First day of college. New world, new friends, and a new atmosphere. Chloe went with her friends on a public bus. It only took about 15 minutes, and Chloe had arrived at the University of Kansas City.
The building is very big and spacious. Had to go through a long straight road to get to the campus yard which was bigger than Chloe's apartment. At every certain point overgrown with several trees that grow thickly. The grass grows so neatly that it makes the students comfortable to sit on it while enjoying their free time under the tree, reading a book, and chatting with friends.
Chloe saw some students were busy chatting. Some are walking, sitting on long chairs made of concrete while playing guitar, and some are sitting on the steps.
Anne and Stephanie went to building two followed by Quil from behind. Allan and Chloe walked hand in hand into building 4 which contained the Fashion, Automotive, and Biology classes.
"Chloe,"
Chloe turned to look at Allan. "Yes, what up?"
"your friend yesterday, wasn't his attitude towards you a little too much?"
"David? Uh, yes. He's just like that," Chloe said, lying.
"He acts like you're his girlfriend. Could he possibly like you?" Allan's curiosity was finally able to convey.
Chloe gasped. She stopped walking and looked at Allan with a nervous face. "T-that's impossible. We've known each other for a long time and because David is my brother's best friend, he acts like a big brother too. David was just trying to take care of me while my brother was away. That's all, nothing more."
"Oh, that's good. That means I still have a chance," said Allan.
Chloe's face turned red.
"You want to go see the building with me?"
"That looks interesting." Chloe's lips formed a smile. She took Allan's hand. Walking through the campus hallway holding hands. They looked around the room that was there. From the computer room, library, art room, language, and others.
They climbed the top flight of stairs, entered through a small door, and ended up on the roof of the building.
Walking towards the edge of the barrier, Chloe looked down. Watching students busy with what they are doing. She could see the campus yard she had passed from up there.
Allan stood beside Chloe. Staring at the girl in amazement. "Your hair is longer," he said quietly.
Chloe turned her head, then touched her hair. The last time she had it cut was before Farren's wedding and now her hair was chest-length.
"Um, yes."
"Don't cut your hair again. You're beautiful when you have long hair." Allan whispered softly. Chloe's face turned red.
Chloe smiled shyly. "Thanks." Her head hung down nervously. She felt like she was floating when Allan said she was beautiful.
"After the last class is over," Allan's voice hung, looking at Chloe doubtfully. "Want to eat with me? There is a small restaurant near the campus. My friend said, the place is very comfortable," he said later.
"Oh, yes. Of course." Chloe laughed awkwardly. She restrained herself from screaming. her heart felt like it was going to explode. It's like a thousand flowers are blooming. Her face turned red again.
"Good." Allan smiled in relief.
***
"Was that your friend?" Chloe asked, glancing at the male waiter who had just left their table.
Allan nodded. "He works part-time here."
"Sounds exciting. I really want to experience part-time work," said Chloe.
"I can talk to my friend if you want?"
"No, there's no need. My brother can't allow it," said Chloe.
"Why not?"
"My brother is a bit possessive. To be honest, my dad didn't let me major in Fashion Design. My father wanted me to enter the world of business management, but my brother tried to talk to him and he finally accepted my decision. Because of that, I have some rules that I made with my brother," explained Chloe. "Study diligently, no problem notes, and blablabla...."
"That's good. Learning is the main thing. And I think your brother has a point too." Allan smirked.
Allan's friend returned with a tray of ready-to-eat food. After eating together. Allan took Chloe out for a walk. Enjoy the atmosphere of the afternoon while chatting about a lot of things.
Chloe found Allan an interesting person. One day with Allan did not bore her. She was happy, and she liked it.
Allan is handsome, attractive, and kind. It's no wonder that during high school, all the students liked him, including Chloe.
Chloe's cell phone rang, it was from David. Chloe immediately turned off her phone and smiled awkwardly at Allan. The man glanced at Chloe's phone and saw David's name on the screen before Chloe turned it off.
Allan always felt annoyed whenever he saw or heard David's name in his ear. For some reason, David was like a barrier for himself to approaching Chloe.
"Is everything okay?" Allan asked.
"Yes, good. Only from my brother. In a few days, he would be back from his honeymoon. Sometimes he asks what I'm doing," Chloe said, lying.
"Oh,"
"Come on, let's just go home."
***
***
Chloe walked hand in hand with Allan as she passed the entrance to the apartment. She was surprised to see David standing near his car with his arms crossed over his chest. The man looked so angry when he saw her with Allan.
"Where have you been?" David's voice was deep, deep, and deadly. He walked over to Chloe, blocking the pair with probing eyes.
"We went to eat—"
"That's none of your business, David." Chloe pulled Allan's arm to silence. Bullying David with her sharp words. She hates being cornered. "Go. This is not a good time to visit," she said again as she took Allan in her arms and walked past David.
"Chloe Anderson," David suppressed his voice. Pulling Chloe's arm forcefully. "I'm still not done talking."
From behind, Allan jerked David's hand away from Chloe's. "Don't be rude to him"
Chloe's eyes glanced at Allan. Then she noticed the hardened look on David's face. critical. The man will rage. "Allan, I'm fine. Come in, I'll follow you," Chloe ordered.
Allan didn't just move. He looked at Chloe doubtfully. As the girl nodded pleadingly. Allan was just about to leave. As he walked into the apartment, he saw Chloe pulling David's hand toward the outside of the entrance gate.
"Go home, David. It was enough to act as an over-the-top big brother. Oh, Ghosh! You're not even my brother," she insisted after letting go of David's hand.
"As long as Farren is not here, you are my responsibility, Chloe."
"Oh, yes? My brother just told you to watch over me. Not acting like a stalker and being possessive of me. I have a life of my own, David!" Chloe snapped. Her hands were on her waist. She looked at David with an angry face.
"What do you mean by going out with that snotty kid and coming home late at night?"
"At least I didn't sleep with all the boys I just met," Chloe said, glaring at David. And for some reason, she felt a jolt in her chest when she saw the look on David's face that turned flat.
David was silent for a long time. And it scared Chloe because David didn't show any expression but silence. Then, she saw those lips make a sound so low as if it had no power.
"I'm an asshole, but I try to be a good man to the woman I love." David grimaced and walked away without another word.
Shortly after seeing David leave. Something heavy was pressing against his chest. Chloe squeezed the hem of her shirt in pain but didn't understand the pain. The only thing she realized was that she regretted what she said to David.