Chapter - 1

Enough with this staring stuff. I'm done. Today, I'm going to tell him that I like him. I'm not backing down this time.

I went over to where he was sitting. I stood in front of him. Everyone's gaze was fixed on me, anticipating what I would do next. I chose to ignore them because I was completely focused on him. My heart was pounding quicker than usual. He was staring at me intently. Damn! His eyes were captivating. His lips are sculpted in the ideal shape for kissing. How do you manage to look so good? He opened his sealed lips and asked, "What!?"

My heart pounded faster! I began to perspire. This is something I can't handle. I pumped up my courage and screamed, "I LIKE YOU!!"

There was a moment of silence. There were no responses either.

I gently opened my eyes and saw him. He was beaming. Is he grinning? Oh my goodness!!! He's smiling! That means... wait... his smile is now fading. His big lips grew flattened, and his brow furrowed. Something isn't right.

He slammed the bench and yelled, "Come out!"

"What?"

I was confused.

"Come on out! It's getting late! You'd better get out of bed or..."

"What?"

Suddenly, I was being dragged along behind and tripped over something. I blinked and opened my eyes. I noticed the fluorescent stars affixed to the ceiling. I used to enjoy watching it, but now I despise it because it reminds me that I was still in my room, dreaming about him.

I let out a big sigh.

Only in my fantasies are my confessions always cheerful. I want it to happen in real life as well. Wil, my crush, is the boy I dreamed about.

"Are you awake?" asked a voice from the opposite side door of my room which made me pull from my wonderful dream with Wil. That was my older brother, Sven.

"YES!" I exclaimed back at him.

After that, there was silence. I believe he left.

I sat up straight on the bed, put on my glasses, and checked my phone. There was still time for my college, which begins at 8 a.m., and it's just 7.30 a.m.

I'm a Freshman at AAA University studying Science and Technology and it's been four months since I joined. I dressed up, placed my books into my bag, and went downstairs for breakfast.

Dad was eating breakfast with Mom at the table. My brother and younger sister were not present. I believe they have already left before me.

Mom called out my name and said, "Come on in for breakfast! Today I made your favourite breakfast. Salad with shrimp and scallops."

"Wow! You are the best mother "said with a grin and took a seat at the dining table.

My father began his usual lecture while I was eating my salad, "Sarah is younger than you, rising up early and getting to the school bus on time… blah… blah… blah…"

I hurriedly finished my plate and stood up, grabbed my bag and said, "Mr Huston, it's not advisable to talk while eating. Otherwise the food will enter the windpipe which may trigger coughing or even choking. Since you're a loving husband and a caring father, I ask you to be careful about it."

Mom laughed when I stated that and dad gave a stare at her.

"Mom! I'm leaving for college. Bye." I said while exiting the house.

"Remember to eat lunch."

"Yes, Mother." And made my way out of the house.

At the bus terminal, I was listening to music while I was waiting for the bus. A notification appeared. I pulled my phone from my pocket to check what it was.

Clara, my dearest buddy and my classmate, has sent me a message. She stated that today's class will be Miss Shelly's.

Shit! How could I have forgotten? She has already given me a lot of detention for being late to her class. I must not miss her class again today or I will be detained. But there's another reason to be in her class too... I smiled to myself and looked at the road. But the bus hasn't arrived! After waiting, I attempted to hail a cab, but there were none available nearby me.

I spotted Blair's car, a red almirah, coming towards me and stopped in front of me. Blair was a neighbourly buddy of mine. We attended the same high school and now attend the same college together, although with different faculties. Her crimson hair made her stand out among the girls. She was extremely popular throughout high school and college.

Blair, lowered the window, wearing dark sunglasses, leaned out and asked, "Do you need a lift?"

"Absolutely!"

"Hop in!" She waved her hand while smiling at me.

I got into her car and hugged her while saying, "You are my guardian angel!"

"Treat me next time!" she said, smirking.

I agreed by nodding.

Not only does she have outstanding appearance, but she also drives very professionally and coolly.

I texted Clara to see if Miss Shelly had come. Since I couldn't reach her, I believe Miss Shelly would have arrived.

An hour later, we arrived at the University, I kissed Blair goodbye and dashed to class.

When I walked into the classroom, I was panting severely... Thank you, God! She has not yet arrived. I took a peek around the classroom. Clara waved at me from the back of the room.

I took a seat beside her and said, "I was afraid about you going offline."

She giggled and held up her phone, "Take a look at Wil's Fanclub, which is growing by the day. He's garnering a lot of support from other faculties as well. Making it tough for you. I wonder what are you going to do about it?"

I joined his Fanclub to get pictures of him shared by his supporters and to keep track of his whereabouts. Not a stalker though.

"Because he's so attractive! He looks amazing in his jersey, especially!" Lia screamed alongside Clara.

Wil, Ace, and Liam from our class are all members of the Basketball Club. These three were chosen to represent the first years.

"Hello there!" Miss Shelly entered and greeted everyone.

Miss Shelly started teaching us about cell communication. I fell asleep without realising it while listening to her talk. She yelled my name, which jolted me awake. I apologised to the teacher and sat straight, and took a look around the classroom. Luna and Zoe were gossiping. At the front, Benjamin and others are taking notes. Justin is staring at his phone. Some of the girls in the back are drooling. Even though I despise her class, I'm here for one and only person, and he was sitting to the right of me.

William Hanks. My crush, who I'm dreaming about everyday.

Wil was paying close attention and taking careful notes. He looked gorgeous, not in the usual sense, but he had that look that made him stand out in a crowd. He was fair, almost white in colour. His unfathomable golden-brown eyes stood out against his light-toned face. Is this what they mean when they say sun-kissed skin? Sun has made me envious.

His face had that distant stare that cannot be conveyed in words. His eyes were as deep and expressive, and you might lose yourself in them if you stare long enough. His smile, which extended up to his ears, shrunk his eyes somewhat and made his cheeks pop, exuded modesty and humility. Above all, his frame and size stood out. He wasn't particularly muscular, with 8 pack abs and 16 centimetre biceps.

However, because of the way he carried himself, he always stood out in a crowd. That, I believe, is why he was chosen for the Basketball club.

Someday, I'd like to be his girlfriend. For the time being, at least in my dreams.

I'm Sam Huston, a first-year student in the Science and Technology faculty and a new member of the cookery club, with a secret love for William Hanks, the boy of many girls' fantasies.