CHAPTER 3

As Athrun leaned towards Cagalli, he took both of her wrists and held it firmly. Her eyes widen and she quickly shut it. She could feel his breath on her cheeks. She felt her heart starting to beat furiously and wondered if he could feel it too. She can't figure out why she couldn't muster the strength to shove him away at the moment. It was like her body betrayed her and she lose control of it.

Suddenly, he let go of her hands. She frowned and opened up her eyes. His face looked serious. He started the engine and pulled in the driveway. She wanted to open up her mouth but thought twice. He focused on his drive and totally ignored her. She felt angry and bewildered. He was the one who tried to kiss me earlier but now he's acting like I'm invisible!

He pulled at the corner and drove straight to her house. As they arrived, he stopped the car. She unbuckled her seatbelt but didn't walk out of the car. She turned to him and noticed that he still didn't look at her. He just stared at the steering. She became furious.

"You think it's funny to play with people's feeling? I know you're trying to fool around with me and make me fall hard for you. Well, guess what Zala, you thought WRONG!" she shouted, walked out of the car and slammed the door hard.

He got out and ran after her. "Hey, I'm sorry, ok? I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. It's just that…" the truth was, he didn't know why he couldn't kiss her. Usually, he was an expert when it comes to that matter. But when he were too close at her, he suddenly felt his heart skipped a beat, which was new to him as he couldn't even remember when was the last time he felt that way for someone. Especially her, as he just met her that day.

"Just what? At college, you were embarrassing me with your flirt and now, you try to even humiliate me by trying to kiss me!" she stormed and walked inside her house, leaving Athrun, with his mouth slightly open in disbelief. Luckily, her twin brother, Kira, wasn't home yet. She and Kira had been staying together all by themselves ever since they started studying in College of Seed.

Athrun returned to his car with disappointment. He never thought that she would be that angry with him. "I guess she's different from any girls I've ever known," he sighed. "She's definitely one of a kind," he added, with a small smile. But after he realized that maybe she would hate him forever, his smile slowly faded.

Cagalli watched Athrun's car began to disappear through her bedroom window. She still felt angry with him, though her anger had slowly subsided. "Baka Zala! Why did he have to be such an asshole? Men! I should've known," she muttered.

The next day, everything seems pretty normal. The way Cagalli treated Athrun, nobody couldn't guessed what went wrong. Even Athrun felt weird. I thought she hate me. But now, she's acting like nothing happened.

The truth was, she didn't want anyone to know what had happen yesterday. Not even Miriallia, Lacus and Shiho. She could imagine what would happen to Athrun if Shiho finds out. She would probably shot him or even worst, grilled him to death. Just the thought of it sent shivers down her spine. Shiho was known for her unbelievably hot-temper and nobody dares make her angry, not even Yzak Joule, the meanest person on the planet. (Sorry, Yzak's fans!)

"Hey Cags, wanna hit the mall before going home?" Mir asked, just as they exited the college. Cagalli turned to her and smile meekly.

"Sorry Mir, I just remembered that I have other stuff to do," she said. "You know, that stuff," she added, hoping Mir would catch her hint. Last night, Uzumi Nara Athha called her to inform about the grand dinner that would be held at the Athha mansion. It was an event where famous and distinguished leaders all over the world would gather.

"I want you to wear dress, not that Orb uniform," Uzumi had said sternly.

"But father…"

"Not buts, Cagalli. Please do me a favor at least this once," Uzumi interrupted, more gently.

"Oh, okay. If you said so, then I don't have any choice, haven't I?" she gave up. She hated wearing dresses, but for her father's sake, she would do it. "But it will be the last time, okay? I won't wear it ever again after that night," she added.

Her father chuckled. He knew if he forced her, she would probably show up at that grand dinner wearing her representative Orb uniform. All he had to do was persuade her a little. She may appear fierce but deep down, she has a soft heart.

Although it will be held next week, Cagalli had to practice wearing dress as her father had insisted. So, every evening, after she went home from college, she would headed to her other home; the palace. There, she would rehearsal the etiquette of being a princess, with a heavy heart as she despised wearing girly clothes. She had text messaging Mir about it after her father called.

"Earth to Cags!" Mir's voice brought her back to reality. "What are you daydreaming about? Let me guess, Athrun Zala?" she added slyly.

The mention of his name made her frown. "What makes you think I daydreaming about him? Get real, Mir," Cagalli rolled her eyes.

"Oh, I don't know. If you aren't daydreaming about him, maybe he's the one daydreaming about you!" Mir raised one eyebrow.

"Exactly Mir, what's wrong with you lately? Did Dearka poisoned your mind with something or you're just as crazy as he is ever since you started dating him?" Cagalli couldn't stand her teasing much longer. Obviously Dearka's the one responsible for her nonsense behavior.

"No, silly! Can't you see, Athrun's been staring at you all the time since he arrived yesterday. Even now, he couldn't take his eyes off you," Mir pointed at Athrun, who were talking with Kira and the other.

When Cagalli turned her head towards him, their eyes caught each other for a while. After what seemed to be an eternity, they both looked away.

"See what I mean? You guys are so perfect together!" Mir exclaimed, with a hint of mischievous. Cagalli was stunned. Definitely Dearka's fault. Period!

"Nonsense! Totally ridiculous!" she protested. Even though that came out of her mouth, she didn't feel quite right. As if the words were not actually came from her heart. But she quickly pushed the thoughts away.

"Oh, really? We'll see about that!" Mir said, didn't want to give up. They're acting like it was no big deal but I can see their attraction towards each other. Athrun maybe popular among the girls but he had his eyes only on Cagalli. I can just tell by the way he looked at her just now.

"Just drop the case, okay? I'm sorry that I can't go to the mall with you," Cagalli apologized once again and excused herself. As she walked to the parking lot, someone tapped her gently on the shoulder. She turned around, just to gaze up on a pair of emerald eyes.

"Are you busy at the moment?" he asked her.

"As a matter of fact, I am. So please, get out of my way," she said, trying to get past him. She expected him to stop her like always but he just stood there, without moving a muscle.

"Do you really hate me that much?" he asked softly when she was a few steps away from him. There were a few people at the parking lot, but they weren't paying any attention to them both.

She stopped at her track and frowned. "What did you just say?" she turned to him.

Athrun walked to her and bowed a little. "I'm so sorry about yesterday. It was foolish of me to treat you like that. I know you must really hate me by now but I won't give up apologizing until you forgive me," he said firmly.

Cagalli was speechless. She was surprised at his action. When he raised himself, his eyes looked determined and he didn't even crack a smile. What's wrong with him? It was like he had changed completely. I never thought he could be this serious.

"I…I don't know what to say," she whispered softly.

He walked close to her and leaned forward to her ear. "Just say that you forgive me," he whispered huskily.

She blushed as his breath brushed her ear. Why am I always blushing whenever I'm close to him? It doesn't make any sense as I barely know him. Here he is, asking me to forgive him. I don't know how to react but I just can't forgive him, yet. He needs to learn a lesson about messing up with me!

"Oh, so now you want me to forgive you and just pretend like nothing happen yesterday? In your dream, Zala!" she snapped and walked to her car, leaving Athrun dumbfounded.

"Why can't you just forgive me? It was just an almost kiss, that's all. It's not like I'm gonna rape you or something. I already apologized and it's up to you to forgive me or not," he walked to her. "What, you want me to bend on my knees and beg you?" he added when she said nothing.

Cagalli clenched her teeth and raised a fist. "You think it's no big deal when you try to play with someone's heart. You're the most arrogant bastard I've ever met and I HATE YOU!" she got in her car, quickly started the engine and drove away.

Athrun just stood there. He felt his heart slowly tearing apart. He frowned. What is this kind of feeling? I've never felt this sad and broken-hearted since Mom died and that was a few years ago. She's the only one who's able to make me feel this way again…

"CAGALLI, WHY HADN'T YOU WAITED FOR ME?!" Cagalli cringed and pulled her cell phone away from her ear.

"Gomen ne, Kira. I forgot," she said timidly.

"I'VE TOLD YOU TO WAIT FOR ME AS I HAVE MEETING WITH THE SHARP-SHOOTING CLUB! NOW, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GO HOME?!" Kira said angrily.

"You could take the bus…"

"NO WAY! I'M NOT WASTING MY MONEY WHILE THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! COME AND PICK ME UP NOW!" he shouted and hung up.

She sighed. Sometimes, her twin brother can be a bit childish. People often mistaken that she was the older twin as she always appeared more mature. But she had to admit that she was to blame. Oh, well. I better go now or Kira would make my life more miserable!

She drove back to their college, hoping that Kira's anger would subside. She even forgot about her problem with Athrun for a while.

As she arrived, she spotted Kira at the bus stand. She quickly drove there and stopped in front of him.

"Gomen, Kira," she immediately said.

"It's okay. I'm sorry too that I shouted at you earlier," Kira got in the car, she make a turn and drove away.

"Are you sure it's okay?" she asked again.

"Yes, I'm serious. But…"

"Hah! I knew it! You won't easily forgive me if there's no refund. Am I right, bro?" she chuckled.

"Hehe, you are the smartest sister I've ever had," he grinned.

"I am the only sister you have, silly!" she poked him playfully.

"So, let's headed to the nearest and expensive restaurant, where my wealthy sister would treat me!" he said playfully, taking advantage of his sister's position as the Princess of Orb.

"Aye, aye captain!" she laughed. Every time she made mistakes, Kira would have her treated him food, only at expensive restaurants. She didn't mind coz he's the only sibling she had and she love him more than anything in the world. Well, including her adopted father too, of course!

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Recently, my internet access was under construction. Therefore, I'm so sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy this chapter and plz review as usual!