“Don’t worry. You’re excused for today.” That’s all that he said before he started the engine. What the hell—Me? Excused?! For what? Being taken by him against my will? It took me a few minutes to realize that he’s not driving to school and we’re on a different road. Huh. This guy is unbelievable! Where the hell is he taking me, anyway?!

I shrieked at his statement. “Hey! Are you stupid or something?! We still have homework in to pass on—”

“Don’t worry, you have passed." He grinned. “And for once, Olivia, calm down and shut up.” He added. I was at a loss for words. I am absolutely flushed right now because of anger. This is ridiculous! He’s probably so chill just because he’s the chairperson’s son! Damn it! The teachers treat us scholars differently compared to the other students who are just plain rich. We are mistreated, constantly. I can’t just stay calm about this matter. Remember what happened just recently? This jerk humiliated me in front of everybody! I’ve been avoiding him after that. Just to avoid trouble. But oh well, here I am! With the guy I absolutely hate, inside in this fancy ass car, taking me somewhere, wherever that is, I just hope it’s not the den of some group of syndicates or criminals. For Pete’s sake, I still want to live and have a good job that pays me a lot of money and then help my family!

“Whatever shit you’re doing, don’t drag me into that. Just where the hell are we even going?”

“In your stomach.”

“NEAL!” I gasped.

“Breakfast.” He uttered. “I’m getting breakfast. I still haven’t had breakfast yet. But I’ll be the only one who's going to eat. I pay mine, you pay yours. “Wow! He’s incredible. What an absolute jerk! He’s the one who dragged me into this situation in the first place! Not that I’m expecting something from him, of course, except arrogance and disappointment.

I grunted. “Huh! I’m not the one who’s gonna have breakfast. Why did you even drag me along with you? For your information, I am not your babysitter. There’s absolutely no way I’d chaperon your grown ass for breakfast!”

“Just shut your mouth before I’ll do it for you.” He hissed. That made me shut up in an instant. This guy is absolutely insane. Whoever her girlfriend is, poor girl. For real! How can she tolerate this asshole?! Oh, forget it. I should prepare myself for whatever comes next. He might kill me and sell my organs to the black market. I still don’t want to die because my life is too precious! Please, I still want to graduate and finish my studies.

I leaned in towards the window, watching the buildings we passed by. Later on, the car finally came to a stop. He pulled over near a fine-looking restaurant. The place looks expensive, that’s for sure. Before going out, I noticed him popping out some sunglasses and wore them. I stayed inside the car, for my safety, of course. I know that the guy who just kidnapped me is not an ordinary person and I have a hunch that there might be paparazzi just lurking on the corners, waiting for him. It will cause a lot of trouble for the both of us, especially if they saw another person inside his car. Unfortunately, that person is me. I don’t want to get dragged any further. I was about to pop my earphones to my ears when he called me. Ugh! What does he want now?

“You.” He called.

I squinted my eyes. “Hey, excuse me? I have a name.”

Suddenly, he threw a black hoodie over my face. The smell of his strong perfume was suffocating me. “Wear that and follow me,” he said.

I groaned. “Ugh! Fine.” I wore the jacket and fixed my hair before I slammed the door shut. What a weird guy. A weird guy with his weird antics. I should think of an escape plan just in case if some haughty rich people would make sarcastic remarks on me. Damn it! Screw rich people! What if I—Oh stop it, Via! I should just breathe and stay calm, at all costs.

I snapped back to reality when Richard grabbed my hand and dragged me inside the restaurant. “Tsk, you’re so slow.” I heard him mumbled. Anyway, I don’t have a choice now. I’m already here, right beside the most displeasing guy in the universe, who thinks that he has the whole word underneath him. Goodbye to having an almost-perfect attendance and adding those credits to make my grades higher. What matters now is that I should devise an emergency escape plan just in case if some crazy fan of his would suddenly attack me.

The atmosphere turns weird once we stepped inside the restaurant. It was then when I realized that most of them were looking at us—no, they’re looking at me. Scanning me from head to toe before going back to their own businesses. Wow, I already know that I don’t fit the standards of the upper-class people, but was it even necessary for them to make me feel that way?

“He seems familiar.”

“He looks like… Holy crap, is that Richard Park?!”

“Shush! He might hear you!”

“Who’s the girl beside him? His girlfriend?”

“I heard that Richard’s now studying at the school that’s owned by Park Jae Yun and Alberto Stone.”

“Yeah, obviously. You can see the school’s crest on his jacket. You know it’s exclusive.”

“Tsk, tsk. Dios mio. Oh, the youngsters these days. Being too lax thinking that they can do anything they want. Look at them, look at her. She’s in her uniform and she’s here with her boyfriend! Tsk, they’re even from Parkstones.” said the old lady seated beside the window with her friend when we walked past their table. I blushed in total embarrassment when I heard that. Hello? Boyfriend?! He’s the last guy I would date! If only she knew that I’m the victim here! Help me, please!

I glanced at Richard, who’s being stoic yet grumpy. We were already by the counter when he called one of the staff to guide us to our table that he reserved beforehand. I wasn’t paying that much attention because I was checking the whole place. This place is not that big. But it sure is luxurious. There are a variety of hanging plants on the ceiling and the air smells grand. It smells like I should get my ass out of here because I don’t belong here.

Wait, is this part of his schemes? Did he plan all of this?

As if reading my mind, he replied,

“I am a friend of the owner of the place. Don’t get the wrong idea. You are totally not my type.” He muttered. I gasped. The nerve of this guy?! But that’s okay. I feel the same way too. The feeling is mutual. He is also not my type. He’s not even as handsome, smart, kind, and as humble as Ricky! Who is he compared to my best friend? Ricky is the ideal boyfriend—no, he’s husband material! How about Richard? He probably has maids to feed him like a baby! Whoever they are, poor them, handling a conceited ass like him, they need a raise!

"Here—” Before he could finish his words, I pulled out a chair and sat down. Those people by the doorway have been sneaking looks at us and it’s making me feel so uneasy.

It was then when he called the server, who immediately went in our direction and gave us menus. But…

“Good day! May I take your order, Ma’am and Sir?”

I waved my hands in refusal. “Oh, I’m sorry. He’s the only one who’s going to eat. Don’t mind me.” I smiled at the server and passed the menu to him.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, but you have to—I mean, it’s on the house if it’s you who’ll be ordering.” The server winked. He must be bluffing. Is this guy also working as a part-time stand-up comedian? He’s such a tease, and also weird.

“Um… No Sir, you must be mistaken. I swear, this guy over here’s the only one who’s going to eat—”

It was when Richard interrupted and cut me off. “Two Chili Con Carnes and two bubble teas, matcha and winter melon.”

Chili Con Carne? That’s my favorite food! Ricky and I used to share that during lunch time back at elementary—Focus Via! He must be so hungry that he ordered two meals. It’s like he has a pet dragon inside his gut. Doesn’t matter. I should just do something else while he’s eating.

I popped out my literature notebook to review my notes. That’s our first subject this afternoon session for the day. Plus, it’s already thirty minutes past eight. I’ll just recover the lost quizzes by passing the next ones.

After a few minutes, to which it felt like forever, the food came. The server wasn’t the guy who took his order earlier. “Here’s the bill and the order, Ma’am, Sir. Enjoy your meal.” I stared at Richard. He didn’t even say ‘thank you’ to the server! How rude—

“Thank you. Here.” He pulled out a black card from his wallet and slipped it on the blue folder that the server gave to him. For a moment, I thought I might be right. Well, would you look at that? This guy actually knows how to show gratitude. He actually knows how to say thank you. I mean, I believe everyone should learn how to say that.

I went back to my business, reading “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf. I can barely comprehend the story because it’s a classical literary piece and there are a lot of parts I couldn’t understand. The teacher made this as our homework because they’ll give us a long quiz tomorrow. I had just learned from Celine earlier when she texted me. Now, to think about it, I wonder what they’re all doing now. I miss them, especially Ricky.

“Eat,” I heard Richard uttered. Wait, what?! Maybe I just heard him wrong. There’s no way he would say that. He’s the one who said so himself, and I quote, “I pay mine, you pay yours.” Anyway, what a glutton he is.

He glared at me. “Are you deaf?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “You’re talking to me?”

“No. I’m talking to a wall.”

“Okay.” I shrugged and went back to reading.

“Tss. Come on now, Olivia. Eat before I change my mind.” He pointed at the other plate. There was a hint of warning in his voice that made me shiver a bit. It sounded more like a command. What the hell?! Am I his dog?! Am I some kind of pet?! No way! But I should remain calm. My parents told me to never reject the blessings that come into my life. Fortunately, this food is a blessing. I’d gladly accept it—if only it wasn’t this devil right here who gave it to me. Maybe he even spiked it or added something bad to it.

“Don’t worry. I put nothing bad in it. Aunty taught me not to reject a dish or you’ll get karma. Take your pick.”

“And my brother told me to always say please.” He blushed. He was fuming red, like a tomato. Shit, he’s probably mad. This is the critical moment that I’ve been expecting! I should run now. I still want to live a good life! Like, I could just ride to another city and change my name! Then I’ll live a new life in a small cottage in the woods—

I was shocked at what he did next. He grabbed my hand and leaned towards me. “Eat the food I gave you. Pweasee?” I can feel the warmth of his breath on my cheek. He’s trying to be cute, and it’s making me cringe!

I pushed him away in an instant. “Alright, alright! Get away from me now, jeez. Thanks for the food.”

After that happened, it suddenly became quiet. It was so awkward for the both of us. How the hell did we even get into this situation in the first place? Oh, he kidnapped me, that’s for sure. Apparently, it’s weird how he ordered this dish. I know it’s expensive, and would cost me two weeks of bistro work, but on the menu, it’s the cheapest dish! Is this guy trying to be humble? Good heavens. Richard Neal Park being a humble person? Probably for now.

I just focused on finishing my food when I noticed him staring at me.

Without looking at him, I said. “Staring is rude.”

He flinched. “Uh—Like a-as if I’ll stare at you.” He cleared his throat before he took a sip of his bubble tea.

I just ignored him and continued eating. Sigh. After this, I’ll just go home or help at Strawbies. Also, maybe he likes Chili Con Carne too, just like me. Who knows? Not that I care, though. I just honestly want to get out of here. I can’t stand being with this guy for too long.

It was until Richard stood up. “Let’s go.” He then grabbed my wrist just when I was about to say goodbye.

Where is this guy taking me again?!