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Chapter 18 - I want an answer

Mike stepped out of the gym into the cool afternoon air. The heat from the weight room faded as a light breeze brushed against his skin. He rolled his sore shoulders and headed toward the dorms.

"Mike."

A familiar voice stopped him.

Eve stood beside the path with her arms crossed. The moment their eyes met, she pushed away from the wall and blocked his way.

"You're not getting away this time," she said, holding his gaze. "I want your answer."

Mike stopped a step away from her. He studied her face for a moment before quietly opening the Interest Meter.

[Eve — Interest: MAX]

The number sat at the very top of the scale.

Mike let the translucent window fade and looked into Eve's eyes again.

"What happened between us..." He paused, choosing his words. "It happened in the heat of the moment. That's all it was."

For a heartbeat, Eve didn't move.

She stared at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. Hurt flickered across her face, followed by frustration. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides before slowly relaxing.

"So that's your answer?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mike stayed silent.

She let out a shaky laugh, more bitter than amused, and shook her head.

"Fine."

Before he could respond, she stepped forward and grabbed his wrist.

"Come with me."

She didn't wait for permission.

Ignoring his questioning look, she led him off the path and toward a cluster of thick bushes beside an old tree. The branches and leaves hid them from the students passing along the main walkway.

The moment they were alone, Eve turned to face him. Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths as she searched his eyes, as if hoping he'd take back what he had said.

When he didn't, something inside her snapped.

She pushed him gently but firmly against the rough tree trunk, rose onto her toes, and kissed him.

Her mouth moved against his with clear hunger. One of her hands dropped straight to the front of his shorts, found the zipper, and pulled it down. She reached inside and wrapped her fingers around his cock, freeing it into the open air.

Mike's hands came up instinctively, catching her lightly by the shoulders.

"Eve, wait—"

For a moment, he tried to pull back. Not hard enough to push her away, but enough to show that he wasn't ready for this.

"Eve..."

She looked up at him, her eyes still carrying the hurt from his earlier words.

"Then tell me to stop," she whispered.

Mike opened his mouth, but no answer came.

His hands slowly loosened.

Mike drew in a sharp breath. The sudden contact sent heat straight through him. He wrapped both arms around her and pulled her tight against his body while her hand stayed on him.

Eve stroked him with firm, steady movements, her palm sliding from the base all the way to the tip and back down again while she used her thumb to spread the wetness already beading at the head. Mike pulled her tighter and kissed her deeper as her hand kept working him under the shade of the tree, the soft wet sound of skin on skin mixing with their heavy breathing. She pressed her body hard against his side and never once slowed the rhythm.

After a while, she pulled away and lowered her gaze, her cheeks still burning. Her hand remained where it was, her grip tightening slightly.

Mike's hands stayed at her waist and back. His breathing grew heavier as the tension between them continued to build.

They finally stopped when they heard students talking nearby. A group was walking down the path, and neither of them wanted to risk being seen.

Eve let out a quiet breath before fixing his shorts with quick fingers. She smoothed her hair back, brushed a few leaves off her clothes, then glanced up at him. Seeing the marks she'd left on his shirt, she reached over and brushed them away with a small smile.

When they stepped back onto the path, she slipped her hand into his without saying a word. Her fingers wrapped around his, warm and firm, as if she had no intention of letting go.

Mike looked at her in surprise. "We're really doing this?"

Eve smiled without meeting his eyes. "What? Holding hands?"

She gave his hand a playful squeeze before looking at him. "I like it."

Mike couldn't help smiling back. He didn't pull away, and they walked side by side all the way to the hostel.

As they reached the entrance, Eve's smile slowly faded. A girl sat alone on the front steps with her knees pulled to her chest. Her face was buried in her arms, and her shoulders shook with quiet sobs.

Eve frowned and took a step forward.

"Lara?"

The girl slowly lifted her head.

Her eyes were red and swollen, and tears still clung to her lashes. The moment she recognized Eve, her lips trembled.

"E-Eve..."

Eve hurried over and sat beside her, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

"Lara... what happened?"

Lara lowered her head again and wiped at her face, but fresh tears slipped through her fingers.

"I..." Her voice cracked. "He cheated on me."

Eve frowned. "What?"

"I found the messages today." Lara let out a shaky breath. "He didn't even try to deny it."

For a moment, Eve didn't know what to say. She opened her arms.

Lara broke down completely and threw herself into the hug, crying against Eve's shoulder.

"It's okay," Eve whispered, rubbing her back. "Just let it out."

Mike stayed a few steps away, quietly giving them space. After watching them for a while, he spoke in a calm voice.

"She needs you more than I do right now. We can meet another time."

Eve looked back at him, guilt flashing across her face, but she nodded.

"Okay... I'll call you later."

Mike gave her a small smile before turning toward the dorm building. He walked inside, climbed the stairs to his floor, unlocked his room, and quietly closed the door behind him.

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