Chapter 6

Ivy's POV I pressed my lips together, smiling as I recalled the brief kiss I planted on the corner of Aaron’s lips. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. I really wanted to stay and see his reaction, but I was too nervous. I entered my classroom and took a seat by the window. There’s no way I’ll be able to focus today. Just then, Ame’s loud voice cut through my thoughts. "Ivy!" She shouted from behind me. I groaned, frowning. This jerk always ruins my beautiful daydreams. "What is it?" I asked, annoyed. "Guess what, bitch?" she said excitedly. "What?" I raised an eyebrow. "Two new professors have joined our college, and one of them is super handsome and young!" she squealed. "Oh," I said, nodding indifferently. Ame’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What’s with that reaction? Are you okay, bitch?" she asked, nudging me. I gave her a small smile. "I’m not interested in him. I’ve already found my type." "What? Who? Since when?" "Can’t I have my own Mr. Perfect?" Ame burst into laughter. "You? Mr. Perfect?!" she teased, making me glare at her. She then poked me with her elbow. "Wait—are we talking about Joe? I had a feeling you liked him!" She grinned. "Amee," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Why would it be Joe? It’s not him." "Then who?" she asked, curiosity all over her face. I grinned. "It’s my uncle." Ame jumped back, eyes wide. "Are you crazy, Ivy? You like your uncle now?!" I rolled my eyes. "Let me finish first, bitch. He’s not my real uncle—he was adopted by my grandpa." Ame exhaled dramatically. "So, how old is he?" "Only five years older than me," I replied with a smirk. "Cool, I was thinking he was an old hunk," Ame teased, smirking. I narrowed my eyes at her. "Just wait, you’ll meet him soon. But honestly, I’m feeling a little tense." Ame raised an eyebrow. "Tense? And Ivy? How is that even possible? What’s wrong? Doesn’t he acknowledge my bitch’s charm?" she asked playfully. I sighed, nodding. "You’re right. He just knows how to turn his back on me." Ame’s expression softened. "Ivy, are you in love with him?" I smiled, gazing outside the window, and nodded. But before Ame could say anything, a familiar voice startled me. "In love with who?" Ame and I turned around in sync. "Joe, what are you doing here?" Ame stammered. Joe flashed a small smile. "I’m here to attend class, obviously." "Oh," Ame muttered, subtly nudging me. Joe’s eyes landed on me. "Ivy." "Yes, Joe?" I replied, trying to sound casual. "What were you just talking about?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. I reached out, pinching his cheek lightly. "It’s nothing, dear. Just some girl talk," I said with a playful smile. Joe brushed his fingers against my face gently. "Why didn’t you answer my calls last night?" he asked. I rolled my eyes, glancing at Ame before looking back at him. "I was a little sleepy, Joe." Before he could say anything else, the instructor walked in. Joe let go of me and stepped aside, moving to his seat. I turned to face Ame, but she was already giving me a knowing look. "Playing with two hearts isn’t a good idea, Ivy. You know Joe adores you." I avoided her gaze and turned toward the teacher, pretending not to hear her words. After some minutes, I started feeling so bored. I just wanted to go home. "Ivy, what are you up to? The professor will notice you," Ame whispered, nudging me. "Let him be." "Ivy," the professor suddenly called. "Yes, professor?" I responded lazily. "What's the matter with you? You're not paying attention," he said, frowning. "Actually, professor, I’m not feeling well. Would it be okay if I stepped out?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "Yes, take your time." I quickly grabbed my things and walked out. Back in the classroom, Joe leaned toward Ame. "What’s up with her?" Ame hesitated. "Honestly, I don’t know, Joe. Maybe she really isn’t feeling well." Outside, I let out a breath of relief, but then I saw Liam and Zelda standing nearby. My brows furrowed. Are they together? Hmph, whatever. I turned my gaze away, pretending not to notice them, but Liam caught sight of me. "Ivy!" he called. I forced a small wave as he approached. "Okay, Zelda, we’ll talk later," Liam told her with a smile. Liam sat beside me, his expression soft. "What’s wrong, honey?" he asked, taking my hand in his. I stared at him for a moment before sighing. "I’m not in the mood for class." He frowned. "Why? Are you okay?" I shook my head. "No, I’m not." Concern flashed in his eyes. "What’s wrong?" I hesitated before speaking. "There’s something wrong with my heart." "What?" A small smile formed on my lips. "My heart… belongs to someone." Liam’s eyes widened. "Wait—what?" His voice was laced with confusion. I looked him straight in the eyes and nodded. "I’m in love, Liam." Liam’s eyes widened as he asked, "Who is it exactly? Where is this mystery man?" "His name is Aaron." I hesitated for a moment before adding, "Though… he’s my uncle." Liam’s expression darkened with disappointment. "Ivy, I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that." "Relax," I replied quickly. "He’s not my real uncle." Liam raised an eyebrow. "Then why do you call him that?" "He was adopted by my grandfather. He’s only five years older than me," I explained. "Cool," he nodded. "So, does he live with you?" "He does," I sighed. "But he doesn’t like me." Liam gasped dramatically. "What?! That man has the audacity to ignore my Ivy’s beauty?" Rolling my eyes, I exhaled. "Liam, I can’t lose him again. Sometimes, I feel like he likes me… But other times, it seems like he hates me." "Again?" he asked, confused. "He was my first crush when I was eleven," I admitted. Liam burst into laughter. "At first, I thought it was Joe. But now, it’s Aaron—your childhood crush?" He shook his head, still laughing. "Don’t laugh! I’m really worried about this," I pouted. "Aaron was an outstanding student. What if he never sees me that way?" "Don’t worry, my dear," Liam said with a grin. "He’ll fall for you too. But…" he trailed off, smirking. I narrowed my eyes. "What are you thinking?" "I’m just worried that my Ivy won’t kiss me anymore," he teased, winking. "Obviously not! No more friends with benefits from now on," I declared firmly. "Yeah," he sighed. "I think I’m done with that too. I just want to find real love with someone." I tilted my head. "Is that Zelda?" Liam chuckled. "I’ll tell you when the time is right. For now, let me drive you home." I nodded, relieved to leave. My heart longed to see Aaron. We got into the car, and after a short drive, we arrived at my house. As I stepped out, I turned to invite Liam inside, but then I saw Aaron’s car pulling up next to us. Aaron stepped out, his gaze landing on me before shifting to Liam. The moment he saw him, his expression darkened. Then, without a word, he shot me a strange look and walked inside. "What’s the matter with him?" I muttered under my breath. "So he’s Aaron?" Liam asked, watching him disappear inside. I nodded. "Yeah." Liam smirked. "He looks really angry, dear." "I have no idea what’s wrong with him," I admitted. "Maybe he’s a little curious about us," Liam teased. I frowned. "Do you think so? I can never tell what he’s thinking." Liam chuckled. "Go inside and talk to him." I smiled. "Thanks, Liam." "You don’t have to thank me. Just call me anytime," he said before driving away. Without wasting time, I rushed upstairs. My mind was racing—was Aaron really upset? "Ivy, why are you home so early?" Mom’s voice broke my thoughts. Before I could answer, Aaron stepped out of his room and walked past us. "I wasn’t feeling well, Mom," I finally responded, but my eyes followed Aaron as he descended the stairs without a glance in my direction. My heart sank. He didn’t even look at me. Mom placed a gentle hand on my forehead. "Why, darling?" "It’s nothing serious, just a headache," I said, forcing a small smile. "Okay, go rest. I’ll have someone bring you something to eat," she said warmly. I nodded, but my gaze remained fixed downstairs, where Aaron had disappeared. "Okay, take a rest; I'll get someone to bring you something to eat," Mom added softly. I nodded and smiled, but my gaze was immediately drawn back downstairs. Aaron was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone, his expression unreadable. Why is he so angry right now? Is it because of what happened this morning, or is it because of Liam? I couldn’t help but wonder. When he heard I wasn’t feeling well, he didn’t even look at me.