The café was a bit small, but its interior looked sophisticated. The patrons inside appeared to be from well-to-do families because most of them were wearing simple but branded clothes and modest-looking watches, but in reality, they were worth hundreds of thousands.
Jaden was very pleased. Noah Alva brought him into this café because the senior knew that Jaden belonged to this world. That he was also worthy of being labelled as a young master and he was on his way to the top.
“Thank you for bringing me here, senior. This place looks wonderful!” Jaden exclaimed.
Noah Alva just smiled at him. “Order anything you want. My treat.”
Jaden felt thrilled. He looked at the menu handed by a server and was not surprised when he saw the prices of the food. He was really inside a high-end café, ah! Their most affordable pastry and coffee combo was worth half of Jaden’s allowance for a month. Jaden ordered the most expensive food on the menu, along with the special brewed coffee that was ten times more expensive than what was being sold in ordinary cafés.
Jaden started to sweet-talk his way to Noah Alva. His goal was to be close friends with him before they could leave the café. Jaden was so confident that he could do it easily. Noah Alva would definitely be smitten by his charm alone.
However, Jaden noticed something. While he was talking eagerly to his senior, Noah was not saying anything but just kept on smiling. Well, who cares? Jaden thought. He was too elated to be in Noah’s presence, who cares if Noah was too quiet, right? At least he was smiling at him…
Well, because of too much confidence, Jaden failed to notice the true meaning of Noah’s smile towards him.
Jaden kept on talking and talking and talking. He continued to praise his senior while eating. Jaden laughed, joked, and boasted while sipping his expensive coffee. When he finished his food, he wanted to order more, but he was stopped by Noah.
“I don’t want to leave this place yet, senior. Let me order some more…” Jaden gave Noah his loveliest smile.
Noah shook his head. “We’re not leaving yet…and I have something to give you. I’m sure you’ll be thrilled.”
Jaden’s eyes lit up. “Wow! Thank you, senior!”
He was expecting for Noah to give him an expensive gift, but Jaden was handed two manila envelopes.
“Open the first one…” Noah persuaded him.
With shaking hands, Jaden opened the first envelope. Maybe Noah would give him something…like a land title? Jaden giggled at the thought. It was too ambitious, but not impossible. He saw a pile of documents inside. Jaden excitedly took them out of the envelope and began to read the documents. He was smiling from ear to ear, however; his smile gradually faded when he finally understood what was written on the documents.
It was a report about his bullying during high school. The reports included the names of the victims, how he bullied them, and victims’ recollections of his bullying spree. Of course, Fran’s name was there, though, it was specified in the report that Fran didn’t have any idea about what Jaden had done to him.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Ktfc, atf batfg gfqbga lcmievfv tbk tf rqgfjv atbrf wjilmlber gewbgr jybea Mgjc jgbecv mjwqer. Pa jirb rajafv atja Ajvfc tjv lcralujafv j tjafoei atgfjv lc atf rmtbbi obgew ab oegatfg vjwjuf Mgjc’r gfqeajalbc lc atf ktbif eclnfgrlas. Ktfgf kfgf rmgffcrtbar bo atf rjlv rmtbbi obgew atgfjv lcmievfv lc atf gfqbga.
“S-senior…” Jaden’s voice cracked. Beads of sweat were forming on his forehead. “L-let me explain!”
He heard Noah Alva laughed. Jaden had goosebumps all over his body. When he saw Noah smiled at him again, Jaden finally understood. Noah’s smile was not out of fondness towards him. Noah’s smile was cold and frightening. Jaden felt his knees become weak.
“How does it feel like to be treated well by someone like me?” Noah said in a mocking voice. “Did the coffee taste good? Did the food satisfy your taste palate? I hope they do because after this, you won’t have the chance to eat delicious food again.” Noah handed him the second manila envelope.
Jaden had no other choice but to open the second envelope. He was expecting for another set of reports about him, however, it was not the case this time—it was more horrifying. The documents inside the second envelope comprised an investigation about Jaden’s father’s shady business dealings. The reports stated that Jaden’s father was involved in smuggling, bribery, and financial fraud.
“Senior, please, don’t do this to my family…” Jaden was too frightened, he couldn’t help but cry. “I know you’re doing this because of Fran. I’ll apologize to him—”
“You think if you apologize to Fran, everything will be settled?” Noah cut him off. “Just so you know, I didn’t let you see these reports to threaten you. I am just simply informing you. Wait for the headlines tomorrow…”
“No!” Jaden shouted. “Why are you doing this for someone like Fran? He’s not worth it!”
“You don’t know anything about Fran.” said Noah in a serious tone. Then, he stood up. “Your family’s downfall won’t even mean a single thing in Fran’s life. He doesn’t care about you. You and your family do not matter to him.”
“Then, why are you taking this too far, senior?” Jaden couldn’t understand.
Noah tapped Jaden’s shoulder. “Fran doesn’t care, but I do. The reason is simple: You messed with someone I love, Jaden. You deserve hell for everything you did to my Fran…”
Jaden’s body stiffened. He wanted to say something, but couldn’t afford to do so. Just when he thought Noah couldn’t be more frightening—the latter leaned over, placed a hand on his neck, and whispered in Jaden’s ear:
“I really want to smash your head on the floor and stab you to death. But, I know Fran won’t like it. I have to control myself. Always remember that you survived today because I do not want Fran to hate me…” Jaden felt Noah’s hand tighten its grip on his neck. “Do not show your face again to Fran. I don’t want you to be near him. I can be more frightening than this. Try me…”
Jaden’s bladder gave out. A warm and smelly liquid gushed down on his thighs. He was too terrified; he thought he would die on the spot.
Noah gave him a frightening smile one last time. Then, Noah paid for their bill and left without looking.
Jaden sobbed uncontrollably. He fucked up big time.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Sob. Sob. Sob
*****
The next day, two announcements and a newspaper headline shocked the public.
The first announcement came from K Integrated High School. It was posted in the school’s website.
The statement clarified that a certain former student with the surname Olin was never involved in any misdemeanor and had never been suspended during his time as a student at K Integrated High School. Moreover, the school also explained that the accused student had never been caught cheating by any of the teachers. As a matter of fact, the student was a consistent honor student. The school also stated that they were a respectable institution and would not let any of their former students suffer from malicious rumors. The statement ended with a subtle warning for those people who wanted to vilify the school’s reputation and its innocent students.
The second announcement came from the dean of S University’s business department. It was posted on the department’s notice board.
It stated in the announcement that a freshman named Jaden Andrew Scott, was expelled from S University. The said student would not be permitted to re-admit himself in any courses and was perpetually banned from the university.
The newspaper headline was of a businessman named Richard Anthony Scott who was involved in different immoral dealings involving some of the highest-ranking people from the government. The issue was too great of a deal; the netizens were having a field day.
All of these were happening while Fran was sleeping soundly. He only woke up when he received a call from Noah.
“Are you sleeping?” Noah’s voice sounded happy on the other line.
“It’s okay…” Fran replied. He didn’t meet Noah because Fran didn’t have any lectures today.
“Hmm, did you watch the news or surf the net?”
Fran was confused. “What do you mean?” Noah knew that Fran didn’t like to watch the news and that he seldom surf the net.
Noah laughed. “Nothing. I was just asking.”
Fran didn’t push the topic more. “Okay. So, what are you doing?”
“Hmm, talking to you?”
Why did it sound so cute? Argh! “I mean, are you free this Saturday?” Fran asked.
“Of course! I am always free for you.”
“Do you want to watch a movie?” Fran bit his lip. Noah would always be the first to invite him to different places. Now, it was Fran’s turn.
Noah relied immediately. “Sure. What do you want to watch?”
“Ah, no. You pick the movie. I want to know what you like, Noah.”
“You.”
Fran thought he heard it wrong. “What did you say?”
Noah was silent for a moment. Then, he started to laugh. “I’m sorry, Fran. A new world war may ensue any moment, but, I bet you’ll still be as oblivious as you are right now. Well, it’s my own cross to bear. Hahahaha.”
“What are you saying?” Fran said while shaking his head. “So, are we still up for Saturday?”
“Yes!”
“And the movie that you like? Please tell me!” Fran exclaimed.
Noah said a title of a movie. It was unfamiliar to Fran, so he decided to research about it after the call. The phone call lasted for more than an hour.
Fran was excited for Saturday. Besides the movie, Fran was planning to cook some food for Noah. He also wanted to give Noah a handmade gift.
So, it’s a date!
Fantastic! Thank you dear author.
😊😊😊
Hahahaha I’m so happy right now …all the negative rumors about Fran has been cleared..and..Damn Jaden got what he deserves…!!! I’m gonna sleep like a log now😂😂
Thanks for the chapter 🥰🥰🥰 love it!!
Sweet dreams. Hehehehe ☺️
I’m a bit scared, Noah is too good to be true… Something isn’t right.. 😕
Fran: minding his own business, sticking to himself, living his life, loving his books…
Jaden: I HATE HIM. WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS? I AM BETTER THAN HIM.Fran: who are you again?thanks for the chapter! <3
Gentle waters turn savage when churned.
Nice face slapping!
Thank you for the chapter <3
Haha and Fran never even noticed anything? Jaden us what we call small potatoes where I come from.