"Where are you going, El?" Amelie, seeing me hurriedly organize my notes and answer sheets, asked.

"Uh, I have something important to take care of, Mel. Is it okay if I leave first?" I said while still trying to tidy up the mess of my belongings on the table.

"Something? Is it still about that thing from yesterday?" Amelie asked.

I quickly nodded. "Yeah, still the same issue..."

"With Sebastian?" she asked again. This time, I quickly shook my head.

"Hmm, no. I think I’m on my own for this one." My hand reached for my glasses case, the last thing I needed to put into my bag. "Well... I’m not sure if he plans on following me."

Amelie pursed her lips slightly. I could tell she didn’t want me to leave.

After making sure nothing was left on the table, I bid farewell. "I’m heading out now, Mel. Is that okay? It’s just extra material, and I already got permission from the professor."

Amelie grimaced but waved me off. "Nah, it’s fine. Go on, get your stuff sorted, El. The sooner you finish it, the better."

Her answer made me feel relieved. Thank goodness she wasn’t upset I was leaving.

"Actually... I have a date with David," Amelie added, blushing.

"Whoa, seriously? What a coincidence. I was feeling bad about leaving you alone, but now I’m not," I grinned, teasing her a bit.

I remembered the moment I helped Amelie get David’s phone number, the older guy she had a crush on.

"Is there progress between you two?" I asked, curious and pausing for a moment before walking out of the classroom.

Amelie shook her head. "Not yet, but keep your fingers crossed for me..."

I smiled. "Of course, I’ll pray that everything goes smoothly." I raised my thumb, stood up from the table, and gently brushed her arm before heading out.

"Don’t forget to keep me posted, El," Amelie called, waving her hand.

"Got it!" I waved back as I walked out of the classroom.

A mix of emotions swirled inside me as I left the room. Honestly, I didn’t want to skip class, but it was all because of Sylvia! I muttered to myself in frustration, feeling like everything was a mess because of her.

My pace slowed when I spotted a group of male students talking near the stairs to the first floor. They were probably seniors. I recognized them because one of them was David—the guy Amelie was completely smitten with.

From where I stood, I could overhear their conversation.
"How’s it going? Haven’t you two met up yet?" one of the seniors in a maroon shirt asked David.

"Not yet. We’re planning to meet after she’s done with class," David answered.

"Seriously? What, are you gonna flirt with someone else? Isn’t three girls enough for you?" another guy chimed in.

Suddenly, I froze in my tracks and hid behind the wall. I hesitated to walk past them, pretending to type a message while eavesdropping on David and his friends.

"Well, you know, I’m just looking for the best option. Gotta go through the selection process first," David said, laughing.

I immediately felt sorry for Amelie. It turned out the guy she liked was just a player.

"Must be nice. You’re good-looking. So easy to find your next target," someone else teased, followed by more laughter.

"It’s just in the genes. Gotta make the most of it," David replied, laughing again.

Standing behind the wall for too long was making me even more frustrated. But I was sure I wasn’t mishearing or misjudging anything.

David wasn’t the right guy for Amelie!

You’re lucky I’ve got other things to deal with right now, David. Otherwise, I’d handle this myself, right here and now. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Then, I continued walking toward the stairs.

I quickened my pace as I got closer to the group of seniors. I could hear their whispers.

"Wow, she’s really pretty. Too bad her style’s kind of old-fashioned, but her body’s great." One of them said.

I sped up, unwilling to listen to them any longer.

"Hey, I think I know her. Wait a sec..." That was David’s voice. I picked up my pace and hurried down the stairs.

Why are there so many stairs? I cursed under my breath as I rushed down.

"Wait! Hey, wait!" I heard someone call from behind.

Instead of stopping, I rushed down even faster.

"Wait a sec..." I felt a hand grab my arm. Oh no, what now?

My steps came to an abrupt halt, just as I was about to reach the bottom of the stairs.

"Wait a moment," the voice said again.

I quickly turned around, trying to see who had grabbed my arm.

As expected, it was David!

"Sorry, I’m bothering you for a sec..." David smiled, and his dimpled grin made him look even more charming.

"Yeah? What’s up?" I asked, trying to keep a neutral face.

"Don’t you remember me?" He looked at me and kept smiling.

I shook my head quickly. "Sorry, I don’t remember. And sorry, I’m in a rush."

David laughed. "Wow! But it was you who seemed so eager to ask for my number last time! How could you forget so quickly?"

I took a breath, trying to remain polite, even though I was now totally irritated from overhearing his conversation earlier.

"Oh, right, I remember now. You’re the senior I asked for your number for a survey."

He chuckled and snapped his fingers. "Exactly! So, how’s the survey going? You haven’t contacted me yet for it."

Great. Why am I even talking to this player? I clenched my fingers in frustration.

"Oh, that? It’s all done. I found someone else who’s more suitable for the survey."

"Huh? What do you mean? Am I not good enough for your survey?" David said, standing next to me.

"Sorry, I’m really in a hurry," I said, trying to end the conversation and moved to continue down the stairs.

But of course, his hand grabbed mine again.

Ugh!