place now. I wish it were one at a time, not all at once. I don’t know how to act normally with this mix of feelings. The two of them were left in the

. I looked around because I didn’t know what to prioritize. Should I

aus

d closed the fridge. I also grabbed a sachet of orange juice. First step, juice. I placed it on the table and started to mix it. I also took some plates, opened and sliced the

is, go on.” I smiled gently, took the tray, and arranged the plates. “Sure, Gra

hale. Inha

knew my hands were a bit shaky, and I still felt nervous. But I hid it

ere seated on our small sofa, while Leroy and Niloy were on facing single sofas. Marcus immediately stood up and took the tray I was holding. I slightly recoiled as our skins touched, as if an electric

ching my heart with his gaze. And it’s frustrating! I should be angry with him for not reaching out for so long, but damn, I couldn’t feel the irritation I had

artin. He took it with a smile, “

uld do next. I shrugged it off and turned to my brother to feed him. I

a? I gulped. Why

cus?” He didn’t answer. Did he want me to give it to him? Damn, he’s being so indifferent. I took a deep breath. I

he sudden vi

at late yet. Your timing is perfect because I just got home too.” I glanced

e, and I felt self-conscious. I took another sip of juice to divert my feelings. “How was your day? I mean, your project. Maybe I can lend you a

my groupmates are cooperating. Do you remember Zera and April, the one

s

first one to approach you, okay? Y

ith open arms and...he

ddenly felt shy. I looked at Niloy, who seemed to have choked or cou

Just choked. Hehe.” He smiled as if to assure me that he was fine. “Wait, where’s the boss? He’s bein

g?” Niloy enter

ng you?” Martin im

, Ni

warmth in his expression slightly faded. “No

swer. “Marcus? No...” I even shook my head. “He’s not courting me. We’re just close f

telling you yet,

uh

he way he looked at me, it was a death stare.” Then he laughed. I didn’t know if it was a joke or if he really understood. I saw

’s just how he is. But

what he meant by tha

ked eyes, and it felt like he was trying to convey something he saw in me. It was in

rcus, with a face darker than an impendin

...” I just nodded at him, and then he looked at Marcus. “Bossing, I’ll go

t Niloy to the door

When I returned to the living room, Marcus was already sitting in the chair

noticed that Leroy still held the guitar Mar

, Leroy,” Marcus said coolly. I ju

een colliding walls. I took t

m the college?” Marcus asked suddenly. His voice was firm and dee

his gaze to the side of me. His face had no emotion—no

f again,” he stated. He didn’t ask for permission or in

udia first if she want

den change in Martin’s tone

ile now. I even informed your

im. He was re

the one to pick her up.

knew he was also busy with his

comfortable with me. Just go to wo

t all. And besides, I’m courting her, so it’

y. This conversation is

ll in the courting phase,

e was a different emphasis in Marcus’

at’s why I’m doing everything to make her feel safe. What ab

o know. It’s between us,” he said with a smirk. I looked at Marcus

picking me up at college. I can come home on my own. It’s okay if

not a problem for me, Claudia. I just want to make su

r boyfriend. You h

Marcus. “You’re not her boyfriend

ded to make a decision. Because if their conversation was the basis, they would end up fighting. I cleared my thro

as going to protest before reluctantly handing the guitar back. “Thank you, broth

e, Marcus. Thanks for the pasalubong. Let’s talk later,” I said

” he responde

deep gaze. I didn’t want to push him away, but there would be no resolution if he ar

. He took the guitar and silently left the house. I

st. I clenched my hands to keep from stopping him. My breath deepened. I hadn’t seen him f