“I will admit, he’s weird. Any chance that he’s actually a vampire?” Cailly suggested. Please no.. my heart feels like it’s going to sink.

“I didn’t see any bite marks on his neck though.”

“NtBM spreads through saliva-blood contact. Maybe someone in his family got the disease?”

“Then he should’ve been absent from class.”

“You’re right..”

“Please don’t be a vampire,” I clasped both hands together and prayed.

“Pfft. Pu’er, you’re totally exposed.”

“He doesn’t know.”

“I think it’s about time news will reach him though..” Julien exchanged gazes with Brunette and Cailly.

“It wont.” definitely. The problem is that Avner is an airhead that will only keep running in circles until either he, or I confess.

“We’ll keep it a secret. Wouldn’t want to ruin your chances with him.”

“Good luck Pu’er. I’m rooting for you.”

“I’ll tell you if I learn why he’s acting all weird these days, alright? Don’t worry about it.”

“By the way, do you want to join us for lunch? Want to use this opportunity to get closer to him?”

“Ah, it’s okay. I already have my own lunch.”

I dismissed them.

“Okay then. Enjoy your bread.”

“I wonder what kind of bread it is today..”

The three friends left the classroom.

Which means I’m back to being alone. Aha…

I dropped my face back on top of the table.

“Avner.. what happened to you..”

I pulled the wrapping open from underneath the table and tore a bite out of the now cold sandwich.

I forgot to add pepper.

===

The pickup zone of the school was bustling. Though, if you compare the statistics, most students actually go back by train. The people waiting for their parents' pickup are the minority.

[It’s an emergency! It’s an emergency!]

Huh? Eh?

“W-What emergency?” I hid behind the pillar.

[I found a suspicious short on your ShareWiw feed!]

“What video?”

Don’t scare me like that. And here I thought it’s because someone found out that I was using my AI.

I watched Avner enter his car with his etler. Xe has a very cute face. The car turned a corner, now obstructed by the school gates at the bend, he left in peace.

I normally don’t stalk him but.. I can’t help it! He’s been avoiding me. At least give me some hints or something. I’m scared that he gave up on me..

Why would someone all of a sudden lose interest in someone they secretly had a crush on?

I feel like there can be many reasons. I suspect it has to do with his family, I want to know what’s going on in his mind. If I could.. I don’t want that ‘thing’ to be the obstacle between us.

If I have to.. I’ll even initiate the confession..

But what if he never had any interest in me? What if he never had any interest in me, that it was all just my mind?

[“Fine. I don’t know why you want my contact but don’t try to spam me. That’s all I ask.”]

[“Lynda, why?”]

[“Isn’t it a senior’s job to help a junior?”]

[“You’re right.”]

[“Jeez. You should just say if you’re interested in the baking club. Feel free to ask me any questions.”]

[“Thank you. I’ll think about it.”]

[“Done? Now go away.”]

“Eh?”

[Rewind to timestamp: 0:03]

The video looked crude and unedited.

[“Lynda! Your boyfriend wants to see you!”]

[“What nonsense are you spouting!”]

The person filming zoomed in at the people near the entrance of the kitchen.

[“I thought you liked Pu’er?”]

[“Yeah, I know right.”]

[“Fucking hell..”]

Avner.. cursed.

I’ve never heard him curse before.

Huh? Avner likes.. me? Right? RIGHT?

[It is very obvious now to everyone that you and Avner are in a relationship.]

“W-Wait.. who filmed this?! How could someone..”

[It’s from an account from a student in class 4I. From my analysis, Avner is actively denying the fact that the two of you are together.]

“I know.. then that means he understands my intention.. right?”

Avner knows that I already like him. That’s what it is? Is that why he’s acting weird? He’s playing hard to get? That’s what it is right?

Then.. who is this girl? Why did Avner go to this place in the video?

Brunette was involved, I’ll ask her.

[“Brunette. I just wanted to ask, why did Avner go to the baking club?”]

I crumpled the screen and tossed it aside.

I’ll look at the message once I get home..

[Prognosis of the situation is still positive Pu’er, calm down. It’ll be alright.]

I hope so.. I really do hope so.

No. I can’t think negatively. Think happy, positive thoughts. Avner is alright. He’s fine. He’s just like me, he has his challenges. Maybe once he passes that hump, he’ll be back to normal. Everything will be fine..

“What if he..”

There’s no way. He sent me chocolates for Valentine’s day. I still remember. Nobody would send a girl chocolate on Valentines day unless the person has an ulterior motive.

I just realized. I didn’t give him anything in return did I?

What if.. he actually misunderstood? What if he thought I didn’t like him?

“Ah.. calm down, calm down,” I knocked my head with my fist a few times.

Things will be alright. Avner still likes me. He still likes me..

All I need to is..

Ah, my car is here.