chapter 13 - displeasure

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Amy's mood was completely ruined by what happened with Mia earlier. Mia's hurtful words echoed in her mind, and she had never expected such harshness from her friend.

Zahn noticed that Amy was unusually quiet. It was almost impossible for someone like Amy to not bother him throughout the day. He inquired about it a few times, but she didn't share what was bothering her.

Growing tired of her silence, Zahn eventually gave up, thinking something must have happened and she would let him know tomorrow.

In the middle of the night, Amy finally turned on her phone and saw messages popping up. She clicked on their group chat, seeing messages from her friends.

Noah: "Amy, are you okay? Are you still upset?"

Ruby: "Why aren't you replying?"

Amy quickly typed back. "Yo. Did Mia talk to you guys?"

Noah: "Not at all!"

Amy sighed and typed again. "I can't get her words out of my head. I feel like I'm at fault for ruining her relationship, even if I didn't actually do that..."

Ruby: "Don't overthink it, it wasn't your fault. It's Mark's fault! We need to teach him a lesson!"

Amy: "Definitely should. But it's not just about him. Her words sounded like she's been unhappy with me for a long time."

Noah: "Yeah, it did seem that way..."

Ruby: "Enough of that. You can't keep thinking about what happened. I know she'll be back to normal in a few days. How about we go on a trip?"

Noah: "Exams are coming up..."

Ruby: "Come on. There's still time, and we can just go for 2-3 days. It's not a long time. I can ask my parents to arrange everything. It will be a good mood changer, won't it?"

Amy felt tempted by the idea. She could use some nice time away. "It does sound good..."

Ruby: "Good! Then we're going tomorrow!"

That's how the plan was created unexpectedly. When morning came, Amy started packing some of her stuff.

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When Zahn saw her packing her bag, he was stunned. "Are you leaving, Amy...?"

She smirked, her mood a little better now. "You think I would leave? I'm just going on a trip."

"What? So suddenly... Why?"

"Nothing much, just a unexpected plan with my friends."

He felt irritated. "Why didn't you tell me anything about it earlier?"

"I mean, the plan was made just last night."

"You know that exams are coming up, and you're going on a trip? What about your studies? Can't you go after your exams?" he scolded sternly.

She shrugged. "Don't nag. It's not a big deal. I study at the last moment anyway."

His anger flared. "I'm not nagging, I'm saying this for your good. Can't you take your studies seriously? Your mom hopes you'll score well this time. Can't you at least try to achieve that?"

Amy sighed. "I don't think you need to worry about that. I just want some refreshment before the exams. Anyway, it's time for me to go."

She grabbed her bag, about to leave. Then she remembered something and quickly hugged Zahn tightly. "I'll be back in 2-3 days. I'll miss you."

Zahn stayed unfazed, still unhappy with Amy's decisions but replied

regardless. "Fine...Take care"

Amy left, and it was quieter once again. But Zahn, who was too used to Amy's presence, couldn't seem to adjust suddenly.

She is just a troublemaker. It's better she's away, I can study better, he thought. But deep inside, he knew the truth.

Two days passed. Amy messaged him a few times but mostly seemed busy. He hadn't thought it would be this difficult, given the fact he had lived alone for years.

He opened the social media app and saw that Amy had posted a story. He quickly tapped on it, seeing Amy enjoying her time with her friends.

He felt slightly irritated. She seems to be enjoying more with her friends.

The next day, Amy returned, planning to surprise Zahn, but even before she could go inside, she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was none other than Zahn.

She felt disappointed. "Why are you outside?"

"What are you even saying? I'm just returning home from classes. But what are upto?"

Amy sarcastically spoke, "You know, I was thinking of carrying out a robbery."

"Huh." He ignored her and went inside.

Amy rushed behind him. "Wait, aren't you happy to see me? I expected a different reaction."

"It's nothing new." He sat down on the couch.

Amy felt annoyed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "How mean. I really missed you."

"Oh really?" He spoke disinterestedly and picked up a book to read.

She was baffled. "How do you even have the energy to read books after you just returned from classes?"

"I like that."

"Boring. Rather, you should hear about the things I did on my trip. You know what? It was too fun! My friends and I enjoyed a lot."

"Fine, fine."

Amy babbled on and then took out her phone to show him photos. "Look at all these photos."

"You really enjoyed yourself, didn't you?" Zahn said, his tone sharper than usual. "You seem to prefer your time with your friends rather than being here."

Amy caught on to Zahn's slight jealousy, a smirk on her face. "Woah, you seem jealous. But you know I would love to go on a trip with you. I know you wouldn't agree now, but we will go later."

He still tried to appear cold. "Who is jealous? I'm not really interested in trips, actually."

Amy smiled, amused by his reactions. She suddenly felt a desire to tease him. Without warning, she sat on his lap.

"Amy...?!"

Zahn's eyes widened in surprise, feeling stunned and a bit amused. "What are you doing?"

Amy giggled, leaning in closer. "You missed me a lot, didn't you?" she teased, her face inches from his.

He rolled his eyes, trying to maintain his composure despite the slight blush creeping up his neck. "It was just two days, not two years."

"Just admit it, will you?" Amy said with a grin, playfully poking his cheek.

Zahn felt his cheeks heat up. "Don't tease me."

Amy laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You can't stop me." She leaned closer and gave him a peck on the lips.

Zahn couldn't take it anymore and finally gave up, his tone softer. "Okay, fine... I did miss you, Amy."

Amy's expression softened. "I know. I missed you too, Zahn."

He gave her a genuine smile, then started pushing her aside. "Alright, enough of this. You're heavy. Get off me."

Amy laughed, standing up and giving him a playful shove. "Jerk."

Zahn chuckled softly, a smile spreading across his face as he enjoyed the lighthearted banter.

While everything seemed fine for now, the next day they ended up arguing.

"Ugh, I'm so bored!" Amy lamented as usual.

"Why didn't you just enjoy the trip longer then? You keep complaining," Zahn retorted.

"Sigh. I should have," Amy admitted.

"Just open your textbook, Amy. Start studying," he suggested.

She waved her hand dismissively. "No way. I don't know how you sit still holding your books and reading for hours. I can never imagine doing that much hard work."

He sighed. "You're wrong. Didn't you end up scoring well once? You just need to try again, Amy."

"Meh. I'm not interested. Studying makes me tired."

"Never mind then."

However, Amy was still bored, with nothing much to do. She wanted to continue bothering him. "Hey Zahn, why don't we just go somewhere or play some games?"

He frowned. "You know exams are coming up."

"So what? It's not the end of the world. it's just a semester exam."

"You won't understand. I have goals, Amy."

She felt slightly irritated. "Yeah, yeah. All you care about is studying. Stay boring forever."

"It's better than what you're doing," he shot back.

She raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"Fooling around, drinking, ignoring your studies, not paying attention in classes, wasting your time with your so-called friends. Do you not want to do something with your life?" His tone was mocking.

The words hit her hard. "Urgh, you are too proud of yourself just because you study well. You must think that I can do nothing with my life!"

"Whatever you want to think."

Feeling angered by his behavior, Amy grabbed his book and threw it down.

"Amy! Can you stop bothering me for once?!"

Why is he so harsh with me? Why does he always have to act like he's better than me? Does he think me as a fool?

Amy didn't want to talk to him anymore and turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm. "You've been misbehaving too much, haven't you? You will study today, no matter if you want to or not. Your mother gave me responsibilities for your studies."

She rolled her eyes and muttered, "How annoying..." She felt like Zahn was acting like her mother.

With no choice left, she sat down, laying out the books in front of her. In less than 10 minutes, Amy started to feel dizzy.

Why is everything so tough? Why can't I understand anything?

Amy pretended to study while Zahn checked on her every 10 minutes, hoping his scolding could push her to try her best.

Suddenly, Amy got a notification on her phone. Apparently, Ruby invited her for a party. Amy felt tempted by the offer.

Wait, how do I get out of here though?

Amy sneaked glances at Zahn, who was sitting at the table. He looked back, instructing, "Focus on your books, Amy."

"Ugh, you don't need to tell," she grumbled.

Amy needed a plan quickly and thought of something.

"Zahn, can I get something to eat? I'm a little hungry."

He thought it over and nodded, getting up to head to the kitchen. Then he realized something...

Wait...

He went back to the room, only to catch Amy sneaking out of the door.

"Hey, where are you going?!" he shouted.

"Sorry! Gotta go to a party. See you later!"

"Tsk..." He fumed in anger, wondering when Amy would ever try to understand him and his concern.

Amy came outside but still couldn't shake the thought that Zahn thought of her as nothing. He only gives importance to his books. Last time, he got too mad at me for accidentally ruining his work, and now for just wanting to spend some nice time together... he is too much!

Determined not to think of him any longer, Amy decided to enjoy her time. Her friend Ruby and her hungout and went to some parties.

Amy felt the buzz of energy around her, temporarily numbing her and as usual, Amy drank, quite a lot.

It got late at night. Amy usually returned by midnight, but this time she was even later. Zahn couldn't help but worry about her, even though he didn't want to apologize.

He ended up dialing her number to see if she was at her home, but it was of no use. Why isn't she picking up?

A while later, he got a call from her phone. He immediately picked it up, ready to scold her. "I've been calling you for so long, why weren't you picking up--"

However, it wasn't Amy. "Uh, it's Amy's friend, Ruby. You are Zahn, right?"

"Yes. Where is Amy?"

"She's drunk... can you come over to pick her up? I'll text you the location."

"Fine..." he sighed, grabbing his jacket and heading out of the house.

He reached the location and saw that Amy was already asleep.

Ruby explained, "She drank a lot... so I thought to inform you."

He coldly replied, "You should have informed her mother."

"..."

Zahn went closer to Amy and lightly pinched her cheeks.

"Ow," she whimpered. She blinked open her eyes and was surprised to see him. "Zahn....?"

"Let's go back," he said in annoyance.

He grabbed her hand and helped her up.

Amy's steps were unsteady, her vision blurred as she tried to keep her balance, leaning heavily on Zahn.

Zahn sighed deeply, gently supporting Amy as they made their way to the cab.

He was still frustrated. Amy was too much to handle. As soon as they reached home, he took out his frustration. "Can you be proper? Can you at least think about your own safety? Why are you always drinking until late? Are you a drunkard or what !"

Her head was so dizzy she could barely register his words. "...I feel..ugh.."

Before Zahn could react, Amy vomited all over his clothes. Zahn stood there, stunned and furious. She even passed out.

No words could describe his frustration at that moment! Gosh!

The next moment when Amy woke up, she was in bed, it was already 6 am in the morning. her mind clearer, and she no longer felt nauseated.

She noticed Zahn sitting by her side, looking at her with annoyance in his eyes.

She wanted to run away. "Uh, what am I doing here?"

"Your friend Ruby told me you were drunk and asked me to pick you up," Zahn replied.

Urgh. Ruby...

He frowned, his tone filled with concern. "I'm seriously concerned, Amy. If you keep drinking like this, you may end up with some serious health issues someday"

Feeling somewhat guilty, she mumbled, "I get it. I'm sorry. I won't drink much from now on."

He shook his head. "It's ineffective. I'm telling your mom about your habits, about everything. Your studies, your drinking."

She immediately grabbed his arm. "I'm so sorry! Please don't tell Mom, okay? She will get so mad at me... I will listen to everything you say!" She pleaded with sparkling eyes.

He raised an eyebrow. "You will listen to me? I doubt that."

"I promise! Seriously!"

"...Fine," he sighed, still not entirely convinced.

Amy rejoiced and hugged him. "Thanks!..." Then something came to her mind. "Hey, did I vomit on you or something?"

"Of course you did. You ruined my clothes, and I had to clean up the floor."

"...."

How embarrassing... I made a joke of myself. She couldn't even look him in the eyes now.

He sighed and patted her head. "Don't feel embarrassed. Anyway, I'll make you some warm soup to help with the hangover."

A smile formed on her lips as she felt more relief. "Thank you, Zahn."

Regardless of their conflict, they held care and affection for each other. Zahn was occasionally frustrated with Amy, feeling like he was a babysitter to an annoying, mischievous child, but deep inside his heart, his feelings for her remained unchanged.