the paper toward him. 

"We met again. So, here you go." Caius didn't take the paper immediately like she thought he would. Instead, he stared at the paper in her hand, contemplating. Just when she was about the throw the paper at him because her arm was starting to strain, he looked up at her with a boyish grin on his face. 

"No." Layla blinked. 

"No?" He didn't want her number anymore? She retreated her arm to her side. A part of her felt hurt about his rejection. 

"So, you don't want it?" He cocked his head. 

"I do." The space between her eyebrows creased. 

"But-" 

"I want you to give it to me, when you want to." He scooted over to her, not breaking eye contact. "When you're sure you want to pursue something serious with me."  

"What-" 

"Let's date some more before you make a decision, khorosho?" He patted her head, while she continued to stare at him dumbfounded. 

"But...how are you going to contact me?" He shrugged, running his fingers through his hair. 

"You know where I live, and besides..." he trailed off, a smirk playing on his face. "I have fate on my side, since she led me to you. Isn't this a sign that we're meant for each other?" Layla but her lip, trying hard not to laugh at the cocky expression on his face, but so far failing to do so. 

"Okay," she giggled, playfully slapping his hand away from her head. He was more fun that she thought. More spontaneous and a little...nuts. She liked that. "Whatever you say. This might be the last time you'll see me you know." Caius hummed in denial. 

"I think I'm going to see you longer than that, dear Delilah." 

**********

And... that's it," Layla murmured, carefully watching Hadley. She spent another day at Caius house, reveling in their domestic atmosphere before returning back to the dorms early in the morning. They had already planned their third date before she left, and they were supposed to meet at the coffee shop again. Layla came home to an anxious Hadley, relieved that her best friend hadn't been kidnapped and taken into a cult or dumped in a forest somewhere. 

"You watch too much of those documentaries, Hads," Layla complained, as her petite friend squeezed her in a tight bearhug.  

"Still! People are dangerous, Layla. You never know," she chided, giving her friend a serious look, "I would know." 

"I know, I'm fine really. See?" She spread her arms wide and turned around, before pushing past Hadley and plopping into the bed. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. It's soft, but not as soft as.... she opened her eyes again. Damn, she really needed to know where Caius bought his bedsheets. She felt a heavy weight next to her on the bed, before two sets of legs and arms wrapped around her. Layla smiled. Hadley.

"I'm so sorry I left you at the party boo," came a muffled voice beside her. Layla turned around to face Hadley. She had a pained expression on her face, and her dark brown eyes were filled with guilt. Layla sighed, softly patting her face.  

"It's fine-" 

"No, it's not. I shouldn't have left. I was so drunk, and all I thought about was myself. I don't know what I would do if-" 

"Ssssshhh," Layla interrupted, putting a finger on her lips. "I forgive you. Like I said, I'm safe. I'm here. You're not my mom and it was a party. We all get wasted." Hadley snorted. 

"Except you." A smug smile spread on Layla's face. 

"Except me." Both of them giggled. 

"How was the car sex by the way?" Hadley groaned, rolling her eyes. 

"Horrible. I'll never get those five minutes of my life back." Layla's eyes widened, before cackling. 

"Five-" 

"I don't want to talk about it!" Hadley laughed, rolling out of bed. She moved to the small armchair in front of the dresser, right across the bed.  

"Ok, but seriously," Layla sat up, upon noticing the serious expression on her friend's face. Hadley acted punch-drunk most of the time, but whenever she was sober, even Layla felt a little bit intimidated of her friend. She wasn't a psychology major for nothing. 

"Tell me what happened." And that's how Layla spilled the beans on what has happened over the course of two weeks between her and Caius. Hadley listened intently, not interrupting nor reacting which made Layla all the more nervous. Her head was lowered, but her eyes were staring at Hadley, trying to gauge her reaction. 

"What do you think?" Hadley sighed. 

"Does it matter? Like you said, you're not a kid that I need to watch over 24/7 but..." She stood up and walked over to Layla, sitting on the bed in front of her and comfortably patted her hair. 

"I am happy for you. You're considering your options carefully which means you're serious about him. Considering this is your first time, there will be a lot of bumps on the road so..." she brushed the wisps of Layla's hair off her shoulder, seeming like a mother at that moment, "just be careful and think wisely. I can't tell you much since I haven't met him, but you're a smart girl and he seems serious so go for it." Layla hummed. 

"Besides, you two seem like a match made in heaven." Layla looked up, her eyes sparkling. 

"You think so?"  Hadley hummed, cocking her head back. 

"Based on your description, he seems like an out-of-this-world alien being so yes, you are perfect for each other." Hadley laughed as Layla hit her with a pillow, trying hard not to laugh with her. 

"But on a serious note," Hadley began as both of them sobered up, "Introduce me to him soon. Then I'll make my judgements. I don't know what will happen between the two of you, but, we're only young once boo, so if you wanna be reckless or get deep with him then do it. Take your time. I'll always support you." 

"Hadley," Layla pouted, as she gave her a huge bear hug.  

"Ow," Hadley complained and Layla let her go. 

"Sometimes I feel like you're my mom." 

"Yeah," Hadley chuckled. "Sometimes." 

**********

Two weeks have passed since they started going on more dates and Layla felt like she was above the clouds. She felt like there was something to look forward to everyday now, something different and out of her routine. Suddenly, she was hopping from the dorm to his pent, having romantic dinners, late brunches and going on amusement parks. She's gotten better at bowling too, and the score between her and Caius was slowly getting into a tie. He was also a good study buddy. Though they had different courses, their subjects would often times collide so they would help each other out, and he was also knowledgeable about a lot of things. Sometimes, things would get a little heated between them but they never go beyond kissing; that was a boundary they established. They worked their schedules around each other, and would visit the café often, like a real couple. 

Rumors started to spread across campus, seeing as the two of them started hanging out frequently. I mean, the top student of the Business Department who had Adonis's face and the top student of the Finance Department who was also a goddess herself, were having an ambiguous relationship?! They were a hot topic for a few days. The gossip did mellow down after a while since there was no new information and both parties were very secretive of their private affairs. 

Of course, their close friends knew what was going on behind the scenes. 

Layla didn't care anymore; she was having fun. They were half-right anyways. She felt happier than she ever did, her whole life, Finally, someone gets her, someone who knows how she feels, and why she was the person she is. Someone who, their whole life, has fought against people who want to see them go down. But he wasn't just that. He was also funny, witty, handsome, sweet, kind...hard not to love. He was a lot of things. He had a lot of sides only she would see and vice versa. It felt like she had found her long lost friend, a better half. Caius came in and gave her life a splash of color, something she didn't know she needed.  

She would like to think, she did the same for him. 

It was in the way he touched her, the way he cared, or stared when he thought she wasn't flirting. She knew she wasn't the only one who was now in deep. He too, was stuck like her. They were both bewitched by each other, and this made Layla feel secure about her own feelings. He didn't hide it and neither did she; all they were waiting for was for Layla to hand him the piece of paper. 

And she was going to. Today.  

"We're here." the motorcycles engine rumbled into a low hum as Layla jumped out of the vehicle, giddy. Her stomach was in knots and her hot was pounding. She was going to do it. She was going to make it official. Make them official. 

"Is something the matter?" Caius asked, concern lacing his tone. He had noticed Layla's nervous behavior earlier, but didn't comment on it. She would talk to him if something was bothering her. But she had been quiet the entire time. 

Layla shook her head. She was looking around the street to and inside the café to find it mostly empty. Perfect. 

"I'll go now." 

"Okay, bye-" 

"Wait." She grabbed the lapels of his leather jacket and pulled him in for a kiss. He was surprised at first, but then their tongues were busy as he gripped her thick locks. Both of her hands were placed on his chest, and he felt as if something was being inserted in his pocket, but didn't pay it any heed.  

"Bye," she whispered, her throat raspy and lips swollen from the kiss. She looked around one more time, before flashing him a smile, and left. Caius stared at her disappearing figured and sighed. His heart always tightened at the sight of her. She was so beautiful. 

That was when he felt a light extra weight on his front pocket and furrowed his eyebrows. Oh right, he felt Layla place something there. Was it an empty wrapper she forgot to throw? Shaking his head, he pulled it out of his pocket and saw- 

A familiar piece of crumpled paper. His heart skipped a beat. A grin started slowly spreading across his face. He looked back at the direction where Layla left and chuckled. 

Feeling a sense of euphoria, he immediately started his motorcycle and drove back to his penthouse. 

He had a call to make tonight. One for his girlfriend.