Late I Love You

Chapter 1

Pershey was holding a stack of books when she got out of the car. She carries them to the University. She is wearing a gray uniform and a black skirt. Hair tied up, messy and obviously she's still sleepy. Her face is disfigured and there are still traces of drowsiness.

"You look so gorgeous with your uncombed hair, Pershey," Iries said, her mortal enemy. She was the daughter of her mother's sister. She's beautiful, have a white skin, smooth and tall. In fact, she looks like an angel with horns.

She's her cousin but they do not get along. They are not close. Iries would often scold her even though she was not doing anything to her.

"Really?" She asked while raising her left eyebrow.

She hadn't even stepped on the stairs when Iries grabbed her arm. "Why?" she asked Iries.

"Comb your hair," Iries said angrily before leaving. Pershey was stunned for a moment by what Iries said.

"Stay away!" Zoe, Iries' friend, ordered her.

"H-huh?" She asked.

"I said get out of my way, nerd," she said. Pershey just smiled and continued walking.

She was holding the books tightly as she walked down the corridor but her mind was flying so she could no longer notice who she was meeting.

At the end of the corridor, a group of men were exiting. They were followed by women who seemed to be their guards. Their faces show the tremor they feel. Someone was screaming as the men followed.

There was some nude shirtless, wearing basketball shorts. Almost everyone is sweaty, dripping sweat on their bodies that causes women to scream.

The two of them are holding balls. Another had a white towel slung over his shoulder. The first walker has a turban on his forehead. That group consisted of six men. They are university basketball players. They are Samuel, Bryan, Draek, Toff, James and Neil.

They were busy talking to the women they were walking with. Almost all of them talk to women except Neil.

Neil Samson is the son of the owner of the University de Forde where he was studying. Neil was an aggressive young man. Playful with women. Anyone is crazy. He's a playboy. He hasn't had a girlfriend yet and he still hasn't fallen in love with anyone but he has disappointed many feelings.

Who's woman can't be fascinated by him? He's almost a perfect guy. He has thick eyebrows, attractive lashes that almost beat women's eyes with the extra length and whip of his lashes. He has pinkish lips. His face was smooth almost glistening. His skin was white and smooth. His height is 6'1. The body is muscular and there are bewitching dimples on both cheeks every time he smiles.

Meanwhile, Pershey was still walking while reading a book. It was only a few steps before he reached their room.

Neil was also busy using his cellphone while he was walking.

"I am only here but you cannot see me, my love. Can't you really see me or just- "

"Shit!"

"S-sorr-"

" Are you blind?"

She stopped. Stunned. She did not notice who she would meet because she was busy reading.

The attention of the students are already focused on them.

"Are you blind, huh ?!" Neil shouted at her.

"S-sorry. I-I didn't notice you," Pershey's apology. She bowed her head because she felt so embarrassed.

She heard the whispers of the students. She just ignored it. She could feel many eyes staring at her.

"Maybe her eyes are blurry, Neil," Draek teases her. Pershey looked like a gentle sheep as she made a bow in front of Neil. She feels so embarrassed.

When they collided, the book that Pershey was reading fell so she picked it up.

She stayed where she was until she noticed that the group of men and other students were leaving.

"Such a stupid," she heard a student say. Perhaps, they don't remember what Pershey has already accomplished at their university.

"Are you a lamp, Pershey?" Iries asked her standing in front of her. She immediately stood up and walked away. She ignored Iries because she already knew what she was going to say. "Don't you know him, Pershey?" Iries was still standing at the back of her.

In fact, Pershey knew Neil very well. She almost became a stalker of him.

Pershey paused for a moment to neatly stack the books she was carrying.

Pershey looked at her "Good morning, Iries." and she smiled. Iries got irritated.

"Grr! Nerd!"

Iries walked out with irritation. Again, Pershey continued to walk. She stopped in front of their door when she noticed that all the students were looking at her. She knows what they are thinking. She noticed the laughter and whispers of the students which she ignored and just sat.

"Good morning, Pershey," Leighden, her bestfriend, greeted her. She did not immediately pay attention to Leighden's greeting. She jua ignored her. She focused her attention back to the book she had been reading. "You're blushing, Pershey," she said again. Pershey closed her eyes a few times at what Leighden had told her. She also immediately touched both her cheeks. She felt the coldness on her face.

"Blushing?" Pershey raised her left eyebrow. She felt nervous. Leighden laughed quickly.

"N-no, you're not, Pershey."

Pershey laughed slightly and looked back at the book.

Leighden came a little closer to see Pershey's facial expression better. "So what happened earlier?" She waited for Pershey's respond. Pershey suddenly gave her a sarcastic look and she smiled after.

"Neil has noticed me, Leighden," Pershey tried to hide her emotions. Her feelings are overloaded. She cannot hide her spark anymore.

"Huh?" Leighden got confused. There was a wide smile on Pershey's face caused by the feeling of trembling. Earlier she was suppressing the thrill she was feeling.

"Has he noticed you yet? As in? A-are you sure?" Leighden was astonished at what Pershey had told her.

Gradually Pershey's cheek turned red. There's a butterfly in her stomach.

"Your ultimate crush bullied you, Pershey. He ignored you. He just embarrassed you," she added.

"But he still noticed me, Leighden. It's nice somehow he watched me," Pershey's defense.

"Bestie, look at yourself. Try to retouch yourself, Pershey. Try to use make up," Leighden suggested. Pershey just smiled at Leighden's opinion. In fact, she has no interest in make-up. She's used to being just that way or not even getting dressed up. She was comfortable with her appearance.

She resumed her reading. What Leighden had said could not be erased from her mind. She was still wondering if it was right for her to follow what Leighden said but that wasn't what she wanted. She was more used to curling her messy hair. She no longer bothered to comb her hair because it was soft and unkempt. She',s also used to wearing dollshoes. She is not accustomed to using hills. She prefers to wear sneakers and slippers rather than wearing a hills. She was also more comfortable wearing adult -looking glasses. She used to come in without make-up on her face. In short, she has confidence in herself. She does not care what people around her might say or saying.

"You're beautiful, Pershey," Leighden added. Pershey closed the book that covering her face. She looked back at Leighden who was currently watching her while smiling like a contented demon.

"Which part?" Pershey asked without emotion. In the tone of her voice, you can see the reluctance of her. You can't explain or understand how she feels.

Pershey removed her eyeglasses then she wipes it using some of her fingers, then she wear it again.

Leighden laughed. "How can Neil like you? Look! You look so nerd, Pershey. Don't you notice how you look? Didn't anyone tell you yet that you look like a nerd?"

Pershey sighed and she gave her a sarcastic looks. "But I can give whatever he wants," she defended again. She arrange her books again that are on her desk. "It doesn't matter if I looked so nerd. Love is beyond looks, Leighden. Always remember that love is beyond looks," she added. Full of deep emotion and deep meaning.

"Looks always win, Pershey. Love always seeks for a good looks. You didn't notice it yet? Looks are important," Leighden smiled after saying those words.

Pershey seriously answered her. "I don't need to change my looks for him. I want him to love me for who I am and not because I changed myself for him."

"You look like an old woman. In the way you dress, Pershey you look an old woman."

Pershey laughed with a mixture of irritation. "I know he'll fall inlove with me, soon," she smiled and stood up. "Just watch and learn, Leighden," she added and she blinked on her.

She walked out of their room. She didn't even pay attention to Leighden.

Leighden follows her. She knew that Leighden would tickle her again so she just kept walking.

Leighden silently followed her until they reached the library.

Chapter 2

She paused at the side of the library's door. Leighden also stopped and just stared at her.

She raised her left eyebrow again just a sign that she's waiting for her question.

Leighden gasped. "Books again and again?" she asked.

Pershey smiled at her. "Yeah, books first."

She went inside the library. The library is so vast that it is almost filled with a variety of books. At the end of the library there is a wattpad library. Lots of wattpad books and other books from various platforms.

Many students reside in that area. Almost most of the students miss class to read books. Pershey was also often there. She really love to read than to study.

Pershey donated 5,126 books. She really loves books. She thought of building a wattpad library to further entice students to enter their university. One of the reasons she built it was because she wanted to stay in a quiet place.

She was usually there to spend time so the librarian no longer forbade her to spend time in the library. She is known as an influencer student.

Overall, there are already 8, 217 books in the wattpad library. School books are not yet included.

She also donated 500,000 pesos just to have a wide library all over the world.

"Books first because?" Leighden asked confusedly. Pershey stopped touring. She picked up a book and read the title first. She did not like the book so she returned it to its source. Again, she picked up another book in the row where they were.

She glanced quickly at Leighden and immediately looked back at the book before answering. "Books before boys because boys brings baby."

Leighden laughed out loud and immediately covered her mouth when the other students distracted her.

She had already removed the lid from her mouth. "How about Neil?" Leighden still looking at her.

She continued to focus on the book then replied. "Books before him."

Leighden came even closer to her. She marvels at what Pershey says every time she talks to her.

She snatched the book that Pershey currently reading. Pershey just looked at her without emotion. There was no trace of shock on her face. She shows no emotion.

Leighden returned the book to its source.

"Do you have a plan, Pershey? Don't tell me you're going crazy just for him?"

Pershey just sighed and laughed weakly after. She picked up the book that Leighden had returned. She read for a moment and answered. "Not yet, Leighden."

"I told ya'h!" Leighden said with a mixture of laughter that makes her confused.

"W-what?"

Leighden laughed at her. "He won't like you if you stay like that. You're a nerd one."

She slapped the book lightly on Leighden's head. They both laughed.

"Nerd really ah!"

"Am I wrong? You look so nerd," she repeated.

"Nerd?"

"Okay fine! You look an old woman always holding a book."

She slapped the book on Leighden's head again. Leighden backed away slightly making her to laugh.

"This is me. I don't want to change myself just to make him like me," she said.

"I just suggested, Pershey. I just want you to be presentable. Use make-up. Use hills than doll shoes. Bags are what you hold instead of books. Wear proper outfit. Wear crop-"

"Stop! I don't need those things, Leighden."

"But I just suggest-"

"Shhh! Lower your voice. You're in a library, Miss." librarian said.

She apologizes "S-sorry."

Pershey went to the end of the library. Leighden still followed and teased her.

They stopped. "Aren't you tired of reading? Aren't you tired of books? It's so boring. It's so boring to read," Leighden scolded her.

Pershey stared at her. "You know?"

Her forehead frowned. "What?"

She looked back at the book. "I want to donate books again, Leighden. It's a good idea, right?"

"I'm not sure yet," she answered.

"I want to donate books tomorrow," she added that surprised her.

"W-wow! As in tomorrow?"

Pershey nodded. "It's getting bored here."

"H-how many books?"

She stacked the books she was holding before she answered. "3,000 books."

"S-seriously? That's worth of?"

Pershey smiled. "88,000 pesos," she said.

"Are you out of your mind? You're going to donate books that are worth of 88,000 pesos? You're going to spend a huge amount, Pershey. Think about it!"

She put the books down on the table for a moment and sat down. "Lower you voice," she commanded. "I'm thinking, Leighden. I just really want to help our University," she justified.

"You wanna help?"

"Yes."

"You're helping too much!" She spoke so loudly that surprised her .

Pershey suddenly laughed weakly.

"You're overreacting, Leighden. I'm not going to use your money," she said, still laughing.

Leighden sat down next to her and watched her. "Think about how much money you're going to spend just for books. Are you wasting money? So many people need money in this world," she sermonized.

"I know and that's why I'm helping our University," she said. "I don't wanna spend my money for such a useless thing so I thought of using it at the University de Forde. It's not bad to help develop the University, is it? And another one, I just want to have a place where I can read a variety of books," Pershey added. Leighden sighed in frustration at her. Because Pershey can't get what she's aiming for.

"Why don't you build a foundation? Help a charity work? Build your own house? Why are you wasting your money?"

"I don't have a time to build my own foundation. I already have my own house. Especially, I'm not wasting my money, Leighden. For your knowledge, actually, I'm saving 80% of my money in my bank and I'm helping this University using the rest of my money, "she explained. She checked if Pershey was sick. "I'm not sick, Leighden. I'm telling you the truth that you need to know," she added.

"Yes, you're not definitely sick, Pershey. Okay," she gasped. "It's up to you wherever you use your money. I hope you know what you are doing."

"I know what I am doing, Leighden. Just ride with me."

"What's your purpose in helping our University?"

Pershey thought about Leighden's question to her. She could not understand what she meant.

"No. I just wanna help," she replied.

Leighden raised her left eyebrow as she continued to look at her. "Really? Perhaps, you're helping for Neil."

"Of course not. I'm not asking for anything in return for my help. The help I do comes from my will," she clarified. Her face became slightly serious which caused Leighden to laugh.

She laughed as she tapped Pershey's arm. "Just kidding, Pershey. You're too serious," Leighden said.

"I'm just saying," she complained.

"So, are you really sure that you're going to donate 3,000 books that worth of 88,000 pesos?"

Pershey looked at her without expression and replied. "When was I joking?"

She laughed quickly. "Okay, fine."

She read for a moment when Leighden picked up the book she was reading.

"Lem'me ask you something, Pershey," she became serious.

"Ask anytime, as always."

"So, you're planning to donate it tomorrow, right?"

She nodded in response.

"Where do you buy books? At the international bookstore or just at cheap stores?"

"You're calling other stores 'Cheap'?"

"Did I call it cheap? Oww, sorry. By the way, you can buy books in that store, a cheap store. You can even get cheaper if you buy in public stores," she encouraged.

"Actually, I already bought it, Leighden," Pershey said. Leighden's eyes widened when Pershey said she had already bought it. "Why? You're suddenly dumbfounded?"

"Huh! I've been offering stores before. I've been talking before and then you tell me you've already bought it? Why didn't you tell me right away? You're annoying," she snapped. Pershey first picked up the book that Leighden had taken from her and briefly opened it.

"Did I tell you to speak?"

"Just kidding, Pershey. You looked so irritated by me," she teased.

"I already bought in the online store. I ordered 3,000 books that are worth 88,786 pesos plus the shipping fee 587," she explained to her surprise.

Chapter 3

"You can buy a thousands of books but you can't buy new clothes and make-ups for yourself? Are you sick, Pershey? Are you getting crazy?"

She still can't believe that Pershey is going to donate a thousands of books. "Or, I must say you're crazy."

"I may be crazy but crazy to help not to something else," she justified. It didn't matter to her how much money she would spend as long as she helped the way she did. She didn't care what people around her said. She no longer cares about spending money as long as she knows she used it the right way she knows.

"You can donate a hundreds but a thousands ... Pershey, are you really crazy? Or stupid?"

Leighden doesn't really get what Pershey means.

"You can call me crazy and stupid but ..." Pershey stared at her. "It was still useless. You can't change my mind, Leighden. As long as I can donate, I will. As long as I know that I'm not doing anything wrong, I won't stop helping this University. Your words are nonsense, Leighden. Nothing can change up my mind," she clarified.

Leighden couldn't hide her admiration for Pershey's explanation and no matter what else she said, she knew she couldn't change or force Pershey. Her self -confidence was too high.

"You suddenly became speechless, Leighden. Are you okay? Did I say something wrong? Did I offend you?"

Leighden continued to stare at her and smiled. "You're literally a different woman, a strong and brave one, Pershey," Leighden said, admiring her.

"H-hahaha. Are you okay, Leighden?"

"Y-yeah."

Pershey didn't say a word and silence enveloped the whole area. Leighden also reads quietly.

In the middle of her reading, something caught her attention.

"I have make-ups here, Pershey," she offered.

"I told you, Leighden. I don't need make-ups. I'm contented of my looks. I don't need that," she refused.

She laid the make-up on the table. "Use that," she commanded.

She just stared at what Leighden had to offer her. "Do I really looked like a nerd, Leighden?"

"No," that was her short answer then stood up to pick up the book. "But exactly a nerd," she added. Pershey laughed with mixed annoyance at what she said.

"Whatever," she irritably whispered to herself as she focused her attention on the book.

Pershey stood to return the book as she lost sight of the students approaching where they were.

She looked at Neil and Draek. She first hid the thrill she was feeling so that her cheek would not blush.

"Are you mad, Pershey?"

"Shhh. He's coming, Leighden," Pershey said softly with mixed confusion.

"Shit," Leighden whispered. She already knew what Pershey would do. She is the one who is ashamed of what Pershey is doing to get Neil to notice her. She knew that Neil was aggressive and playful emotionally. She couldn't quite understand why she had to chase just for a man who was unlikely to like her.

"He's coming," Pershey whispered. She felt Pershey bewildered when she saw Neil approaching their whereabouts.

"Come here, Pershey," she commanded but Pershey just looked at her before closing the book she was reading earlier and walked closer to them.

Leighden could do nothing but sit back and watch what Pershey would do.

"Such a crazy woman," she whispered. She pretended to be reading.

"Are you looking for wattpad books?" Pershey asked him as she continued to followed them.

"Pershey," Leighden called softly as the book covered her face as if she were reading.

Pershey barely looked at her. "I can help you to find a good novel," she offered but Neil didn't even looked at her.

They were the only ones at the end of the library because that place was only for Pershey.

"Do you need help?" she asked. Neil paused for a moment. Pershey was staring at him while Neil was staring at something else even though Pershey was just next to her.

"He don't need your help," Draek said.

"I'm not talking to you," she scolded Draek.

Pershey smiled again as she stared at Neil and waited for his answer.

Neil sighed deeply. She went in front of Neil. Now, she's in front of him while holding a stack of five books.

Neil looked at her. She smiled. "Get out of my way," he commanded.

Pershey was silent for a moment when Neil stabbed her.

Leighden felt annoyed but she still continued reading but her attention was focused on Pershey.

"Pershey, right?" Draek asked. She smiled in response.

Draek and Neil continued walking. Pershey, on the other hand, she was stocked. No idea had entered her mind yet.

"Pershey," Leighden called weakly. Pershey ignored her again. She sighed again in annoyance with Pershey.

Pershey sighed and followed them again. She's still energetic. "I can offer more interesting books over there," she pointed out. Draek didn't even pay attention to her as he was currently reading on the sidelines.

Pershey came even closer to him who was still choosing for the book. "What genres are you looking for? Do you want historical fiction? There it is," she offered again but Neil ignored her. She seemed numb from not feeling that Neil was teasing her even though Neil wasn't saying a word.

Pershey followed him again as he moved to the other row. "Do you want teen-fiction? Nonfiction? Fantasy? Drama? Comedy? There's a lot of that," Neil still ignored her and just opened the book.

She just ignored what Neil was doing. "Do you want horror stories? LGBT genre?"

Neil turned to her and leaned over. Pershey moved in front of Neil and re -carved. "Do you want thriller? Do you want roma-" she couldn't continue what she was going to say without saying a word as Neil left with a book.

She seemed to be nailed to her stand. She couldn't follow Neil anymore because she might be more angry or he might even hate her. It was okay with her that somehow she was noticed.

Leighden noticed that Neil and Draek were about to leave but even before Draek left their eyes met.

Draek waved at her and she just smiled.

"Romance," Pershey continued. She was still out of her mind.

Leighden stood up to go to her.

"Do you want romance?" she was going crazy. She just leaned against the wall and slid to sit down. She closed her eyes.

Leighden quietly approached and sat down in front of her. She watched what Pershey was doing.

She can't do nothing for her. Even if she forced her, she would not listen to it. No matter what she does, Pershey does not follow.

"I can offer more books, Neil. Do you want romance stories?"

She let out a weak sigh. She was puzzled by Pershey's raging madness. Even if she wanted to laugh, she couldn't. Maybe that's what Pershey would think when she was laughed at.

Her eyes were still closed. "Do you need help? What book do you want so that I can buy for you, Neil," Pershey said to herself. She could not hide her annoyance with Pershey. She really acts so weird. Nothing else comes out of her mouth but Neil's name. Leighden was already annoyed with her but she' still watching her.

"I can offer more boo-"

"Pershey," she called to make her conscious.

Pershey ignored her and still closed her eyes. "Such a frog," she whispered.

"Frog ?!" she exclaimed. Pershey opened her eyes when she screamed.

"F-frog?" Pershey asked. She knew Leighden was in front of her. She just doesn't really pay attention to her.

"You called me frog," she insisted. Leighden frowned. Pershey just pouted and closed her eyes again.

Leighden was even more irritated by what Pershey was doing. "I'm mad at you, Pershey," she growled.

"I'm not referring to you, Leighden. I didn't called you frog. I'm not referring to you, duh."

"You called me frog," she growled again. Pershey didn't even open her eyes so she could see the expression on Leighden's face. "Do I look like a frog?" she asked in disgust.

"I didn't even mention your name, Leighden. Just shut up," she scolded.

"But you called me frog," she insisted.

Pershey laughed slightly and replied. "I'm not referring to you," Pershey said.

Leighden let out a sigh. "Your Neil was frog! Not me! Tsk! I'm so annoyed in you!" Leighden walked out. Pershey just laughed and opened her eyes when Leighden left her alone.

She knew Leighden was annoyed with her for what she said.

"She's overreacting," she said to herself.

She stood up to go out of the library and look for Leighden but Leighden seemed to come home early.

It occurred to her that Leighden might be upset with her for what she said.

She had planned to visit Leighden's house but she could not find her driver.

She just stayed inside the library. She slept in a hidden room at the end of the wattpad library where a cabinet blocked the front door.

She tailored it so that in case she felt drowsy she would have somewhere to sleep.

She was not even aware of the passage of time in her deep sleep.