Craving Your Touch

CHAPTER 1

"Are you sure you're going to study in Manila?" I snorted because I couldn't count the number of times Mom asked that question.

"Yes, ma'am. Mia told me that it would be easier for me to study in Manila because most of those who study there are able to make ends meet, right?" Mia is my friend here in the province who chose to study in Manila because of the difficulty of life in the province.

And because I was lucky, I passed the examination for a famous university in Manila. I had great hope to improve my studies to get ahead in life.

All my life, Mom and I were the only ones together. My mother told me that my father is dead because he had a heart attack when she was pregnant with me. When I once asked about my dad, she suddenly cried loudly so I didn't ask her again.

Mom has done a lot for me. I want to make up for supporting and educating me even though our lives are very difficult. I want her life to be comfortable.

My nose grew longer when I heard Mom's deep sigh. I closed the bag of clothes I was going to take to Manila and hugged Mom tenderly.

"Mom, you know I want to give you an abundant life, so I'm moving there," I said and snuggled closer to her.

"I understand. But I'm worried that something might happen to you," she said and stroked my hair.

"Nothing will happen to me, Mom. Besides, Mia and I are together."

I felt her bend down to look at me. So I looked up at her smiling. She laughed softly and kissed my forehead.

"My God, you are young. You always astound me with your beauty," she shook her head and laughed.

I giggled. "I belong to you."

"Okay, isn't your flight at two in the afternoon? It's better, Athena," I winced secretly. Just now she didn't want to let me go but it seems like she's pushing me away all of a sudden.

I nodded and took my bag to put it away. "I'm leaving, ma'am. I love you so much," I said smiling and kissed her on the forehead.

She smiled but there was sadness in her eyes. "Be careful, Athena. I love you too."

I forced a smile and waved her out the door. There is a part of me that is sad because my whole life my mother and I have been together. I'm not used to not being with her in everything.

"Are you leaving, Thena?" I stopped when I saw Aling Neila who had just finished cleaning their yard.

I nodded. "Yes, take care of Mom, huh? I'm leaving," I smiled and waved away.

I walked and ran to get to the terminal because I might be late for the bus departure. It is necessary to leave as early as possible so that there is no hassle in traveling.

Torture, especially at night.

Soon I was waiting at the terminal. I took a deep breath from exhaustion. I arrived just in time because the bus was still full.

I bowed and went inside. I immediately went straight to the end next to the window.

"Is it full?" the conductor turned to us and looked around. "Let's go!"

I wrapped my arm around my bag and looked out the window. The bus is starting to move. I was a little nervous and couldn't stop thinking about what my life would be like in Manila.

"Athena!"

Mia ran to me and hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much."

I smiled and hugged back. "I miss you too."

She pulled away and looked me over. She snorted, "What is that? Even though you just came from a flight, you are still very beautiful. Where's the justice?!"

I laughed softly while looking at her. During the two years that we didn't see each other, Mia got even better. Her smooth, brown skin shines every time the sun is out. She also grew taller. She could be a model because she is so beautiful.

"This is your room here. Alas! I'm sorry because it's a little small," she said while pointing to every part of the apartment she's renting here in Manila.

"Okay, that's okay for me. I'm the only one here, eh. Thank you so much!" I smiled and she hugged me tightly.

"Yes, by the way, have you eaten yet? The length of your trip. You look tired. Rest first and I'll cook you some food," she said one after the other and went to the kitchen.

"I'll take a shower first. Thanks again, Mia. I will pay you back when I save up. I will pay for everything you give me," I said sincerely and dropped the bag on the seat.

"What are you talking about! It's nothing, no. You have helped me and Aunt Amelia a lot since I was a child. Almost every day you spend, you also share with my mother," she said while slicing an onion.

"Mama and I didn't help you either. Let's face life together, eh."

She smiled and looked up at me. "Don't just quit!"

I laughed and shook my head and went into the bathroom to take a shower. I feel sticky because of the long flight.

"When does your class start?" Mia asked while spooning rice.

"On August 12, why?" I asked in surprise because we go to the same university.

Speaking of the university. I almost lost my breath when I found out that the university was so big and vast. It is almost the size of a town in the province.

I also found out that the tuition fee is too high. I'm very grateful because I'm a scholar and my personal needs are the only ones I'm going to have problems with here in Manila. As much as possible, I will improve my studies even more because I also know that if my grades drop, they will cancel my scholarship.

"On August 14 for me. The university has announced that the entrance for each course will be different now," she said.

My mouth fell open slightly. That's why. And at the first entrance, I will be alone.

"Your course is law, right? Isn't that stressful? Because I saw earlier that you have to study too many thick books," she said curiously.

I nodded. I'm in my 2nd year of college and the law course is really difficult. There are too many books that need to be read and the cases are given one after the other. One of the reasons why I studied here in Manila. There is a lack of education in the province due to poverty.

She snorted and leaned back in her seat. "Tourism is really something for you. I feel you will be soaking up too much. Maybe you will be too stressed?"

I laughed and shrugged. "It's okay, I really dream of becoming a lawyer," I frowned secretly. Aside from studying in the law course, my problem is confidence. Sometimes I get nervous whenever I debate or speak in front of a lot of people.

"It's your choice. Don't stress too much about it, okay? That might be bad for your health." I nodded and drank some water.

"Yes, by the way," I looked at her when she stood up and went to the living room. She opened the drawer and looked for something there.

"There!" she quickly came to me and presented me with the white box. "I bought that for you yesterday."

"What is that?"

"Open it, quick."

When I opened it, my eyes widened. I immediately covered it and gave it back to her trembling. "I-I can't accept that."

She looked at me curiously. "Why? That's really for you."

"I-I owe you a lot. I-I don't even want what I need, give me too."

She frowned and took the laptop again and presented it to me. "Alright naaaa! Accept it. You really need that for your studies. Especially if your course is law."

"Mia," I couldn't hold back my tears. Annoying! Why is this girl like this? I feel like a burden to her.

"Here she is! 'Do not Cry. Accept it. Besides, I also prepared for it, no. The allowance given to me is also big so I bought it right away. I know you don't have money to buy yet and pasu is coming soon-" I couldn't stop hugging her.

I felt her hug me back and rub my back. "I love you so much, Mia. I'll see that it's all a debt of gratitude. I promise, I'll repay you."

She laughed softly. "I love you too, Athena."

I broke away from the hug and wiped my tears. "I'll make it up to you-"

"There you go again," she frowned. "I don't have all of this, eh. Besides, I wouldn't have been able to come here to Manila if you didn't help me review for the exam!"

I snorted, "You answered and not me."

"My God, Athena. Oh that's it. Let's not even think about that. Try the laptop," she said.

I drank water and came to her, opening the laptop she was holding. Even if she doesn't want to see my debt, I will still take it back from her.

**CHAPTER 2**

"Hades."

The young man named Hades stopped what he was doing but did not look at his mother who was in front of him. Instead of paying attention, he focused on the papers for the University in preparation.

His mother, Akira, sighed as she watched her son. He is still a student but very busy with work. Just going to work, but here is his son, he has overcome being a businessman.

"You should rest, son. You're making too much of it. Why don't you give yourself a break?" he said but she ignored him.

He sighed. "Akijiro."

The young man stopped what he was doing. He really hates it when people around him are calling him by his first name.

"I'm busy, mom," he said curtly and focused his attention on the papers again.

"That's the point. You're always busy. You've only been here once, but that's what you're doing."

Hades sighed. "I'll rest. After this. You can go now, mom," he said.

The mother just shook her head and left his room. After closing the door, he leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes.

He already saw those papers on his table four times. He likes it when he is busy. People don't like to disturb him except for his mom, who is always telling him to rest.

Frowning, he crumpled the paper and threw it in the trash. Now, he finds it boring because he has read it several times.

He looked at his cellphone when it rang. The Dean texted him to go to University. They have to do something for the coming school year.

He stood up and went into the bathroom to take a shower. He just realized that his life is like a circle. Things happen again and again.

-

I peeked through the window of Mia's apartment because today my school uniform will be delivered. It's been four days since I arrived here in Manila.

During the four days that I stayed here, Mia and I only focused on arranging things.

I can't help but be nervous because my first class here starts tomorrow. I feel like I'm changing too much because Manila is so far from where I grew up.

I opened the curtain more when I saw a van stopped in front of the apartment so I quickly went out to meet it.

"Thank you very much," I said with a smile and entered the apartment again.

"Has it arrived? Look," Mia greeted me.

I removed the tapes from the box and opened it. My lips parted slightly because it contained five uniforms.

I took one and looked at it. The color of its skirt and coat is brown, while inside is a white polo shirt. I also think that the length of the skirt is up to the middle of the thigh. There is also a red necktie hanging.

"Your uniform is cute, it's like a detective. Like tourism students, our uniforms are red," Mia said while examining my uniform.

"Is the uniform different for each course?" I asked.

She nodded and told me the colors of each course.

"Measure your uniform. I think that will suit you. Look at it," she said while pushing me into the room.

I shook my head as I closed the door and took off my clothes to try on the uniform that was given to me.

After I put it on I couldn't help but stare at myself in the mirror. My suspicion was correct, the length of this skirt is up to the middle of the thigh.

I looked human.

I heard Mia knock three times. "You're done? Can you come in?"

I slightly lowered the hem of the skirt because of its shortness. "O-Yes, come in."

The door opened and Mia's sad face was the first thing I saw. "Come on! They said it's perfect for you!"

I laughed a few times. "Don't pull the hem," he said with a frown and patted my hand on the hem of the skirt.

"A-Because it's short. I'm not comfortable," I answered.

"You'll get used to it," she smiled as she looked at me in the reflection of the mirror.

"Great, you look more beautiful, Athena. When we actually met for the first time, I couldn't believe it. I thought you had blue blood because you are so white," she said with a laugh.

I shook my head. "I just don't leave the house much."

"Even so," she said. "Is everything ready for you to use tomorrow?"

I nodded. "How many times have I checked that."

She smiled and hugged me. "Good luck!"

**CONTINUATION 1 (CHAPTER 2)**

I swallowed hard and adjusted the necktie and fastened the bag. Today is the beginning of the first class here. I can't help but be nervous, especially since I'm alone now.

"Are you ready?" Mia asked while examining me.

I nodded. "Don't be nervous, Athena. You can do a lot of negative things when you're nervous."

I snorted a little. "I can't avoid it. It's my first time here, huh."

"It's okay. At first I was also nervous, but I also became confident," she said with a laugh.

"Yes, by the way, you must know the SSG President of our university. He goes around every class hour so you really shouldn't be late," she bit her lip as if she was afraid. "Almost all students are afraid of him."

"Eh? A-What does he look like? So that I know who he is."

She took out her cell phone and showed me a young man with an emotionless face. He just stared blankly straight ahead. It's obvious that he doesn't know how to smile and is always serious, but even so, his good looks cannot be denied.

"He is Akijiro Hades Lawliet. Son of the owner of L University and the SSG president of the university," she said.

My mouth opened slightly.

"Where did you get that?"

She snorted. "The discussion was only sent to the group chat of my classmates because one of our classmates had a punishment." She shook her head. "Just because she spilled juice."

"Be careful, avoid him," she said and combed my hair.

"Yes, thank you. I'm leaving, our class is at eight," I said while looking at the wall clock. It's 7:21 and Mia said I can't be late.

"Be careful, bye!" she waved so I waved back.

I don't know if Mia's words helped me. It only made me more nervous but at least she gave a warning.

I sighed and got into the jeep. I hope my first class goes well.

"It's terrible, it's a new entrance but he still hasn't changed, it's still scary."

"I agree, I have been studying here for several years but I have never seen him smile."

"He's scary."

"But he's still handsome, hmp."

"What are you? Shut up or Hades might hear you."

"Keep your head down!"

Hades heard various whispers but he didn't pay attention to them. Hearing nonsense is like paying attention to trash. He has been hearing the words that come out of every student's mouth for several years, so he doesn't care what they say about his behavior. Every student he meets gives way and shies away, afraid of making a mistake.

"Seems that every student is still scared of you," Vice President Third Constello greeted him when he entered the office of the SSG councils.

The young man ignored him as he shook his head. It still hasn't changed. He has known Hades since elementary school. This is a grumpy and quiet man who seems to never want to be disturbed.

"I'll take care of the students first," he said goodbye but he still didn't answer so he left. Hades was left alone with the girls rushing to pick up papers and leave. Obviously in a hurry because of his presence.

"Stop," the two women were stunned and looked at him in surprise.

"Y-Yes, Mr. President?"

"What are those?" Hades looked at the papers the two women were carrying.

"L-List of transferees," answered one.

"Where's Dean?"

"Going to the law site."

He frowned and signaled the two to leave. After the two went out, he decided to go out to talk to the Dean. Just like before, the students he meets give way or avoid.

When he arrived at the law site he was surprised when someone crashed in front of him. The students around gasped in shock.

"First day, first punishment."

"I just saw her today, is she a transferee?"

"It's like she's new here, poor thing."

"It's her first day and that's it."

It sat in front of her because of the heavy collision. Now, she has this view of her exposed white creamy legs.

Athena was about to apologize when she saw who she bumped into. Her lips parted and she immediately fell to her knees in front of Hades.

She wanted to cry because she had prayed several times not to associate with the SSG president that Mia had said but now, she still bumped into him.

"S-Sorry, I-I didn't mean it," her voice trembled and she bowed. She felt her hands sweat from panic and nervousness.

The young man kept staring at her. He was silently examining her. It was also quiet around them looking at them. No one spoke.

"Look at me," he ordered, Athena was stunned and slowly looked up.

She met his black and emotionless eyes. She caught her breath when the young man stared at her. She felt his eyes absorbing her.

Hades' lips parted slightly and his face softened when he saw the girl's innocent face. He immediately looked away and took a sip. "Transferee?"

"Y-yes," she answered shakily.

"I see, you can go now," he said and turned away. The students as well as Athena looked in shock at Hades walking away.

"What did I just witness?"

"I was so nervous, I really thought she was going to be punished."

"Has he changed?"

"Oh my-"

"Are we dreaming?"

Athena watched dumbfounded as Hades walked away. Athena's heart almost burst with so much nervousness. She couldn't explain her feelings.

Was she lucky?

CHAPTER 3

It's lunchtime but I still can't believe what happened earlier. Was I a transferee who was wronged, so I was immediately forgiven? I couldn't help but hear people looking at me while whispering. I feel they were also surprised by what happened. Maybe I just got lucky.

"Can we sit here?" I stopped thinking and looked at a woman and a man holding a tray of food. I nodded and moved slightly so the two could sit. "Thank you, aren't you the one President Hades bumped into earlier?" asked the woman.

"You're crazy, guy. You asked right away and you haven't met yet," I was surprised to hear the man's voice. Guy?

"I'm sorry," the woman teased her companion and smiled at me. "I'm Summer Domingo and he's Rafael San Diego-"

"Correction, Rafaela," interrupted Rafael. "Whatever, guy."

"I-I'm Athena Caprice Sullivan, nice to meet you," I smiled. Both of their mouths fell open. "OMG, your name is beautiful and so are you. You have a race, don't you?" Summer asked but I shook my head. "Your grandmother is modest, I hope everyone," said Rafaela and took a bite of pizza. I laughed so hard. "Well, we noticed that you were just dumbfounded while looking at your food, Can't you believe what happened earlier?" asked Rafaela.

I nodded. "Before I entered here, my friend warned me to avoid the SSG president. but I had a collision earlier, I thought it was the end of me." They both looked at each other. "True, we thought you would be punished, but O to the M to the G, he just looked at you and passed. What's your charm?"

I laughed and snorted. "I was just really lucky." "First time that happened here," said Summer and chewed the pasta. "Most of the time, he is immediately called to his office to be punished." "I don't know if we students here have a virus and don't want to be touched or approached." Rafaela cried. "But even so, ohh daddy! hihi," he giggled but Summer hit him. "He is feared here because of his dark aura, he is always so serious that you would think he does not know the word 'joke,' their billionaire family is influential, in fact they are the owners of this university. he also gets angry easily and it's really scary when he screams, you think there's a prison and lightning. That man is also very smart, I think even Dean is afraid of him. Because once you hit him, you don't know where to pick you up. That's why many really avoid him."

I bit my lip. That's why almost all the students here are constantly away from him. "True, guy. Even though many girls like him, no one really dares to approach, except for Hannah-" the two looked at each other and laughed loudly.

"G-guy! it's as simple as that. What do you expect? That's it, I wasn't allowed in for two weeks," Summer laughed and hit Rafaela. Summer looked at me laughing. "But unfairness, Athena. You are a piece of history here."

"Huh?" "No, guy. I said you're beautiful." she smiled and drank water. "Yes, by the way, are you here alone?" asked Rafaela. I nodded. "Because the entrance to law courses came first. That's my friend because the entrance is still on August fourteenth." the two nodded.

They even told me about their experience here at the University and the things that happened back then that they never forgot because they were so memorable. Especially when the whole University got drunk. It is said that the next day, all the students will be at the stadium because President Hades is said to be nervous.

I also learned from them that Hades doesn't like being called Akijiro for some unknown reason. Our lunch break ended and the three of us returned to the law site together. Luckily, I found people to talk to here at the university even without Mia.

The woman placed the transferee's papers in front of Hades, who was staring blankly into nothingness. He still remembered how she looked at him with fear in her eyes. He couldn't get the face of the woman who bumped into him out of his mind. Now, he asked the dean for the information of the transferees in the university. He badly wanted to know her name. Her exposed white legs flashed in his mind. His breathing got a little heavy and he felt a little warm. "I want to touch it." None of his own words. He bit his lip and frowned. What the heck? He immediately put the girl out of his mind and looked at the information of the transferees one by one. He looked for the law course and sorted through the papers one by one. He was stunned when he saw the innocent face of the girl he bumped into. Athena Caprice Sullivan. He breathed. Her name is Athena. "19 years old, born on September 7, 2002." "Only child in her family." "Her mother/guardian is Amelia Sullivan." "Graduated from ******** elementary school, Valedictorian with Highest Honor." "Graduated from ***** ****** high school, HUMSS strand, Valedictorian with Highest Honor." "Relationship: Single (Hasn't had any past relationships) 'Hasn't been involved in any relationships, huh? It would be joyful introducing her to different kinds of pleasures.'

"We're going first, Athena! Bye! See you tomorrow!" Summer and Rafaela waved before leaving. I was the only one left in our room. I stretched a little and took my bag to leave. Our class ended with just an introduction. Some of the professors are kind and others are terror. No wonder, they have to be strict so we can learn more. I grabbed my bag and left the room. Few people passed by the Law building. It was getting dark around me so I hurried down. After I got down, I checked and looked around. Maybe the SSG president is here again and I'll bump into him again. I'm sure I won't be given that again. "Why are you still here?" I almost jumped in shock when I heard the cold voice behind me. Said he's here again. I pulled back slightly and faced him. I met his emotionless face. He was holding an envelope with his arms crossed. "I-I'd like to leave," I replied and bowed slightly. "No students are allowed to stay longer. Go home," he said and turned around. I snorted. He seems to be going around to check on students who are still inside the University. I sneered and walked away. When I got home I saw Mia waiting outside. "Athena! How are you?" I smiled at her. "It's okay." "Have you seen President Hades?" she asked. I stopped and looked away. Her mouth opened and she hit me softly. "So you saw him?" I nodded and put the bag on the side of the chair. "What? He was just walking around when you saw him?" I didn't answer and drank water. He frowned and glared at me. "Athena Caprice!" I snorted, "I-I bumped into him." She gaped and grabbed my arm. "What happened? Was he going to punish you? Tell me!" I shook my head. "He just asked if I was a transferee and then he left." She frowned. "Is that true? Maybe you're lying!" "No, many have seen it. Even if you ask them." Frowning, she sat in the chair and lowered her head. "Is that really serious? It seems impossible!" I put the glass down on the table and went next to her to hug her. "No, he didn't do anything wrong. It looks like I just got lucky because I was just a transferee." "That was a great miracle, Athena. Next time be careful!" I laughed. "Yes." "Just make sure!" I told Mia everything that happened in my first class. She was listening to me quietly. I also told her what I found out about President Hades. She is worried because the tourism and law buildings are far apart. Fortunately, there are people I know who can guide me there. The night ended with just talking. Looking back on our childhood memories in the province. "Good night, Athena. I love you." "Good night, I love you too," I closed the door of my room and lay down on the bed. I took my cellphone from the table to text mom that my first class was fine. I have been here in Manila for one week. I miss her already. "Good evening mom! My first class here in Manila was fine. Don't forget to drink a lot of water. Don't go hungry either. Good night! I love you ^^" After sending it, I couldn't wait for mom's reply because I was already sleepy. I hugged the pillow and closed my eyes.