The Kiss?

The journey from the corridor to classroom was one to remember.

Everyone stared at Tanya and Jaeson as if they were aliens. No one could blame them, after all bullying was the normal not apologising for one's own mistakes.

Sitting in the classroom… Tanya looked at Jaeson.

He was sitting in the front row…as if nothing had happened. And she was unable to believe it.

It was indeed hard to believe. The person who made fun of you for your slightest mistakes, the person who aggravated your already existing problems, suddenly apologised… what was she supposed to feel? Relief- that there won't be any more problems…?

Tanya sighed. She knew her problems were far from over, if anything this will only instigate others. She felt defeated…

Someone from the front seat passed a paper over. Tanya raised her eyebrows… she opened it.

"Don't think it's over you sl*t…. you might have taken Jaeson over with your dirty ways but not us. Let's see what you can do…"

"Holy sh*t"

Anna tried to grab the paper from Tanya's hold in vain.

"Tanya…." Anna pleaded

Tanya let out a sigh… it's definitely not over.

On the other hand Karina was happy…. The way Tanya's face lost its colour, the way she kept her head low… Karina knew her little threat was working.

The moment she entered the corridor, she could see the accusing eyes… the sly remarks… giggles…

She didn't want to face anyone… she was scared. It was no longer about her accent, it was not about her being a foreigner or being intelligent, now she was the wanted sl*t. Her existence itself was enough to be bullied

"Prof David is waiting for you in his office."

I nodded.

Prof David looked at them

"Tanya and Jaeson... Both of you'll be representing the university in the upcoming chemical innovation competition. I believe both of you have their own strength and weaknesses, and if you work together we can win this... What do you think?"

Tanya looked at Jaeson. The faces in the corridor flashed before her eyes.

"Sir, I'm…" Tanya was not allowed to complete.

"Yes, sir. We'll work together."

The walk to cafe was silent.

Sitting down on the corner, Jaeson asked "You were not going to accept this. Right?"

Tanya looked down. Fidgeting her fingers.

"I apologised to you. I told you it was my mistake. Are you going to hold it against me all the time? Don't be a kid…"

I could see her eyes brimming with tears… she was struggling not to cry.

"What is it?"

The answer was a crumpled piece of paper.

"I'm sorry…. I … I didn't know it'll come to this. I just thought that since I made fun of you in front of everyone, it's better to apologise in front of them too. I didn't know they'll turn it against you."

"Are you okay?"

Tanya simply nodded her head.

"I'm scared… I understand you and your intentions but they scare me….I don't want to get involved with you anyway. I think it's better for me to stay away from you."

Jaeson held her hands.

"You know they won't stop at this right… today it's about me and tomorrow it's about something else. If you give in to their threats, then you'll never be able to come out of this loop."

"Jaeson, you don't understand..."

"Are you going to let this opportunity go because of those people? I'm sure if you refuse to participate Prof David will chose someone else and maybe you'll never even get such chances in the future… Are you going to let your dreams go? Just like that? I'm sure it wasn't easy to come here and just think about all the efforts you put in… I don't want you to regret your decisions and … listen ultimately it's your call. Whether you want to fight them or you know just give in to it…"

Tanya listened to Jaeson intently. His words were making her rethink her decisions…

"Hmm…"

"Hmm?"

"Let's do this. I can't let them play with my future."

Jaeson smiled. Her eyes glistening.

"So I was thinking if we can do something with Nano chemistry?" I suggested.

"That was predictable..."

I glared at him. Is he really the same person from minutes ago?

"Then care to give any idea?"

"I'm sure most of the projects will be on Nano chemistry... So let's skip that okay. Instead why don't we try something different, like green energy technology…?"

Jaeson replied. He made sense but

"It'll take a lot of time..."

"Yeah, do you think we can win it without putting in effort?"

He is really getting on my nerves.

I couldn't help but look at her. The way she let out that sigh... She was cute. Maybe cute isn't the word. She, she looks adorable when irritated. That pout, the way her eyes squint...

"Adorable and cute... Is there really any difference?"

I did a mental slap.

"Did you say something?"

"No... Nothing at all."

Tanya looked at him with suspicion... He was acting weird...

Jaeson couldn't help himself.

He leaned forward... His lips touching Tanya's.

It felt like electricity was passing through them.

Her eyes widened... Hands trying to push him out. Jaeson held her hands, dragging her towards himself, deepening the kiss.

A slap echoed around the cafe.

Jaeson held his burning cheeks... They were red.