Chapter 4.1: Fortuitous

***"Fortuitous**event is an event that cannot be foreseen, but if foreseen, it is still inevitable.”

Of all the things that my Oblicon Professor said, those were the only words that stayed on my mind. I felt like I was hit by that said ‘Fortuitous event’.

“Sir . . .”

All of my classmates’ attention went into my direction as I raised my hand to ask our professor a question. He nodded at me and I stood up from my chair.

“Sir, can love be an example of a fortuitous event?” I eventually sat down after voicing out my inquiry.

All of our eyes were on our professor as he answered my question. “Yes, of course. Love is a natural occurrence in a person's life. You don't know when it will come but you know that it will. And when Cupid’s arrow is already released on your way, you can't do anything to avoid it. It will hit you anyway because love is natural. Inevitable!”

I can't help but to smile bitterly. Why does love need to be a fortuitous event? I could have braced myself and drew drastic measures to avoid falling in love with Fire while being involved with him.

Our professor was in the middle of his discussion when I heard a low murmuring and pressed squeals by my female classmates. I was seated at the back of the class so my sight followed the reason for the low-key commotion.

My jaw almost dropped when I saw Fire leaning beside the window of our classroom. He’s in his usual leather jacket with a white shirt underneath, partnered by denim pants and Nike shoes. Fire looks good in any outfit but he looks more hot and sexy for me in his outfit for today.

He looked at my direction and our eyes met for a brief moment. I blinked to confirm that I wasn't daydreaming and that it's really him. He threw a playful smile at me that confirmed my confusion. I clenched my hands tightly on the hem of my skirt and I almost heard it tearing.

I can feel the growing heat on my cheeks so I quickly averted my gaze and focused on our professor in front. My heart is beating wildly and my hands are sweating.

What is Fire doing outside of our classroom? It's not that I don't want to see him but we made a contract after what happened to us that night. One of the terms in the contract is that other than sex, we won't have anything to do with each other. What I want is, inside the campus, we’ll be ignoring each other and act like complete strangers. I was the one who made that rule so that my name won't be tied to him.

“Class dismissed. Remember to pass your outputs this coming week, I won't tolerate any late submissions.” Our professor finally ended our meeting but my mind is still off with thoughts somewhere in the world.

I looked outside and saw Fire, still waiting. Some of my classmates have already started picking up their things and are beginning to leave while others are facing their compact mirror and retouching their makeup. Everyone around me was in a dynamic motion while I remained in a static manner at my seat. My but seemed glued to my chair as I contemplated going out while Fire was still there.

*On second thought, he might not be waiting for me at all! He might have a new girlfriend among my classmates and he's waiting for her. That's it! That must be it!

I comforted myself and reached for my things spread on the table and dropped them inside my opened bag. I stood quietly and headed for the door.

*I’ll just walk past him.* — Is what I told myself but failed to do when Fire suddenly called my name.

“Solene . . .” He shouted, which I’m sure was enough to catch not only my attention, but the attention of all the students present in the hallway and inside my room.

I was bold enough and ignored him. “Hey Solene! I’m calling you, did you not hear me?” He asked with a frown as he approached me.

My right brow raised instantly, “Why are you here?”

It's not that I’m a sassy brat, but why would he show people that we know each other. I can already feel their piercing gazes at me. Some are even talking with their low voices but we're loud enough for me to hear. Bitches!

*“Is she Fire’s new girlfriend? How cheap!”
“That’s quite mean, Ramirez is smart isn't she?”
“But she's too plain compared to Fire’s previous girlfriends.”
“Shhh . . . she might hear you!”
“What! I’m telling the truth. I even look more pretty than her.”

It's not in my vocabulary to banter with people like them so I just ignored all their talks and walked away. I left Fire to where he was standing and didn't look back.

“Ouch!” I groaned as I felt someone pull me hard. I turned and my face almost bumped on his chest. I looked up at him and saw him grinning at me.

“Stop doing that, or else . . .” He said.

“Or else what? What are you going to do?” I taunted him.

“I’ll bang you right here, right now.”

Fear and heat gushed in my blood because of what he said. I quickly pinched his arm to prevent him from being naughty any longer.

“What is it that you really want, Fire?” I asked, irritated.

“Why are you so hostile toward me? Other girls would already feel butterflies on my stomach. You should be grateful that you caught my attention.”

“Well, thank you so much for your attention, Mr. Callante.” I said sarcastically.

“Stop being sarcastic . . .” He said low and in a serious tone.

I heaved a sigh. “We've got a contract, remember? It is clearly stated there that we should pay each other no attention when inside the campus. But you're doing the exact opposite right now.” I explained. Making him remember, just in case he forgot about it.

“I break rules, love.” He answered simply with a playful smile on his lips.


*Love? How corny.
But why did I feel a tinge of joy when he called me?

“And you break hearts too . . .” I said low.

“It's not my fault. I don't break hearts. They are the ones who break hearts. He shrugged.

I bit my lips and nodded in agreement. “You're right. They are fools for liking someone like you.”

“Yes, they are,” he leaned closer, “and I hope you're not one of them.”

My mouth failed to voice out any answers.

*Yes, Fire. I’m a fool. A big fool.
Our eyes met. My heart beat so fast by the way his eyes lingered on my face. I wanted to back-off but he purposely came closer every time I took a step back.

My cheeks heated as I felt his warm breath on my face.

“Or. . . are you already in love with me?” He closes the distance between us and our lips are now almost touching each other.

“Fire!” I hit him on the shoulder when he suddenly stole a kiss from my lips.

He just laughed it off and pinched my right cheek which I’m sure, has already turned red. I scowled at him but eventually joined him in laughing.

“You're so assuming, Fire. Do you know that? Why would I like you?” I bravely told him after I turned serious.

He just shrugged and tilted his head. “I don't know.” He said, voice low and he pulled me softly.

“Wait, where are we going?”

He didn't bother answering so I just let myself be taken away by him. *He had already taken away my heart anyway.