During lunch break, I was sitting alone in the cafeteria, eating the sandwich which was made by my aunt when Melissa pulled out a chair and sat on it.

I raised my eyebrows at the sight of her burger and she chuckled, "I decided to go with your advice." Then she took a bite and hummed, "This is heaven."

I shook my head, "you're crazy!"

She just winked at me and continued eating.

Then I remembered and asked, "Hey, I saw Ashton in our class but he is younger than us, right?"

"Oops," she shook her head. "It's my fault. I should have explained you."

"Explained what?"

"That it's me who is older than Ashton."

"But it's the same thing?" I asked, getting more confused now.

"No," she waved her hand in the air. "It's not because I'm older than you also."

My mouth fell. "What do you mean? God, this is so confusing." I rubbed my forehead in frustration.

"When I was in eighth grade, I got Typhoid during my final exams. My condition got worse and I was admitted to the hospital. I was not allowed to go outside for one month. So, I repeated the whole year."

I was taken aback by her words. "What? Repeated the whole year? That must have been hell!"

She shook her head, a small smile forming on her lips. "No. Because Ashton was there with me. He supported me, even helped me in my studies and you know what," she said, leaning closer as it was a secret, "he is the reason why I'm studying Advanced classes, especially Math."

I choked on the milkshakes which I was drinking, and Melissa immediately stood up to pat my back. "I'm okay," I reassured her and asked, "but what do you mean by especially Math?"

She stared at me for a few seconds, trying to understand why I was suddenly interested in her brother's life, "He is a genius in Math. It’s his favourite subject. That's why everyone was surprised when you finished that test before Ashton. I guess he is going through a rough patch. He doesn't study like before," she finished and was lost in her thoughts.

"That's what you were discussing in Math class?" I blurted out.

She narrowed her eyes but I could see the mischievous glint in them. "Why are you asking so much questions about my brother?” She wiggled her eyebrows, "what's up? Do you have a crush on him or something?"

I opened my mouth to protest but my eyes popped out when I noticed the devil himself walking in our direction.

"C'mon, you can tell me. I won't tell a single soul," said Melissa, who was unaware that his presence continued pursuing me.

"Shut your mouth right now," I hissed, glaring at her.

"Why? You're crushing on-"

I shouted, "Melissa!"

"On whom?" Ashton decided to interrupt our lovely conversation and plopped down on a seat.

"Um," Melissa nervously glanced at me and then suddenly started laughing. "You got it wrong," she stopped, scratching the back of her head.

"Okay then, correct me," Ashton replied and crossed his arms, making her more nervous.

"It's none of your business," I spat out when I noticed that Melissa was not able to sort this. I looked directly at Ashton and repeated, "It's none of your business."

He slowly nodded his head and said, "Whatever."

Melissa chuckled nervously  and I took a breath of relief but not before giving her a glare.

"So," Ashton said and we both looked at him. Then he asked, "Who are you, Ashley?

“What do you want to know?” I cocked my eyebrow confidently, ignoring the unsettling feeling in my stomach.

He narrowed his eyes, “Like your last name?”

"Hey, I heard Mrs.Gail calling you with your last name. It's Conner, right?" Melissa piped in.

I let out a nervous laugh, "Yeah. Ashley Conner."

"Where are you from? And why you moved here...?" Ashton asked again, intently watching my every move.

I bit my lip, quickly glancing at my watch.

Ten minutes left.

I couldn't tell him about New York. After that he would surely ask about my previous school and why I moved here in the first place. This was not good.

Talking with Melissa was easy because she never pushed me for any details.

"You can't interrogate my friend like that, bro," Melissa playfully punched his shoulder and distracted him. I felt myself relaxing as he broke his stare with me and turned towards her.

"What? I was just trying to get to know her," Ashton said, shooting me a curious glance.

"You don't have to. I asked you to behave nicely with her. That's all. Now go, I need to talk to her about girl stuff," Melissa scolded him.

"Well, we continue this later, Conner." Ashton stood, narrowing his eyes at me and walked away.

I flinched, realising his sudden interest in my life.

"Don't worry about him, Ashely." Melissa nudged me, giving me a soft smile.

"Thank you," I muttered, looking everywhere but at her.

"Anytime."

I smiled back.

She didn't ask anything more.

And that's what I wanted!

**

It was Saturday, meaning I didn't have to go school, but I woke up early to go for a run.

After running continuously for fifteen minutes, I stopped to catch my breath and decided to take a different route.

I didn't have school, so why not explore this beautiful city?

I jogged slowly and spotted a small road beside a lake so I followed the path.

After running for a few minutes, I took some sharp turns and stopped in front of a beautiful garden, admiring the different roses.

Suddenly, my throat felt dry and I looked around in search of water or something to quench my thirst.

I noticed a small cafe at the end of the street and walked there. I sighed in relief, noticing the “open” sign on the door and entered.

The interior of the cafe was refreshing and homelike. The artificial grass used at the floor looked so beautiful and matched with the nature-themed wallpaper. I suddenly felt fresh and energetic.

"May I help you?" A voice broke the chain of my thoughts.

I smiled sheepishly at the cute barista who was of my age, wearing a white shirt under a red apron with a red cap on his head. "Sorry,” I grinned, “It's so welcoming and refreshing in here. I literally lost myself."

He laughed and I noticed the small dimple forming on his right cheek. "I can understand. This place is quite famous for it's ambience."

I smiled. "What are your specials?”

He handed me a menu, which I flipped open and scanned through. I was surprised when I notice the Italian dishes they served. I thought it was just a small cafe.

"We have a covered back area also," he answered, reading my thoughts. "But that is reserved so you need to book a table in advance."

I shot him a surprised look but kept my mouth closed.

What’s so special about the backyard? I mean, the ambience was amazing inside but still, advanced booking? That was unbelievable. Also, the place was so far from the crowded area, so who would go there?

Maybe someone who wanted a little peace?

A sudden wave of curiosity was born inside me. "Can I see the backyard?" I asked in a sweet, flirty tone.

"Um." He glanced around helplessly and said quietly, "Sorry. It's closed for now but if you come back tomorrow then I'll show you."

"Why not today?" I pouted.

"My uncle, who owns the cafe, will be on leave tomorrow.  I can show you without getting scolded by him," He smiled apologetically.

I chuckled loudly at his uncomfortable situation. "It's okay. I'll check it out later."

He smiled, “Awesome. So, what do you want to order?"

"I don't know," I said, putting down the menu and smirking, "why don't you surprise me?"

His grin widened and he nodded, "Challenge accepted." After that he mock saluted and went inside the kitchen.

Wow, I couldn't believe that. I still had those flirtatious skills inside me.

Don't cross your limits, Ash! My inner voice reminded me.

But I was just having fun. After so many days, there was nothing wrong in a little healthy flirting.

"I didn't know you had it in you." A deep, familiar voice rang in my ears and I snapped my head to the end of the cafe, noticing a tall guy sitting there with his back facing me.

What the hell?