~Recap~

The sudden raise of the professor's voice takes the entire room's attention. The teacher sighs a little before calming the tone and resuming ahead. “What are you? Some kindergarteners? We're in the middle of an ongoing batch of university. But you two can't keep your raffled mouths shut for even a couple of moments.”

“But Professor, Theo and Azura are also talking…” Cindy attempts to get the duo caught but seems like she fails when both of them happen to be silent. Azura lowers her eyes which satisfies Cindy to know that the girl was still scared of her but her satisfaction fades right away when she receives a mocking wink from Theo.

“You bloody–”

“Ahem, ahem, language, Miss Sean.” Says the teacher, not letting the student finish the curse. “Anyway, you two, out of my class.”

Both Cindy and Leanne stared at each other before they stared back at the teacher. “But, Professor…”

“Out of my class, now!”

______

The scenario at that very moment in the class was just hilarious and Azura legitimately wanted to laugh at Cindy getting detention for something that Theo and she did.

Well, not really her because neither did she want to get anyone else in such a situation, nor she herself was interested in talking to Theo in the middle of the class that too after getting late. Or okay, maybe she was somewhat interested in talking to him but of course not during an ongoing batch. And she could do anything to prove that!

Just like how she was suspiciously trying to settle in the canteen in an attempt to avoid the former. It looked more as if she had committed some real big crime and was trying to escape the cops.

“Hi, Azura. It's rare to see you here at the food counter. Did you forget to bring lunch today?”

Azura was so lost into her own hide and seek act that she didn't even realise if when she came across the canteen counter. Turning back towards the direction of the voice, “Oh, hello. Miss Sally.” The startled student greets the catering staff.

“So, you got here to get yourself some fresh and great meals served by us? I can already assure you that you will like it and it won't even empty your pocket. Such at a cheap price.”

Although Azura already had her lunchbox in her hands which was quite visible, the catering lady couldn't see it or maybe she just didn't bother because, who would bother anything else than potential sale?

“Well, I have brought my lunch but, of course. Why won't I try such a great and cheap meal?” That literally came out her mouth automatically and she already had a feeling that she was just emptying her pocket for the worse.

The other woman chuckled at Azura's reply. “It's the price which is cheap, Azura. Not the food, my dear. And of course, I'll serve you right away.” Sally began arranging the food in the tray and Azura kept standing dumbstruck as if she just didn't order this food for herself.“Here you are. And that will just be twenty bucks.”

Whoa, seriously? Azura definitely wasn't going for this. “Oh really? That's really cheap for all this stuff. Thank you, Sally. I'll make sure to keep visiting from time to time now.” Azura slipped the money from her pockets and handed it to the latter.

“Pleasure is all mine. And I can tell you that after today, you'll forget about your homemade food and visit here everyday.” Sally beamed.

“Sounds about right. Especially when the price is so cheap.” Azura purred as she carried the tray and looked at the food and now she was actually doubting if it was the price that was cheap or this food?

She then began walking while holding her box at the same time which almost made her trip to the ground.

Why almost? Well, because she was already embraced before she could touch the ground.

“Azura, you okay?”

The voice was already familiar. Azura didn't have to second guess who it was. Who was Azura's saviour…

“Theo…” The name came already as a whisper from Azura and the said lady herself didn't know as to why she did that. Like, it felt as if they were alone that only subtle noises were enough to hear each other which somehow even was.

But the other fact was, they were not alone. They were in the middle of the whole canteen and now everyone was staring at them!

Coming back to her senses, Azura blinked instantly before she struggled to pull away from the man and settled herself in the spot. “Y-yeah, Theo I'm fine but… My food…” She began searching around on the floor as she added interrogatively. “My food, where did it fall?”

“You mean this?” Theo asked, taking the lady's attention and Azura's lips curve into a smile before breaking right away when she could see only the canteen tray.

A chuckle came out of Theo's mouth as he witnessed the expression of the latter. He then slid forward his other hand and this time the smile on Azura's face stayed still. “Or this? Mmm… This little box smells delicious just by the outside to be honest.”

Azura obviously didn't like the man indirectly preying on her food but what was worse, when he playfully teased Azura by passing it to her first before snatching it back to his side.

Growling almost came from the lady as Theo begins speaking, “Whoa, whoa. I'm just kidding. That's definitely your food, I definitely won't bear to bother against you.” He forwarded the tiffin towards Azura and she didn't even take a second to grip onto it.

He chuckled as he forwarded the tray afterwards and Azura would lie if she didn't admit that she was surprised that this guy managed to keep all the stuff in place while catching her from falling as well. Was he superhuman or something?

No way a normal rural boy could have such great athletics. But then again, he wasn't normal at all. Not for Azura at least.

“Isn't it rude that I saved you…” Theo spoke halfway and was already offered stern glares from Azura. “Your food I mean.” He rephrased. “And I didn't even receive a simple thanks in return?”

Well, right. Where did Azura's manners go?

“Yeah, thank you very much.” Azura thanked but sounded more like a warning. Theo would definitely struggle a lot understanding this young lady.

“Ouch, my pleasure.” The man said dramatically. Azura rolled her eyes before she looked back at him as he spoke further. “Anyway, what should I get myself? Do you have any suggestions on what I can get from the food court, Azura?”

Azura was so ready to tell Theo to freak off bit then something hit her mind. “I actually have a better idea. You can eat with me since I got myself extra meals.” She motioned to the canteen tray while beaming in glee.

Theo could not believe his eyes or ears because did Azura just invite him on a lunch date?