~Recap~

It has been a couple of hours already and the time of the college's batch was already over. Theo wanted to see Cindy lurking and struggling around in the trashed look but the lady was real quick with getting herself a decent look within the lunch hour. Probably her dad or mum's favor but who cares? At least Theo didn't, for sure.

The only thing that he was caring about and could say even concerning was Azura.

He has not seen her ever since the event caused in the cafeteria. He wondered if how she managed with her sticky jacket and all and he really wished if he could help her with it. But that's only if she'd let him and mostly, if he could find her successfully at this very moment because the said young woman seemed to have ghosted him already.

That is until his orbs finally land on the desired orbit. On the desired living being.

“Azura.”

______

Only if Azura could get supplies and sources as quickly as Cindy got with anything and everything.

Azura's outfit was still stained. Although it looked as if the said lady had attempted hard in the restroom to wash it right there but of course, it was just a university restroom still and so it was probably the best she could.

Theo felt extremely bad for the young lady. His attempt to make Cindy understand Azura's situation even failed because the girl was a literal daddy's girl who got everything she wanted.

However, there was still something —or more like someone— which Cindy didn't have but Azura did.

“Theo? You're still here? The batches were over a while ago already.”

A subtle smile appears over the man's lips as he reaches the lady farther. “Well, I know. But, still thanks so much for the information provided. Ms. Barnes.”

Theo's absurd answer makes Azura roll her eyes as “Well, thanks to you, too, for confirming this with me but of course, that's not what I meant, Mr. Lance.”

Chuckling at Azura's remark, Theo perks, “Whoa, whoa. Did you just call me by my name? Although the last name, it still gave me chills because all I could hear from you to address were pronouns but never any noun. Never my name.” The man almost whispers the last line which now gives Azura chills as well.

To hide the blush rising in her characteristics, Azura averts her gaze from the man as she lowers her face. But Theo has already sensed her shy state. Which is why his confidence boosts as a slight smirk takes place on his face. “And, may I know why is that, Azura?” He purrs and it seems that Azura was definitely losing her cool to him and would have leaned herself over him whjch Theo definitely would not mind. However, the soaked and sticky substance over Azura's clothing brought both of the youngsters to reality.

“Oh, right. This. I'm so very sorry, Azura. For whatever happened in the canteen, I couldn't even do anything for you nor could I protect you.”

Now after hearing these very words of Theo, Azura's expression shifts real quick from a flattered one to a frowned one. “Why would you need to do anything for me? And most of all, why would you need to protect me? You are not my bodyguard. Besides, I don't need protection.”

And of course, the ending sentence sounded oh so inappropriate that both Theo and Azura had to purse their lips at the realisation of how it sounded. Azura rephrased. “I mean, I can protect myself on my own.”

“Yeah. Could clearly see that when that Cindy bitch humiliates you and just let her fly freely everytime.”

“That's my personal matter.”

“Oh really? Because it was shamelessly done in public.”

“And why do you care!”

Azura's voice was audible only because it was intensively loud. Otherwise, her smack on her locker was definitely really strong to have the whole campus echo in sound. Especially judging by the dent freshly made on it. Theo wondered if Azura realized that or not. He'd rather choose to let it go as he was asked a question. Which he must answer.

“I care because…” The man breaks on his statement because obviously, why does he care?

“Because I believe you are my friend. I mean, at least I do so. Especially when we're having lunch together. It does give me the authority to be your friend.” Although Theo tried hard to sound brave, the gear inside him could be sensed. Of course he was afraid of Azura. Especially after just what she did, any sane being would.

Thankfully, he didn't receive a snack right on his but a verbal reply instead. “Well, great. Because you're not even going to get the authority beyond it.” Azura snaps as she begins walking past Theo. Only to be stopped by him as he holds onto her wrist, again.

Daggers were shot by Azura at the man as he quickly loosened his grip, let alone the unintended skinship.

“I, I'm sorry. It wasn't meant to happen I…” Theo stutters.

“Is this some part of your mannerisms or something?”

“N-no. I mean yes. I mean no. Not this definitely. Gosh, I'm screwed!”

“Then good because I don't have a screwdriver anyway. Now, bye as I'm on my way.”

“Wait, Azura. You can't go with this over you.” Theo motioned at Azura's stained hoodie.

Realising about her jacket, Azura sighs and says, “Right.” After mumbling the one word to herself, she smoothly pulls the jacket off of her. She most probably didn't remember that she was in front of Theo which is why she swirled her long and blonde hair freely as she freed herself from the baggy fabric.

Theo was left astonished by the beautifully miraculous view in front of him.

He was taken back to actuality when he hears Azura muttering. Or to be clear, she wasn't really muttering, it was just Theo who thought she was because he was way too engaged with admiring the beauty of this goddess when all she did was to remove her jacket from her body which was still covered mannerly with other pieces of clothing.

Yet she amazed him like no other did. Azura amazed Theo like no one else did.