Chapter 36

Ivan"s point of view
I went to school early on purpose so that I could keep up with El. I'll stay at the guardhouse until she arrives. I don't care how long I have to wait since all I want to do is be with her. I can't describe how ecstatic I was last night when she accepted everything, and I'm not going to ruin the chance she gave me. I wasn't expecting everything; in fact, I was nervous when El and I met at KFC as I was worried she'd be mad with me. For the time being, I'll show her that I'm worth it and that I'm sincere about my feelings for her.
I'm not sure when I'll ask her to visit us because both my parents want to see her. Dad was delighted when he heard last night that I had already got feelings for a girl, and he was even more shocked when mom told him about El's type of student. My parents were happy, and I'm not sure how they'd react if El and I didn't work.
When I spotted her arriving, I smiled and turned around so she wouldn't recognize me when she got close to the guard house. She's so early, and I believe she avoids a lot of people because she knows she'll draw attention, so I consider myself quite fortunate that she opted to leave the issue go despite the amount of attention she receives.
I waited for her to get away for approximately 20 meters after she passed where I was standing before called her. She came to a halt, but she did not turn to face me. I ran in her direction and met her right away.
I ran in her direction and met her right away.
"Good morning, El," I greeted with a smile, and she returned the smile.
I'm not sure why I'm feeling this way, but I can see the sorrow in her eyes. I'm not sure where her melancholy comes from, but I get the impression she's just trying to cope now that she's in front of me. We walked silently, and I didn't say anything until we reached her classroom.
I didn't say anything when she glanced at me; I'm simply waiting for her to say something. I smiled back at her to show that I was willing to listen to her concerns. I don't know her completely; I don't know much about her, and I'm eager to learn and accept anything. I'll also allow her to get to know me and my family so that she feels accepted by the people who matter to me.
She swallowed and smiled. "Let's meet together for a snack. All you have to do is come to my room," she said.
I wasn't expecting her to speak such things, so I was taken aback.
I was supposed to be the one to invite her, but she preceded me, so all I did was nod.
I was supposed to be the one to invite her, but she preceded me, so all I did was nod.
"Thank you," I said as I ran into my room, oblivious to her response.
No one could see how enthusiastic I was since I was still alone in the room. I'm quite excited about what's about to happen, and I'm hoping for a positive outcome. I'm grateful for everything and consider myself to be quite privileged. I couldn't help but tell Carew what had happened from yesterday night till now, much to my enjoyment. My friend is pleased for me as well, and he cautions me from doing anything that would ruin El's trust.
My classmates and subject teacher both remarked how active I was throughout class. I'm also puzzled as to why, despite not reviewing last night, I am able to answer all of the questions. Perhaps this is the impact of being motivated, and I wouldn't be shocked if I exceed El academically; she stimulates and inspires me without even realizing it.
Hopefully, everyone will be able to find someone who will give us with the same enthusiasm as El does. She makes me feel better even if she hasn't made an effort; she still doesn't like me, but that doesn't worry me.
That's her strength; simply by being in her presence and smile, my entire universe revolves around her, and I'm not sure if anybody else can make me feel like that.
My only hope is for her to like me the way I am. I also want her to be glad, and I want to be the reason she is inspired. I want to motivate her without her realizing I can do it. Nothing will change in how I value and respect her until I she like me back. I'll improve myself for her, and she won't get the impression that I'm good at first and then change after I have what I want.
I'm not like other men who are just excellent at first, as if they are proving to a lady that they are worth it in just at the beginning. I'm not like other men who only seek the satisfaction in their lives and, once they achieve it, will change their view on women. It's my first time doing this, but I'm certain I'm the sort of person that will love, care, and cherish the woman even more if I have what I want.
I instantly rose up as our subject teacher dismissed us. "This time El will be with us," I added, looking at Carew. "Wait for us in the cafeteria."
"Are you sure, brow?" Carew asks, smiling.
"Of sure!" I respond with a nod. " She was the one who tell me to go on her room so that we may have a snack in the cafeteria."
"Good luck, Brow," he shrugged and tapped my shoulder. "See you on the cafeteria," He say, and he walks out of the room. Before leaving and heading to El's classroom, I promptly place my notebooks in my backpack pack.
I sense the students' focus on me as I walk to her classroom. There are someone greeted me, I just smiled as my mind was preoccupied with the excitement. When student saw El and me dining together in the cafeteria, I'm sure we'd draw a lot of attention.
When I moved to the front of their classroom, her classmates instantly spotted me. They were all thrilled on us, and when I turned around to look at El, she was seated with her back to me, so she hadn't noticed me yet. As Aly was gazing at me, she informed El that I had arrived, and El instantly turned to face me.
I gave her a kind smile and waved my hands. El instantly avoided glancing in my way as her classmate's teasing grew louder. She put her book and notes into her bag and made small talk with Aly. Her friend gave me a glance and indicated for me to wait. As time passed, I nodded and their classmate walked to the cafeteria.
El and Aly rose from their seats and walked towards me. And there are just a few students, the environment is quieter than it was when I first came.
"Can we take Aly with us?" she asked, and I nodded instantly. It would be preferable if she had someone with her so that she did not feel uncomfortable in front of my friends afterwards.
When I look at Aly, her head is bowed, showing that she is ashamed by what El said. "Aly, don't be shy," I said, and she raised her gaze to mine. I simply smiled, and she smiled back. We were constantly in the same class back then, and we also came together once at a family gathering, but we hadn't spoken, so this is our first interaction.
I said, "Let's go," and they nodded. While they were holding hands, we proceeded to the cafeteria together. I believe they are both timid as every student we pass by and meet is drawn to us, especially since I am standing next to El.
When we arrived at the cafeteria, we went straight to the table where my friends were waiting. Their movement slowed as we neared, and they appeared to want to run.
I came to a halt while they are bowing. Their hands are still intertwined, and they are unable to glance around because the students' focus is on us.
"Don't be shy," I convince them, "my friend is nice." I wasn't expecting them to be so shy, and if I had known, I wouldn't have agreed to a snack in the cafeteria. I don't want them to feel pressured, so we can leave if they are uncomfortable.
"Are there no more seats?" I was going to ask when El looked at me.
"Are you all right? It's fine for me to go on—-I didn't complete what I was saying because she interrupted me.
"We're OK; we're just not used to it," she explained, and I couldn't help but smile at what she said.
"If that's the case, let's go," I said, and we began walking toward my friend's table, where we were greeted warmly.
El and I were sitting close to each other, and Aly was sitting next to Raf, who was reading a science fiction novel. All of my friends are here, with the exception of Baki, who has a night schedule.
El felt better as each minute went because she was already conversing with my friend. Aly was remained silent, and when Teren noticed her, she bowed once again.
Teren asked, "Is she your friend?" El nodded. He leaned his elbow on the table and peered at Aly, saying, "She's familiar to me, but I've just just seen her up close." He smiled and added, "Don't mind if I say it, but you're pretty and don't need to hide your face from us."
Because of the force with which Raf placed his book on the table, we all turned to him. "Aren't we going to eat? This isn't the place to have a conversation."
We all gasped when we heard what he said, and Teren rose to his chair. "I'll treat you all," he stated as he leave at our table.
He returned with the snack, and this has so far been the happiest snack break of my life. I am a cheerful person who never imagined that my life could be any greater. Until we returned to our respective classrooms, the snack break proceeded smoothly. I can also state that El got more at ease with my friends very quickly. Because of Raf, Aly also met someone who shared her hobby, thus she was able to speak early.
Time flew by until it was time for lunch, at which point some students went home and others ate in the cafeteria. I won't be able to join El because my mom and I eat at the office, and she won't let me invite her to join us, because we are both on campus.
Mom instantly saw how I'm delight as she and I ate. "You're glooming, son. Is there a difference between you and El now days? H as there been any progress? " She teased me with her question.
In answer, I smiled and shook my head. "Mom, nothing has changed. That's what's going on right now, as I said last night."
Mom was aware of what occurred last night at the beach resort as I told her when I returned home. She wasn't enraged as I hadn't informed her that we were going. She was still really happy, in fact. Because she asked again, I did nothing but tell her what happened earlier in the café. She was delighted once more, and she expressed her eagerness for El to visit our home.
I opened my messenger after lunch and noticed that she was online. I quickly sent a message for her, asking if she had already had her lunch, to which she answered "yes."
To: El
Shall we go to the mall? There is still 1 hour before the afternoon class starts.
From: El
Are you with your friends?
To: El
Nope. I'm alone. Where are you? Is it okay for me to come to you?
From: El
Let"s meet at the gate. I"m coming.
To: El
O_O
When she didn't reply, I ran to the gate. When I saw her, I put my palm over her eye as I came closer. We headed to the mall when she figured out who I was. We didn't bother riding because the mall is close, and walking allows me to spend more time with her.
When we arrived to the mall, we headed straight to the ice cream parlor and had cookies and cream. We were sitting at the table facing one other, and I decided to video her as she was eating.
"El, say hi," I said and she looked at the camera.
She smiled and waved her hand. "Hello," she said and i can"t help not to laugh.
"I s-said you should s-say hi, n-not h-hello," i responded, sputtered because of my laugh.
She also laughed when she realized what she said but nothing was more fun because I can already see her genuine laugh compared to her sad look this morning.