"Let''s not do this..."


    I didn''t mind her teasing, but when she leaned in closer and started getting a little too handsy, it made me ufortable.


    She giggled and said, "Alright. I won''t tease you anymore. I know boys your age like the innocent, flirty type. When you grow into a real man, you''ll appreciate women like me. I believe that day isn''t far off."


    With that, she winked at me and asked me to drop her off on the sidewalk, waving goodbye as I left.


    I liked her, but there wasn''t that spark. I had to admit that since starting college, the only woman who had truly made my heart race was Lina. Unfortunately, she was unattainable.


    Back at school, I stretched and took a quick nap. When dinner time rolled around, I noticed Benjamin and the others hadn''t returned yet. I wondered where they had gone.


    Feeling both curious and a little worried, I called Benjamin.


    "William, we''re having dinner with Charlotte and the others. Do you want to join us?"


    Charlotte again. I chuckled to myself, "Not interested. You all go ahead."


    Just as I was about to hang up, I heard Matthew''s voicee through, "William, you have toe! We''re at the bar right now. I really need to talk to you!"


    "If you have something to say, just tell me now..."


    "No way! You need toe! I''ll be waiting for you!"


    He hung up before I could respond. Matthew was too presumptuous.


    The thought of facing Charlotte and her friends, who would surely mock me, made


    me hesitant to go. However, Matthew was waiting for me.


    With no other choice, I got out of bed, washed my face, put on my shoes, and headed straight for the bar.


    As soon as I arrived, I spotted Matthew. He was really waiting at the entrance for me. I was at a loss for words.


    "Why did you insist Ie? Just tell me what you need."


    It would be best if we could talk right here so I could leave before running into Charlotte.


    Matthewughed. "What''s with you? Are you that scared of Charlotte? You practically bolt at the sound of her name! Don''t worry, she''s not here."


    I felt a wave of relief when I heard she wasn''t there.


    "Who''s scared of Charlotte? I just don''t want to deal with her," I retorted.


    Matthew wrapped his arm around me and pulled me inside with an exaggerated sigh. "I get it, I get it.


    "I''ll tell you this. Charlotte is actually one of the better ones among her friends. Otherwise, Isabelle wouldn''t be friends with her."


    I thought to myself that Isabelle wasn''t exactly a saint either. Of course, I wouldn''t say that to Matthew.


    "She''s just been misled by Lina. She thinks you''re the one who hurt Lina, which is why she has a grudge against you. Once that misunderstanding is cleared up, everything will be fine."


    That misunderstanding wasn''t going to be cleared up anytime soon. People often stubbornly clung to their own assumptions, and even when you presented them with the truth, they refused to believe it.


    I feltpletely at ease once we settled down. Charlotte truly wasn''t there. Only a


    few of us from the dorm and Isabelle were at the table.


    Benjamin looked at me with concern. "William, where did you run off to this morning? You just got back now."