The Arrangement Factor (ARRANGEMENT SERIES #1)

Chapter 48

Sarah's POV

As I exited the exam hall, I felt a sense of relief because the weight of the exams that had consumed the past two hectic and stressful months had finally lifted. I had no idea how those two months went; the major and most important event that I remember was the dinner the night before our exams started.

That was the night when Alex confessed that he liked me and kissed me for the first time, marking my first kiss ever.

"I like you, Sarah," he said, and I looked into his eyes to see if he was lying or not. He seemed genuine and serious.

My heart swelled with warmth. I had longed to hear those words, but I held back my own feelings, unable to say that I loved him. At least, not yet.

Recalling that kiss and that special night made me blush as I walked, lost in my thoughts. However, I was brought back to reality when I accidentally bumped into someone. I closed my eyes, bracing for a fall, but strong arms caught me just in time. The grip was secure around my waist, preventing me from tumbling.

"Noah, thank you. You saved me," I said, relieved, taking a deep breath.

"That's the plan, dear," he replied with a wink.

"What?"

"You are my special alien, Sarah. How can I let anything happen to you?" he smiled.

I straightened and distanced myself from his grasp as the situation was getting awkward.

"What were you thinking that you lost all the senses around?" he teased.

I stammered, "I... uh... nothing much," blushing as I remembered what I was thinking but unable to tell him.

"Was it me?" he winked.

"What?.. uh no...I was..." I didn't know how to explain my thoughts, as I was terrible at lying, and I generally avoided it.

"Sarah!" Mia's voice cut through the conversation, and I was grateful for her timely arrival.

"Yes, Mia?" I responded.

"Alex is looking for you everywhere, and he's surrounded by a group of girls falling all over him," Mia informed me breathlessly as she ran to find me.

"What? He's here? Why?" I was taken aback. Alex had a habit of surprising me whenever he pleased, and I would never get used to it.

"To get you, duh!" Mia stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world and playfully gave the back of my head a light slap. It stung, though.

"Oww, Mia," I protested, but she just smiled and pulled me towards the university gates.

As we walked toward the university gates, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the thought of seeing Alex. Our relationship had been evolving, and I wasn't sure where it was heading. I had strong feelings for him, but I was also aware of the uncertainties that will came.

When we reached the gates, I saw Alex surrounded by a group of admirers, all vying for his attention. He looked charming and confident as always, but his eyes lit up when he spotted me approaching. With a warm smile, and silently pleaded for me to hurry and save him from the growing crowd of admirers.

I began to walk toward him, but the path was blocked by a swarm of students, both girls and boys. To my surprise, even some boys were paying attention to him and following him closely. I couldn't understand why.

As I approached the crowd, I lost sight of him and Mia as well. Then, someone in the crowd grabbed my hand, saying, "You know he'd never notice you, so why waste your time on him? I can see how beautiful you are. Why not let me show you how to appreciate a beautiful and sexy girl like you?" He attempted to pull me toward him.