CHAPTER 4

 Franc started engine as Ploy settled into the back seat and I slide into the passenger seat, resting my head against the window, still lost in my thoughts. The hum of the car fills the silence until Franc spoke."So, uh... You heard, right? Yeepun's.... planning to propose..you tomorrow. On stage. After the walk." I didn't gave any reaction as I knew something like this gonna happen ".....yeah...I know" Ploy shook his head as she said "Seriously? She can't be that clueless that you don't like her, Thana""I by chance Heard it straight from her friends. She was telling them how she's gonna make it a big romantic moment". Franc said as he continued driving straight locking his eyes on the road. "Oh, this is gonna be good." Ploy said as she came forward leaning her head between the driving and passenger seat excitedly. I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply. My stomach tightens.Yeepun is the daughter of my stepfather's friend—a man with enough political power to make things complicated for me. If my stepfather hears about this, he'll force me into an engagement faster than I can blink. To him, alliances are everything. A marriage with a political power family? That's a deal he'd sell his soul for."You should probably start preparing your acceptance speech, friend" I glared at Franc "Shut up". i said as i looked outside the window all irritated "He's right, though. If you.... reject her in front of the entire college, it's gonna be...messy. And if you say yes....-""That's Not gonna happen " said as I looked outside the car window . "Then you need a plan. Because Yeepun doesn't seem like the type to back down once she's made up her mind." Ploy is right, I have to think something that could help me out from this. I leaned back, staring at the ceiling of the car, my mind racing. There's no easy way out of thisFranc patted me with his one hand and other hand on the steering as he was a little bit concerned"So? Got any plan?""I don't know yet., its frustrating, I can't think of anything to get out from this situation""Better figure it out before tomorrow night". Ploy said as she leaned back to her seat .Wait!! I think....there is a way out. "What's going on in that head of yours, Thana?" Franc asked as he could see through me "Franc....What if I could make Yeepun think I'm already taken?..... That way....., she would definitely have to back down. Right?"I saw Franc and Ploy exchanging confused glances. And Ploy raised her eyebrow "how do you mean?". "I mean... I need someone who can make her believe I'm already in a serious relationship.... Someone who's... believable..... Someone no one would.... question."FRANC looked at me for a second as his eyes widened "You're not thinking P-"" yes I am. Pearl". "Wait, you want Pearl to pretend to be your girlfriend?" Ploy asked as she looks shocked"....yes . For now it's the best option I could think of. I'll announce it on stage, right when Yeepun tries to propose, Making her believe it, making everyone believe it."Franc again looked me taking his eyes from the road for seconds, I could see a concern on his face. "You think Pearl's going to go along with this?" as I heard Franc's question I pointed the wound in my chin caused by Pearl"She owes me. So She won't say no, Not after what she've done to me.""What if she refuses? You think she'll just jump in to save you like that?" Ploy is correct, but I think I can manage it."She won't refuse. Trust me" I said as looked in the distance[Pearl-P.O.V]-Next MorningThe alarm blares like it's trying to break down the walls of my skull. Mornings. Seriously, who invented them? Whoever it was, I hope they stubbed their toe... repeatedly. I can barely function, and I'm supposed to meet him in an hour. Oh, the joy. i groaned loudly, burying my face in the pillow. then i checked the time, eyes widening in panic as i realized the time. there's barely enough to make it to the university. I rolled out of bed. I barely slept as I heard Mom's lecture that lasted forever, and Peach's "favor" was the cherry on top. And Dew??? I am done explaining her that he, is the worst playboy on the planet. Seriously, I don't know why I'm even dealing with this. i threw off the blanket, making my way to the bathroom. A quick, slapdash attempt at looking semi-presentable. Half-done makeup, shirt on inside out, and messy hair, as the usual. I rolled my eyes as i grabbed my bag and rushed out the dooraaah!! I should have just stayed home. But no. I'm here, rushing to meet P'Thana—the guy who thinks he's the second coming of some EX-Moon or whatever, I mean he is, . He probably expects me to show up in full-on glam mode and say, 'Yes, P'Thana, how can I serve you today, oh great one?'I slammed the door open as I stumbled into the dressing room. I'm already late, which means everyone is already prepped and ready. Of course, he's sitting there, already prepped, looking like a model, aah I mean toothbrush. But there was a plaster in his chin....where I kicked him .He doesn't even looking up from his phone. I stood there for a moment, catching my breath. I suddenly heard a voice "You're late .pearl!!""Oh, sorry, Your Majesty, let me just time travel real quick.".i rolled my eyes. "took you long enough." long enough my foot,"Do you know how hard it is to get here at this hour?! I had to wake up before the birds did!". I said as I raised my voice in annoyance"And yet, here you are.". Seriously, and why am I here? "Yeah, because some jerk blackmailed me" he rolled his eyes and stood from his seat and walked forward"get prepared to cheer for me ".Eeh?cheer for him!!?, for what."Why!? Why should I cheer for you?"," you'll know later for sure" saying that he walked out of the dressing room with his hands on pocket.what does he mean by that,.....whatever it is, I, should, be prepared for the worst.__________________________________________________________________The event is in full swing. i glanced at P'Thana, he is standing behind the stage linked his arms with P'Yeepun, waiting their turn as they have to walk on stage.My attention came to the stage as I heard the MC announcing "Then as culture, lets welcome our Ex.Moon and Ex-star title winners of the past 2 years to walk forward before we find our new Mr.moon and Ms.star title winner of this year, so first let's welcome the previous year Mr.moon and Ms. Star and the soon to be ex-moon and ex- star from the science Department ....DOM AND INK"As the Mc announced, Ink and Dom came on stage walking together linking there arms together, and left the stage after the walk"Now lets welcome our already Exmoon and Ex star, the stunning pair that have balanced visual and beauty, P'Thana and P'Yeepun"Okay. Here we go. The legendary walk of the Mr Ex-Moon with Ms .ex-Star. He sure look something else on stage, deceiving everyone with his face.WAIT!? What's... with P'Yeepun, grabbing his hand, why is it look like p'yeepun is going to confess!! Oii This is either going to be super cute.... or tragically awkward. I'm just going to act like I don't know what's about to happen. Just breathe, Pearl. Just breathe.P'Yeepun stepped forward, ...and the crowd fell silent. She took the microphone and started to talk to P' Thana..P'Yeepun was beaming, way too into it."Thana, I've loved you since our first meet... and I want to you to know that..... I've always dreamed of us being ..couple.. and having those... Cute-cute moments together... I always treasured each and every little moments we had together, and today I am using this moment..... for confessing to you,... I love you Thana. I love you soo much, so would....you say Yes?"The crowd collectively gasps. The tension in the air is visible clearly. Why do I feels like.... I am about to witness a ....car crash, I can't look away from. Is this really happening? This is like watching a bad reality show....Can Someone stop this.Suddenly P'Thana steps forward, and he grabbed the microphone from P'Yeepun. The spotlight is on them, and P'Yeepun looked up with expectation and P' Thana looks... almost bored!. Then he coolly, without hesitation started to speak up"thanks for confessing this to me yeepun" huh!! Whats with... that answer, was he waiting for P'Yeepun to confess to him?. So he actually liked her!!? That's ....surprising . " but I'm sorry, Yeepun... I'm ...already taken.". What the—? The crowd got silent. He really ruined it, P'Yeepun 's face is all...pale now.But Wait!why is he looking at my direction, is his....girlfriend somewhere beside me, I mumbled to myself as I looked around trying to find where is he looking"PEARL" i looked back on stage as i heard him calling my namewhat ??why is he calling my name."Pearl. please Come here."The entire crowd turned towards me. I gulped as I felt stares . I laughed nervously and walked hesitantly on stage towards P'Thana as I glared at him like I will strangle him to death. the entire auditorium was watching my every move. Suddenly P'Thana extended his hand. What is he doing, !? I am not giving my hand to him, but he himself grabbed my hand, I was surprised . But his next sentence almost gave me heart attack"...meet my girlfriend,..Pearl." I looked at him with my eyes widenedEeeeeh??!! What did I just heard ? ME??!I was in total disbelief"What?! You're kidding. You did not just—"As I was about to deny, the whole place started to applause. what am I supposed to do now?! I'm supposed to act like this is normal? Is he just doing this for the kick I gave him? Aaaargh, I swear, the next time, I'll kick him I'll think for the nth time._______________________________________________________________________After causing me chaos, he is just walking away, cool as ever, as nothing happened. He is walking towards his car, looking cool and relaxed. "That guy-" Without thinking, I Chased after P'Thana like I was a crazy person. P'Thana reached his car, still cool as ever. He unlocked it with a beep. I cant let him leave, not after creating a tornado for me. I stopped in front of P'Thana pointing at him, as I was furious"You ..... troublemaker!"He glanced at me, calm as ever "Hmm".Hmm!!? Don't just 'Hmm' me "Do you even know what you just did?"Without any care he just got into the driver's seat, and turned to look at me, "solved the problem by introducing my girlfriend." . "Solved the problem?! And....what girlfriend!!? You created a total disaster for me Mr. Thana"He buckling his seatbelt like nothing happened"Why are you being all worked up, People just have different perspectives"My eyes was twitching when I heard his words.tch!? I YANKED the car door open before he can close it. And said as I gritted my teeth"You.....You just told the whole university that ...I 'm!.....I'm your girlfriend!" And now you're just driving home all relaxed?!"Ooi his unbothered expression is annoying me that I wanna strangle his, neck!!! Calm down pearl calm down you can't afford one more threaten from this crazy lunatic jerk"Yeah."Aaaargh!! What yeah!!!!he just sighed , looking at me like I'm being dramatic."Why are you so small but so loud?"I was literally offended by his mockery"You dare talk to me like this?!""I already said it". He said as adjusting his mirror, I was about to explode but slapped on the car door. "Then how are you gonna explain this?!" I glared and shouted at him as I was frustratedhe is not even looking at me and said in a cold manner as ever "It's a plan."My hands automatically went to my hips and I stared at him like he's crazy "What plan?!Don't I need to know?!" he started the engine, calm as a monk"no need to know"I gasped, nearly throwing my hands at him "AI, P'THANA!!!"P'Thana leaned back, stretching his arms like he has all the time in the world. then suddenly he looked towards me with that small, smug smirk. Which is annoying than anything in this world "Get in the car." huhhh!? I was outraged, pointing at myself"eh!? why I have to get in the car with YOU?!"He gestured to the passenger seat like it's no big deal" If you don't want to chase after the car, up to you."I glared at him, but he wasn't looking at me ,he was tapping the steering continuously with his finger , waiting to know my response. It was a tense moment."I really hate you" I muttered as I got in the car, arms crossed. "Okay, so do i" he said with that cool expression of his again. Then he started to reverse the car continued to move. I was sitting there, arms crossed, fuming.Ooii!!! And look at the person near me, who created all this. He is driving like he's on a peaceful vacation. I can't keep up with him."don't you have any thing to explain??" " did I say I'll explain to you", oh god, I am sorry if I kill him. he is completely crazy" I can't believe I have to sit in a car with someone like you.""Lucky, huh?" he said as he adjusted his ac, shrugging "'Lucky' my ass!" I said as I laughed mockingly"Hooi! My life is completely ruined""congrats" as calm as ever, he turned the music on lowI really wanna punch his damn face, I turned to glare at him, about to punch him." be Careful, if you hit me again, you'll owe me even more." "ooi!!"I really should have just let him die that day....How can he sit so nonchalant as someone who just destroyed my life!!!!!!