If there was something I could always count on in this my new dramatic school, then it was that Julian Gade would never show up for English class.
So when I stepped into the classroom early and I saw him sitting there in front of the row like some honor student with a new purpose...I froze.
He didn't even look like he belonged to this classroom. He looked like a celebrity trying to fit into a school setting, especially the way the few people in the room gaze we're focused on him.
His long legs were stretched out under the desk, while lazily flipping through a book he clearly wasn't enjoying, his hair was styled in a classic slide back and some part of his white shirt was left unbuttoned, giving his two sliver necklace audience.
Hot.
But the point was.
He was here.
At 7:45am.
In English class.
I usually saw his other friends in some of my other classes, but this was the first time I was seeing him in a class I shared with him. Or well maybe this was the only class we shared, and he just didn't like it.
I wanted to walk past him, but the moment I moved by his desk, his fingers wrapped lightly around my wrist and his hand was so warm. This alone broke all my walls of resistance.
"Hey, I sat at the front seat because of you." He said, smiling at me and my heart fluttered. I stayed stiffened, not knowing what to say, as if he wasn't the same person I had chatted with till 2am last night.
"Umm...well, okay." I finally responded, before sliding into an empty seat beside him and placing my bag in the next chair for Camilla.
His eyes followed me the whole time and I hated it. Not because I didn't like his attention, but because everyone else noticed him noticing me.
I wanted to remain as the new introverted girl. I didn't want to gain a popularity I knew I would not be able to keep up with.
"Wow. You're in English class. Are you okay? Did some declare World War III?" I remarked, trying to break the tense atmosphere we had, and he chuckled.
Don't be surprised to hear that his laugh was the sleekest sound I have ever heard.
"You know, you're the first dramatic introvert I have met." He said leaning in slightly, nearly making my heart rip out of my chest in fear.
Does he want the girls in the class to rip off my head? They were already shooting me hard glares and I wish I could stop talking to him, but I didn't want him to feel like I was still avoiding him.
"I just decided to attend English class. Besides, it's not like I don't know what you guys have been doing. I have been following the syllabus." He claimed and I raised a brow.
"Really? Then what page of the textbook are we on?"
"Page fifty six." He replied within a second and I blinked.
"You actually know?"
And he pressed his lips together, holding a laughter and even that felt sexy on him. I don't know, but his every move felt like he was modelling for a magazine.
"Jessica...I literally read everything you guys do. I just need updated information. Being in class doesn't work for me. I'd rather read alone." He defended and I held myself from laughing.
The bad boy was justifying himself.
"You don't believe me?" He gave a straight face and I shrugged.
"You don't look like the type at all." I went on, still holding my laughter and one corner of his mouth lifted in a half lazy smile.
"Well, looks can deceive, sweetheart. I am a 10." His words were low, and heated, the kind of whisper that made my toes curl and my whole body feel hot.
My gaze went to his lips, and noticing this, he smirked. I cleared my throat, looking away in embarrassment.
"And if you're wondering how I manage with my life? I simply time everything I do. One lifestyle mustn't affect the other, so I study compulsorily for at least one hour daily no matter what." He went on, like nothing had just happened and I smiled warmly, regaining my composure.
"That's great actually. I admire your structure. Even I still struggle with mine despite the little distractions." I remarked trying to keep a neutral tone, but deep down my heart was beating erratically.
"Right. You better learn to adapt because many more distractions will come. But don't worry, I can always help you in learning." He replied and I already knew it had hidden meaning.
His flirtatious nature wasn't something I thought I would like, but I loved it— despite the messy feeling it brought. And oh gosh, it made him hotter.
Before I could say anything else, Camilla walked into the classroom and she froze, probably noticing the look he was giving me. That bedroom look.
Her gaze bounced from me to Julian. Then to our seats, to the empty chair I saved for her and finally back to Julian, who seemed completely unfazed by her presence.
She blinked at least five times and I wondered what was going through her head. The last time I checked...I told her that I was avoiding him.
"Uhh...good morning?" She said, sliding into the seat I kept for her, but never removing her eyes from the crime scene.
"Morning," I whispered, trying to act normal, and it was then I realized that the room was quiet. Like too quiet.
I subtly looked around and it was then I noticed that people were staring. Not subtle glances, but full blatant, neck-turning stares and they didn't care that I noticed.
One thing I have noticed about this school is that confidence was regular. And it was either because everyone carried their name along with them, or because they got it as an extra quality from being wealthy.
The whispers, side-eye and judging expressions made my stomach twist. I immediately leaned back in my seat, putting a necessary distance between us and Julian eyes flickered to the space I created.
And when he looked at me again, there wasn't a teasing gleam in his eyes. His expression was unreadable.
Thankfully, the teacher walked right in time.
"So class, we'll be dealing with a comprehension. Open to page sixty two." Mrs Carter said and everyone snapped their attention forward. Well, except Julian who seemed to enjoy giving my view more than his textbook.