Z Net

"Wow school is really packed," Moana said before taking a sip of her apple juice.

Noah swallowed a bite of his chicken then spoke. "Makes sense. Classes start tomorrow. Man this chicken is so dry."

I smirked at him. "Told you to get the pizza. Can't go wrong with pizza."

Noah rolled his eyes while Moana laughed.

They had both gotten off so well right from when we all met up at the dining hall. Moana had chatted animatedly to Noah while I searched his face for signs of distress about Aiden.

Noah seemed to be doing fine but I planned to ask him directly later on.

"By the way what's your major?" Moana asked Noah. "Ellie already told me hers is English. Mine is Music and yours?"

"Business Administration," Noah said.

Moana fake yawned in his face.

I threw back my head and laughed. "Stop Moana. Oh my gosh!"

"I feel you ladies just invited me here to make fun of me."

Moana giggled. "Nothing of the sort and don't mind me, I'm teasing. I just could not imagine myself doing anything that wasn't in the Arts."

Noah ate another bite of chicken before pushing his plate away. "My dad owns a business and its already been decided I will take over when I'm done with school."

"What's the name of the business?"

"Z Net."

Moana's jaw dropped. "Your dad is Hosea Net?!"

"Don't lay the flattery on too thick now," I said with a smile.

Moana smacked her palm down on the table. "Your dad is one of the top seven millionaires in the country! The only reason he isn't a billionaire is because he funds so many charity organizations!"

Noah ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah that's definitely my dad."

I felt the pride bubble up in my chest. It was always a shock when people realized who Noah's dad was.

"Don't be so humble Noah," I said with a grin. "You have an amazing dad."

Noah looked at me and a smile graced his face.

"Thank you Ellie."

I winked at him. Moana watched the two of us, her eyes still round in shock. I knew she wanted to know why Noah was at such a mid rate college but I hoped she wouldn't ask.

After all it was my fault and that was one of the many reasons I had to make sure Noah enjoyed his college experience one hundred percent. And nothing and no ONE would spoil it for him.

As if on cue, Aiden walked into the dining hall.

Noah didn't see him, his back to the entrance but I did. I watched him slowly walk in, hooded eyes staring lazily in front of him.

A brunette I had not seen before bounced beside him, her mouth moving non stop as she spoke about something he was obviously not listening to.

"At least he's finally wearing a shirt," I mumbled to myself. I was yet to find out Moana had ears like a bat.

"Who's wearing a shirt? Isn't everyone?" She asked.

I shook my head and picked up my slice of pizza. My heart beat had stuttered three entire times since he walked.

When I first saw him, when the girl beside him dragged at his arm and when Moana asked me those questions.

I didn't like that one bit. I wanted to be indifferent to Aiden but to be honest, was it even possible?

I kept my face lowered but gazed up to see what he was doing.

He was looking at me.

The girl was tugging at his arm again, her oval face showing increasing signs of impatience. She could have been air for all the attention he gave her, his gaze solely locked on me.

"Ellie are you okay? You're turning red."

I tore my eyes away from Aiden's gaze. "I'm fine. Just hot."

Noah and Moana stared at me.

Noah's stare was more intense. He frowned then he turned around.

Oh no.

I knew the exact moment his roaming eyes saw Aiden. It was the shift in his posture, the clench in his jaw, the widening of his squinted eyes.

Noah stood up.

"Noah stop!" I whisper shouted. I grabbed at his hand but he removed it from my reach. He began walking towards Aiden.

"What is happening Ellie?" Moana asked.

"I'm not sure but nothing good," I said as I stood up and walked quickly after Noah. Unfortunately for I and my short legs, Noah already had a hand around Aiden's collar by the time I reached him.

"Noah!" I cried.

"Oooooou a lovers tiff already! I'm definitely gonna like this school!" A voice yelled.

I mentally flipped off whoever had said that while I stared in shock at Noah and Aiden.

"Excuse me! Let him go! Are you crazy going around grabbing at people," the brunette who had been grabbing at Aiden's arm moments ago shrieked.

Noah's voice was cold and low. "I told you to leave her alone Aiden. I told you not to even look at her. Didn't I?"

The brunette turned and stared at me. By now my face was as red as my hair. When had Noah said all these and why was he acting so out of character?

Aiden stared at Noah, his face completely serious. "You might have to gouge my eyes out then."

Noah's hand tightened around Aiden's collar. His brown eyes were almost black and his other hand was balled in a fist.

I dithered behind Noah, not knowing what to do. Till I heard him humming.

"Oh no," I whispered.