Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
He hadn’t thought to bring her anything. And now, seeing that cup of milk tea on the table… he regretted it.
But really-what was it? Just a cup of milkshake.
If Cameron liked it that much, Austin could easily buy an entire chain just to deliver it to her every day.
That thought alone made him feel better. The twinge of discomfort in his chest faded.
He took a seat across from Cameron.
She didn’t reach for the milkshake. Instead, she looked at Bradley and said, “Sit down, Brad.”
Bradley took the seat beside her. Noticing she hadn’t touched the drink, he asked, “Not your flavor?”
Cameron shook her head, hugging the throw pillow to her stomach. “Stomach’s been off the past couple days. Can’t have anything cold.”
Bradley frowned slightly. “Did you see a doctor?”
He shifted closer to her.
And then, once again, he caught the faint metallic tang in the air-blood.
Bradley narrowed his eyes.
‘Stomach discomfort wouldn’t cause that kind of smell. Cam’s injured?’
But Cameron continued calmly, “Yeah, I went. Nothing serious. Just avoiding cold stuff for now.”
Bradley glanced briefly at Austin and then gave a small nod. He wasn’t about to call her out in front of someone else.
Austin, meanwhile, immediately relaxed. The sour feeling from earlier completely disappeared.
‘So Bradley’s grand gesture? Useless.’
Austin smiled. “Well then, Cam, since you can’t drink it, mind if I do?”
Cameron didn’t respond.
Bradley picked up the milkshake himself and looked straight at Austin. “You’ve got bodyguards who cater to your every need. I think buying a cup of milkshake isn’t exactly a challenge.”
Austin hadn’t expected the pushback. “Brad, seriously? It’s just one drink.”
Bradley nodded. “Exactly. Just one.”
Austin stared at him, caught off guard.
Bradley held the cold cup in his hand and turned to Cameron. “I should’ve asked first. Next time I will.”
Cameron smiled. “You don’t have to go to that much trouble. If I want something, I’ll get it myself.”
Austin chimed in quickly, “Cam, I can buy it for you too. Heck, I’ll open a shop just for you if that’s what you want.”
Cameron gave a small laugh. “That’s a bit over the top.”
“I’m serious,” Austin said. “I’ve got the means now. I can do whatever I want.”
He wasn’t that kid anymore-the one who used to get beaten for dreaming of a house in Noble Vista.
Now, he had power, money-everything.
And he wasn’t shy about using it.
But Cameron shook her head. “Stop joking. I don’t even drink milkshake that often.”
Austin leaned forward. “Then tell me what you do like. Whatever it is, I’ll get it for you.”
Cameron didn’t respond.
She knew Austin had the money. She just didn’t want to owe him anything. Not like that.
Meanwhile, Bradley opened the cup and took a sip. ‘Too sweet.’ He frowned.
He’d asked the staff to make it extra sugary, just because Cameron liked sweet things.
His gaze drifted toward Austin, sharp and unreadable behind his glasses.
‘Austin is different now-more polished, more confident. And undeniably good to Cameron.’
Bradley didn’t like it.
He couldn’t say why exactly, but something about it rubbed him the wrong way.
He took another slow sip of the milkshake and said, “Austin, don’t you have somewhere to be?”
“Huh?” Austin blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Bradley looked at him calmly. “Exactly what I said.”
Austin stared at him, caught off guard.
Even Cameron glanced over at Bradley.
Bradley glanced at Cameron. “I need to speak to her. Alone.”
The implication was clear. He wanted Austin to leave.
Austin forced a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Brad, I got here first. You don’t really have a reason to ask me to leave.”
Bradley took another sip of milkshake. “Oh, I’m not asking. I’m waiting.”
Austin narrowed his eyes. “Right.”
Bradley continued drinking. The milkshake was still too sweet, but tolerable after a few more sips. Sugar triggered dopamine. Dopamine made people feel good. He could work with that.
Cameron, still curled up with a pillow, glanced at Austin. “Did you actually come over for something, or just to sit here and make things awkward?”
Austin hesitated. “Cam, it’s just… I haven’t seen you in a while. I missed hanging out.”
A hot shower and a full night’s sleep-that was all she needed. During her period, nothing felt more essential than that.
Bradley remained quiet, sipping his drink beside her.
Austin shifted in his seat, trying to make conversation. “I, uh, took your advice. I accepted my offer from Viremont College of Music. Got the official letter a few days ago. I saw the school posted that you were accepted to Stellanford. Congrats, Cam.”
Cameron looked up, face serious. “Austin, I told you not to treat my words like orders. What school you go to-that’s your life. You should take responsibility for it.”
Austin smiled like it was nothing. “Cam, don’t be so intense. Honestly, does it even matter what school I go to anymore?”
Cameron didn’t respond.
Bradley raised a brow. “So why not skip college altogether and party full-time?”
Austin didn’t answer right away. He pressed his lips together. “Brad, can you give me a little space when I’m talking to Cam?”
Bradley didn’t even glance his way. “Feel free to pretend I’m not here.”
“But you are here,” Austin said. “And your presence is clearly getting in the way.”
Bradley looked directly at him. “Then do you think your presence isn’t getting in my way?”
Cameron didn’t respond.
The tension was thick enough to cut.
She rubbed the pillow against her stomach and said, “Brad, Austin, I really don’t feel well today. Can you both just head out?”
Bradley and Austin nodded.
Seeing how pale and drained Cameron looked, neither of them pushed it any further.
Bradley stood first. “Get some rest.”
Austin rose a second later. “Cam, let me know if you need anything. I’m nearby.”
She nodded, grateful they hadn’t pushed back.
Both of them left together, and the door clicked shut behind them.
Outside, Austin’s four bodyguards and Vincent were already waiting in formation.
