I widened my eyes in surprise.
Did he come home with his friends to keep an eye on me because of Liam? Oh no!
"Hey, Jellybean..." Harry tapped me on the head. "You seem lost in thought. Thinking about Free Fire?"
I glanced at him. "Harry, look... there's no way I can avoid Liam. I'm his official watchdog and... he's my basketball tutor."
"What?" Harry set the plate of omelettes aside and gave me a stern look. "Basketball tutor, huh?"
He continued, "Whatever it is... I just don't want to see you two together. The enmity between you should remain the way it has always been."
"But—"
I tried to speak, but he cut me off by handing me two stacks of omelettes.
"Forget about that long-face. Enjoy your lunch."
"I'm not hungry!" I hurried to my room, dragging my feet with grief.
Why did Harry still hold a grudge against Liam? After all, I was the one Liam had humiliated back then. It should be my concern, not his.
The door creaked open.
Indiana and Tom walked in, both grinning.
"Always knock before entering someone's room," I told them.
"Okay... Chloe," Indiana said.
I arched an eyebrow. "You know my name?"
"Why not?"
Huh.
"Hey, guys," Harry chimed in, pulling them back. "There's a Liverpool match going on right now. We've got no time to waste." He glanced at them. "To the living room."
They headed out.
Harry walked toward me.
He whispered, "They're geeks. They're harmless, but always make sure you lock your door. They're fond of wandering around."
"Did Mom and Dad know you brought your friends along?"
"Shhh... Make sure they don't find out," he said before walking away.
I rolled my eyes.
"Weirdos!"
**********
I was in an online match against a pro gamer when I received a message from Liam.
Liam: Basketball tutorial... this evening.
This evening?
I wondered what I would tell Harry before leaving. Maybe I'd just have to skip it for today.
I replied:
Me: Hey, Liam... I'm busy with some stuff. Maybe another time.
Within five seconds, he replied.
Liam: You're preparing for exams?
Me: Nah. I'm just busy.
He didn't reply again.
What was he thinking? That I wasn't serious?
Well, I couldn't tell him it was because of Harry. I'd be in trouble either way.
Oh no.
**********
Next morning...
I woke up early to make sure Harry wouldn't monitor me on my way to school.
But just as I reached for my school bag on the shelf, he walked into my room with his friends. They all looked dressed and ready to go.
No!
I slung my bag over my shoulder, smiled at them, and waved.
"Hi."
"Hi," they replied.
Harry rolled his eyes, his hands in his pockets.
"Are you going by trambus?"
"Y-Yes," I stuttered, swallowing hard.
"You seem nervous." Harry's gaze traveled from my hands to my legs before settling on my eyes. "What are you afraid of?"
I stayed silent for a moment.
Then I looked at him.
"Liam has some of my notebooks. I'll get them from him and then head to school."
"Nah, nah, nah..." Harry shook his head. "We're all going with you."
Huh?
He stepped closer and glanced at my wrist.
"Where's my watch?"
Now I'm cooked!
How was I supposed to tell him I'd given it to Liam as compensation for breaking his watch?
He'd probably shred me alive... especially since Liam was involved.
"Can't you talk?" he scolded.
I had almost shrieked.
"Where's my wristwatch? I thought you always wore it to school."
"It got spoiled."
He arched his eyebrows. "Spoiled? Then you'll have to buy me a new one."
It was better to buy him a new one than let him find out that Liam owned it now.
I grinned. "Sure. I'll buy you a new one."
"Let's go to school," he said.
My heart skipped.
What if Liam showed up at the same time?
Just then, Harry's phone rang.
He picked up the call.
"Hello, Mrs. Cheerio."
"Harrison, sorry for disturbing your vacation, but we need that file this morning—as soon as possible."
"Okay, ma'am."
The call ended.
Good thing he had to return to campus right away.
He glanced at me.
"You're lucky today... but not that lucky."
Huh?
"I'll ask my friends at your school to keep an eye on you," he said with a leer. "Just stay away from that long-faced guy if you want to stay out of trouble."
Without saying a word, I hurried off to wait for the trambus.
Just a few seconds later, Liam showed up.
My heart throbbed.
He stood beside me, his lemonade scent drifting into my nose.
"Hi." He waved at me.
I nodded, adjusting myself.
I just hoped Harry wasn't using a drone to monitor me.