Undying Fidelity (BL)

Chapter 56

November 4, 2024

A month has passed since Leo's birthday, and everything went back to normal. Everything was going well with me and Zeke, especially the things we do in bed.

It's Monday today, and I'm in my Industrial Design class. I must say, though, that I'm glad that Zandro stopped bothering the two of us because I don't want Zeke to worry about him. We had one class together, and we always had little to no interaction.

The only way we interact is whenever we are having a debate in class.

"I don't think that's the best way to go considering the possible outcomes of what you're saying," Zandro said in between our discussion.

"The thing is, with the industry's rapid and constant changes, especially in terms of technology, markets, user preferences, and environmental and social issues, these changes create new opportunities but also new problems and uncertainties," I said, opposing his point.

Aish! Why does he always have a say when I say something? Tsk! Zeke is right.

He's a mothefucking show-off!

"Well, another day, another great discussion coming from you two," our professor said, and the whole class laughed.

"Tsk!" I snarled weakly.

Our professor continued to discuss our lesson until the bell rang.

"Eli, it looks like you found your competition," my seatmate said.

"What?" I ask.

"Him," she said, looking at Zandro.

"There's no competition," I said, putting all my things inside my bag.

"You know what? I always catch him glancing at you," she said.

"That's nonsense," I said, rolling my eyes.

"It's true," she said.

"Oh, please," I said.

"Maybe he likes you," she whispered.

"I have no time for that," I said, standing up to leave.

"I'll see you later," she said, and I just raised my hand.

Tsk! Why did she say that? Why would Zandro glance at me? Maybe it's just a coincidence, right?

If there is something I should stop doing, then that is assuming things, because the last time I assumed something, it didn't end well.

"Eli," someone called me from behind.

I stopped waking for a second, but I continued because I recognized that voice.

"Hey," he said, touching my shoulder.

"What?" I ask, frowning.

"Nice defense over there," Zandro said, and I didn't respond.

"How are you and your boyfriend?" he asks, and I sensed sarcasm when he said the word boyfriend.

I stopped walking again, and I turned to face him.

"Do you have a problem with him?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"A big one," he answered with his jaw clenched.

"Is this about what you said before?" I ask.

"Yeah, have you mentioned it to him?" he asks.

"No," I said.

"Why? You don't want to know that your so-called boyfriend is treacherous?" he mockingly said.

I glared at him before I said, "He's not like that."

"How would you know? Do you really know him well enough?" he asks, smirking.

"More than you," I said.

"If you do, then do you admit he likes to betray his friends?" he mockingly said.

"What the fuck is your problem? Get away from me," I said, and I left him there.

Aish! What a good way to ruin someone's day, right?

"Hey, come here," Zeke said when he saw me.

"Hi," I said, smiling.

"I miss you," he whispered.

"We just saw each other last night," I said.

"Exactly," he said, holding my hand.

I chuckled, and then he said, "Waking up without you is like waking up without oxygen."

"Isn't that too much? But, yeah, I got your point already, so you can stop," I said, chuckling.

He laughed as well, and then he pulled my chair closer to him.

"I really miss you, though," he said.

"I miss you too," I replied, smiling.

"How's your day?" he asks.

"It was normal," I answered.

"Do you have another meaningful discussion with that asshole?" he sarcastically asks.

"It's a part of my day," I answered.

"How did it go then?" he asks.

"I nailed it," I said, smirking.

"That's my boo," he said, smiling.

"Boo?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you're my boo," he said, kissing me on the cheeks.

"Hey, you two! Get a room," Adie said.

Zeke and I just chuckled at him.

"Why don't you two get a room?" I rebutted.

"We don't need a room," Adie said.

"Yeah, we can do it anywhere," Enzo said, smirking.

"What the fuck was that?" Adie said, glaring at him.

"Eew! You two are so disgusting," Cal said in disgust.

"He's the one who said it," Adie said, looking at Cal.

Then I laughed when I saw Kean covering Ricky's ears with his hands.

"Isn't he used to it by now?" I ask.

"He doesn't have to," Kean said, chuckling.

Oh, right. Ricky has been a part of our group. Kean always invites him whenever we go out as a group, but they also go on their own sometimes.

Until now, Kean hasn't talked to us about his situation with Ricky, and we don't ask him anymore.

We're just glad that he's happy, and it's his choice if he wants to tell us their status or not.

"It seems like he's getting used to it, though," I said.

"I am," Ricky said, chuckling as well.

"I hope we're not a bad influence on you," I said.

"No, of course not. In fact, you guys have been the greatest," he said.

"Are we?" I jokingly said.

"Yeah, who would've thought that I'm going to be friends with two of the most intelligent students at the university?" he said, looking at me and Cal.

"The future captain of the basketball team," he added, looking at Kean beside him.

"The fashion icon," he said, looking at Enzo.

"The greatest singer I personally know," he added, looking at Leo.

"The most handsome guy in the university," he said, looking at Zeke.

"And the, um," he muttered, looking at Adie.

"Are you serious?" Adie frustratingly asked, and we all laughed.

"What the fuck are you laughing at?" Adie glaringly asks Enzo.

"I didn't laugh. I snorted," Enzo said with a straight face.

"Tsk! You're the one who's always horny," Adie mockingly said.

"Am I?" Enzo asks.

Adie gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw.

"I am. I'm always horny. I always ask you to do it. Yes, it's me," Enzo said in defeat, sliding his chair to Adie.

"Don't touch me, mothefucker," Adie said, rolling his eyes.

"Hey, that's too harsh. I'm only joking," Enzo sadly said.

"Well, it's not funny," Adie rebutted.

"Okay, I won't do it again," Enzo said, holding Adie's hand.

"Oops!" Cal teasingly said.

Adie just pursed his lips and rolled his eyes at Cal.

~

Days passed by quickly, and nothing unusual happened. We just go to school, go home either in his condo or in our apartment, and then go out on the weekend, and then repeat, but one day something unexpected happened.

"My family is coming home," Zeke said while we were preparing to go to sleep.

"Are they going for a vacation or for good?" I ask.

"They just have business to attend to," he said.

"Oh, so they'll be here just for a few days?" I ask.

"I guess so," he said, but I don't see any hint of happiness in his tone or face.

"Do you miss them?" I ask.

"Yeah, I do," he said.

"Why do you sound so unexcited?" I ask.

"Do I?" he asks.

"Kind of," I answered, and he just smiled.

"When will they arrive?" I ask.

"The day after tomorrow," he answered.

"That's good. I still have time to prepare my things," I said.

"What? Why?" he asks.

"They're going to stay here, right?" I ask.

"Yeah, so?" he said.

"So I'm going home in our apartment," I said, chuckling.

"You don't have to. They know about us," he said.

"Even so, I want to give guys your space," I said.

"Okay, I guess I'll just have to go to yours," he answered, chuckling.

"You can come by, but you can't sleep in there," I said.

"Why not?" he asks, frowning.

"As I've said, you guys need your time together," I explained.

"Tsk!" he snorted.

~

The next day, Zeke drove me to school in the morning, and he went back to his condo to sleep for some more.

I took my industrial design class as usual, which honestly became one of my favorite subjects because I got to sharpen my communication skills even more.

As I was listening to my professor, my phone vibrated, so I took a peek at who might be causing it, and I saw that it was from Zeke.

Penguin: My parents will be here earlier than expected. We'll now have the chance to introduce you to my father.

I didn't get the chance to meet his father the last time because only his mom came home. It was my birthday last year when I met her personally as Zeke's boyfriend.

"I can't wait to meet your dad, but I'm pretty sure it can wait. We can meet tomorrow if they have taken their rest," I replied.

"Mr. Sarmiento, is that an emergency?" our professor asks in the middle of the discussion.

"No, ma'am," I answer.

"Then please refrain from using your phone while someone is speaking in front," she said.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry," I said, bowing.

She proceeded with her lesson, and when we were done, I hurriedly put all my things inside my bag and went out to go to the cafeteria.

"Eli!" I heard someone call me.

I turned around to see who it was, and I saw Jaimee raising her hand.

"Hey, what's up?" I ask.

"Our dean wants to talk to you," she said.

"Why?" I ask, frowning.

"I don't know. She just asks me to pick you up, and I'm glad I see you instantly," she said, chuckling.

"Did she say something else aside from wanting to see me?" I ask.

"No," she answered.

"What could it be?" I ask, and I come with her.

"I think it's about the upcoming sports festival," she said.

"I heard about that. When is it again?" I ask.

"Next two weeks, I guess," she answered.

We arrived at our faculty room, and Jaimee opened the door.

"Mr. Sarmiento, come on in," one of my professors said, smiling.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Reyes," I greeted her.

"The dean wants to speak with you about the sports festival," she said.

"Oh, okay," I replied, smiling.

"Have you eaten?" she asks.

"No, ma'am, but I will after this," I said.

"Okay, you can come inside her room over there," she said, pointing the room towards the end of the hall.

"Thank you, ma'am," I said.

"Eli, I'll go ahead now," Jaimee said.

"Hey, you won't come with me inside?" I ask, confused.

"No, I already spoke to her," she said.

"Why would she even want to talk to me about it?" I said.

"I really don't know, Eli," she said.

"Okay, I'll see you later," I said.

I took a deep breath before I opened our dean's room. I don't come here often because I don't know. I'm kind of scared of her because she has this strict and mean aura.

"Mr. Sarmiento," she said.

"Yes, ma'am?" I said.

"Are you just going to stand there?" she said.

I instantly got more nervous, and I hurriedly took a seat.

"Okay, so how are you?" she asks.

"I'm doing well, ma'am," I answered.

"That's good. I heard a lot of good things about you," she said.

What? From who?

I feel so embarrassed, so I can only let out a smile.

"Your professors have always said you have been an outstanding student since your freshman year," she said.

"I always try my best, ma'am," I said.

"Your grades are exceptional, as well," she said.

"Thank you, ma'am," I said.

"Can I ask you for a favor?" she said.

I instantly look at her and say, "What is it, ma'am?"

"As you know, the upcoming sports festival is in two weeks, and it is our faculty's turn to take the lead in organizing it," she said, and I just listened.

"I need someone who can take the lead among the students," she added.

Fuck! Is she going to ask me to take the lead?

"I was wondering if you could be the head organizer of the event since Jaimee can't do it because she's representing the school as well," she said.

Can I say no? I feel like it's too much of a responsibility for me.

"If you think that this will be a hindrance to your studies, then don't worry because you will be getting help from your co-students as well," she said.

"That's not it, ma'am," I said, smiling.

"I know it might seem like too much of a responsibility, but I really want you to do this," she said.

"Okay, ma'am," I said.

"Really? You agree to do it?" she shockingly asks.

"Yes," I said.

Can I say fuck?

"That's great. Thank you so much, Mr. Sarmiento," she said.

"It's okay, ma'am," I said, letting out a smile.

"We can further talk about this later after your class. Have you eaten your lunch?" she asks.

"I haven't," I said.

"Then you can eat first, and then come back here after your class," she said.

"Okay, thank you," I said.

"I'll see you later," she said, and I took my leave.

What the fuck did I just do? Head organizer, really?

Aish! I'll be damned after this.

I shake my head while I walk to the cafeteria.

"Hey, why is your face like that?" Adie asks.

"Did something bad happen?" Cal asks.

"No," I said.

"Then why?" Cal asks.

"I was asked to be the head organizer for the sports festival," I said.

"What?! Are you kidding me? That's huge," Cal said.

"That's great, Eli," Leo said.

"Yeah, I guess so," I replied.

"You're not happy about it?" Enzo asks.

"I just think it's too much for me. I don't know if I can do it," I said.

"I'm sure you can," Cal said.

"Yeah, they ask you because they know you can do it," Leo said.

"Hmm, where's Zeke anyway?" I said.

"He's in the airport," Leo answered.

"What?" I said, immediately frowning while searching for my phone inside my bag.

"Oh, his parents are already here," I muttered as I saw Zeke's messages.

"Where is he now?" Enzo asks.

"They're still at the airport waiting for the baggage," I answered.

"Okay, I see," he said.

I updated Zeke as to how my day is going because he asked about it in one of his messages, and then he called immediately.

"Hey," I said.

"Hi, how are you?" he asks.

"I'm okay. I'm at the cafeteria eating with our friends," I said.

"Okay, eat well, and I'll pick you up later," he said.

"Why?" I ask.

"I'll introduce you to my father," he said.

"I said you should let them rest first," I replied.

"It's okay. I want you guys to meet, and I'm sure Mom misses you too," he said.

Aish! He's so stubborn.

"What time are you going to pick me up?" I ask.

"After your class," he answered.

"I can't make it then," I said.

"Why?" he asks.

"I have a meeting later with our faculty," I answered.

"What is it about?" he asked.

"It's about the sports festival," I said.

"Why are you involved there?" he asks.

"I'm actually the head organizer for the event," I answered.

"What? For real?" he shockingly asks.

"Yeah, they asked me about it later, and I agreed," I said.

"Well, I can still pick you up even if it's late," he said.

"Isn't it embarrassing?" I ask.

"No, why would it be?" he said.

Fuck! I have no choice, then.

"Okay," I said.

"Okay, just text me when you're done with your meeting, okay?" he said.

"Sure," I answered, smiling.

"Okay, I love you," he said.

"I love you too," I answered.

~

I finished attending my remaining two classes in the afternoon, and I'm currently on my way to the faculty.

"Here's our head organizer," our dean said when I entered the room.

Oh, fuck! Am I late? Why are they all here?

"Uhm, good afternoon," I shyly said.

"Take a seat, Mr. Sarmiento," our dean said.

I quietly took my seat, and our dean started discussing the upcoming sports festival.

"Okay, so for the upcoming sports festival, this year will be led by Mr. Elijah Sarmiento," she started, and the people in the room clapped their hands while looking at me.

I smiled, but it was instantly replaced by a frown when I saw a familiar guy clapping his hands while looking intently at me.

Fuck! What is he doing here? Is he a part of the team?

"Shall we start discussing the division of labor?" our dean asks, and we all nod.

"Okay, so as you already know, Elijah will be the head organizer, so he will see through everyone's activities," she said.

"Do you want to share a few words?" she asks, looking at me.

"Uhm... let's make this sports festival the greatest," I said, smiling.

"Okay, it seems like Elijah is still shy around us," our dean said, and they all chuckled.

She started discussing some things first before asking us about who should do what.

"How about the sponsors? Can we ask some brands to sponsor our event?" I ask.

"What brands should we target, Elijah?" a member asks.

"Uhm... how about energy drinks?" I said.

"Yeah, that's a good one," our dean smilingly said.

"Yes, I also know a brand that sponsors school supplies like pens and such," a member said.

"Okay, let's try to ask as much as possible," I said.

"How about the technicalities, Elijah?" someone asks.

"Uhm, do we have someone in charge of that already, ma'am?" I said, looking at our dean.

"Yes, we already have someone for that," she said.

"How many sports are we going to include in the festival?" a member asks.

"Basketball as always," someone said.

"A staple," another member said, and everyone laughed.

"Volleyball, badminton, and... what else?" I ask.

"Fencing?" someone said, and we all looked at him.

"Fencing?" I repeated.

"Yeah, is there something wrong with it?" Zandro asks, looking at me intently.

"No, but I don't think a lot of people do fencing here," I said.

"How about horseback riding?" he suggested again.

What the fuck? That's even more impossible. I mean, it's not a usual sport for normal people living in the city.

"I'm afraid we can't do that as well, Mr. Monclair, since we don't have the facilities for that," our dean said.

See? I'm telling you.

"Anything else?" I ask, looking at him.

"Basketball it is," he said, smirking.

We continued to discuss all the necessary things to talk about, and it took us three hours to finish.

Meanwhile, I texted Zeke as soon as we finished.

Aish! It's already 8 o'clock. What should I do?

My phone beeped, and it's a text from him, so I instantly clicked on it.