Baited by Love

Silence stretched on for a few seconds, and sweat began to bead on Marcus' forehead. Suddenly, he forced a grin. "Um… Sabrina? Could we study together?"

Damn! Who even taught him to smile like that? I had never seen anyone try this hard before.

When I still didn't respond, Marcus started panicking, and his hands trembled.

I'd had enough of watching him look like he was about to suffocate, so I finally spoke. "Of course! I'd love to, Mr. Perfect! Studying with you would be a dream come true!"

I showered him with praise, practically putting him on a pedestal. Instead of looking flattered, Marcus got even more awkward.

"I-I'll see you at the library after school," he stammered.

Having said that, he spun on his heel and bolted, panic clear in every step.

…

I hummed a little tune as I walked into the classroom, feeling like I had just won the lottery.

Valerie was already there. When she saw me, she handed me a small bag of cookies. "Sabby, I baked these last night and saved them just for you."

I was so touched.

"Oh, sweetie! I'll love you forever!" I squealed.

Strangely, ever since Caleb and Valerie reunited, she hadn't shown any reaction. When he brought up the past, she said lightly, "I don't really remember. But meeting you now isn't so bad."

Valerie was cold toward Caleb, as though he were a stranger. Yet, she was glued to me.

She had to sit next to me at lunch, follow me to the water fountain, and even insisted on tagging along to the bathroom.

When I told her she smelled good, she grabbed my wrist and pressed it against hers. "There, you can have a bit too."

I complimented her looks, and she yanked me close, making me look at her properly. "What's pretty? Be specific."

I said her skirt looked nice, and the very next day, I found a matching one in my backpack.

Goodness! If I didn't know she was completely straight, I'd think she was flirting with me. The whole teasing routine she pulled off was seriously lethal. I nearly switched sides on the spot.

I was completely oblivious to Caleb sitting right behind me. When I was about to press the cookies into Valerie's hand, he kicked my chair and snapped, "Are you trying to starve me?"

I shot upright, frantically fishing a sandwich from my bag. "Babe, the egg is cooked just right, tons of ketchup, and no lettuce. Just the way you like it."

He hummed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. That was approval enough.

After that, I turned back and handed Valerie the cookies.

"Here, these are yours," I said with a smile.

She beamed as she took them. In the next instant, she leaned in to kiss me.

I laughed and leaned back, narrowly avoiding her kiss.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Caleb in the back row. His face clouded over with anger, and I sat up straight, my heart skipping a beat.

What if he thought I was trying to make a move on Valerie? Then, the whole matchmaking plan would be ruined.

I couldn't afford to let anything go wrong.

…

I spent the entire day on edge. When the last bell finally rang, I grabbed my bag and made a beeline for the library.

Our school's crown jewel was the exclusive study room. It featured private cubicles with excellent soundproofing, bright lights, and even ergonomic chairs.

Marcus was the ultimate academic overachiever, and he occupied the largest cubicle.

I hummed a tune as I pushed the door open and immediately spotted him sitting at the desk, his back perfectly straight.

The moment he looked up and saw me, he stiffened. He didn't know what to do with his hands, his legs shifting in and stretching out again. He was so innocent it was almost unreal.

I clicked my tongue softly and strolled over.

As I slid into the chair beside Marcus, my hip brushed lightly against his thigh. His body went rigid instantly, as if he had just been zapped.

I pretended to flip open my book, then sighed. "Oh no. I forgot my pen. Mind lending me one, Mr. Perfect?"