Chapter Eight
More than What Meets the Eyes
Fay was feeling down. After the conversation she had had with her father and brother two days ago, she was still feeling a bit edgy. Horrible thoughts came into her mind. If mother hadn't died would father still have accepted me? It's a scary thought…
She was deep in thought, when…
[Plunk]
Startled, she noted a crumpled ball of paper fall on top of her notebook. She hesitated but picked it up.
Depressed?
Nothing better than to erase a pout with a smile – Takeda
Fay read it and couldn't help but smile. She was going to crumple the note, but paused. Picking up her pen, she straightened the crumpled note and began writing. She quickly glanced to see where Takeda was and noticed for the first time that he was two seats away on her left. She casually flung the note back at him.
When class was over, she picked up her things to leave but Takeda stopped her. "Now, you can't leave after writing such a note to me," he said casually with a wink. "Coffee? My next class is cancelled."
Fay hesitated. Should I? I don't know anything about him.
Takeda smiled, "I don't bite. I don't gossip. I don't have any hidden motives and I'm rich, so I don't need to be seen with the university's princess to prove a point," he said with a wink.
Fay crossed her arms. "You know, I don't know you but you can pass for an ass."
He shrugged. "I'm blunt, and I think you're cute. You do seem to have issues though," he said, making her gasp.
Fay felt insulted and wanted to leave but he caught her upper arm gently.
"Look, I'm sorry for being an ass. Admit it though, you need someone to talk to," he said seriously.
He seems sincere. She held her books to her chest. "Just coffee, but I'm not pouring my hearts out to you. I don't know you that well." Why is he doing this? This is the first time someone openly asks me for coffee.
"Deal,' he said, walking along her side as they left class.
They walked across the campus to the coffee house. Fay snuck a glance at him, and didn't know how to asses her feelings. I really can't tell anything about him, she thought. They reached the counter, and Fay looked in awe. I never knew such a place existed here, she thought admiring the arrays of cakes, pastries, etc…
"What would you like?" Takeda asked.
"Oh, umm… It's ok. I'll order something…" she began. I can't have some stranger pay for me.
He totally ignored her as they stood in front of the cashier. "I'll have a blueberry cheesecake with black coffee, and my friend will have…" he said, looking at her.
She raised an eyebrow, but then quickly scanned the menu. "I'll have a strawberry smoothie," she said.
Takeda ordered, and paid. He looked around, "come on. A booth just opened. They will bring our order," he said, walking towards the empty booth. He placed his stuff on the table, and looked at Fay. "I can't sit if you don't sit first, it's rude."
She looked apologetically at him, and slipped in the booth. He sat opposite her, and leaned against the back of the booth. He placed one hand under his jaw, and casually looked at her. "You're not very comfortable, are you?"
Fay was not going to deny that he was extremely hot, but there was something about him that didn't seem to fit the equation. She also didn't like how he suddenly says what's on his mind. "I'm fine," she said with a semi-smile. He's rather blunt and really says whatever's on his mind.
He smirked. "Are you?"
She smiled slightly, and lifted her arms. She moved her hair behind her ears and tied it up casually. "Something silly was on my mind, but I'm here now and I'm grateful."
Takeda bit his lip. "A person should always be grateful as long as they're alive. You never know what will happen next."
Fay felt that there was more to his statement, but she didn't push him. They conversed for a while. Fay still couldn't tell if he was serious, or was teasing her. He had a poker face at times, but then showed a different side. My head hurts trying to analyze him.
"By the way, do you know that you're in my management class?" he asked.
Fay blinked in surprise. "No, actually. I don't really pay attention to who is in class with me," she admitted embarrassed. That really doesn't make me sound good.
Takeda sipped his coffee casually, and looked at her. "I actually moved sections last week. I noticed you were in it the last time," he explained. "Have you found a partner yet?"
"A partner?"
His eyes had a twinkle of smile in them as he watched her. "You know… For the class project. The final project consists of a research and presentation. Do you want to partner with me?"
Partner with him? Hmm… It would be easier. I don't exactly know anyone in that class, but… "Are you a hard worker? I can't afford to lose any grades."
Takeda actually laughed.
"What's so funny?" she asked, her cheeks heating in embarrassment.
"I'm a 4.0 student so far, haven't lost a single point," he said proudly.
Fay was indeed impressed. Wow. He doesn't look it at all. Even I wasn't able to do get that. I only managed a 3.78 while stupid brother got 3.84 last semester. "We'll work with a timeline, alright? And we'll stick to it. I don't like last minute work."
"Neither do I," he said seriously.
Fay sipped her smoothie, and they left after a bit. He took his phone out of his pocket, and began writing something. "Can I have your email please?" he asked.
She seemed surprised, but gave it to him. In a minute, she received a text.
"That's my email. I'll start corresponding with you on this. Anyway the professor said he will share more details with us in the next class. So see you then." He said, waving his hand.
Fay didn't even get the chance to say anything.
