Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
“Damn, Cameron. I didn’t know you had such a sharp tongue.”
“Right back at you.”
Amelia burst out laughing, and Cameron smiled in response.
Extending a hand, Amelia said, “We can be good friends, right?”
“Maybe.” Cameron shook it.
As they reached the dorm door, Amelia suddenly pulled Cameron back.
“What now?” Cameron asked, confused.
Amelia said, “As your friend, can I ask you something? Do you like Bradley?”
Cameron didn’t answer.
Amelia added, “Listen, he is not as gentle and polite as he seems. Don’t fall for his act.”
Still no reply from Cameron. Amelia asked, surprised, “No way! You do like him, don’t you?”
Cameron just yawned. “You’re exhausting.”
She turned to leave, but Amelia grabbed her again. “Whatever. But whether you like him or not, he definitely likes you.” Amelia’s tone was absolute.
Her certainty was pure feminine intuition. The way Bradley treated Cameron was different.
Cameron sighed, thinking Amelia had lost it.
Cameron’s college days were packed.
Ever since discovering she was C, Lila had become Cameron’s shadow, clinging to her every day and dragging her to every club event.
On weekends, Cameron worked at Aurevia Biotech with Sienna, who remained endlessly grateful for the opportunity.
Cameron’s friendship with Amelia deepened too.
One Friday after class, Lila latched onto Cameron’s arm. “Cam, let’s go shopping. We studied all week. We need a feast.”
Initially, Lila wouldn’t dare touch Cameron because of Cameron’s well-known issues with personal space. But gradually, Cameron got used to her presence. Until one day, Lila tested the waters by linking arms. When Cameron didn’t shake her off, it became routine.
Cameron gently untangled herself. “Sorry.”
Lila pouted, “Huh? Are you going home again?”
Cameron shook her head. “Tomorrow. I’ll meet a high school friend tonight.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Who?”
Cameron said, “Elijah. His sister’s birthday is coming up. He needs gift ideas.”
Amelia was amused. “You, the ultimate tomboy, are going to help someone choose a birthday gift for a girl?”
Cameron rolled her eyes.
Sienna chuckled, “Amy, Cam’s design sense is killer. The Starry sold out on day one!
The Starry was an instant hit. All the series of products had been sold out on the very first day.
*
Pre-orders for The Starry were already booked through next year. By the end of the first quarter, Cameron would receive a hefty royalty check. It would be enough to pay Bradley back in full.
“Later,” Cameron said flatly, turning to leave.
“Wait,” Amelia called, pulling her back.
“What for?” Cameron asked, confused.
Amelia eyed Cameron’s white windbreaker. “Cam, I get it’s just a high school friend, but don’t you think you should dress up a little? At least try to look presentable.”
Cameron was speechless.
An hour and a half later, Cameron pulled into the mall’s underground parking.
Elijah had arrived early and was already browsing a women’s boutique upstairs.
She called him. “I’m here, Elijah.”
“Where? I’ll come get you,” Elijah replied.
Phone in hand, Cameron scanned the area. Soon, she spotted Elijah’s back inside a women’s boutique.
His beige trench coat accentuated his striking frame. Just the way he carried himself, aloof and untouchable, made passersby do double takes and imagine what he looked like up close.
“Turn around,” Cameron said into the phone. “I’m right behind you.”
Elijah turned, his aristocratic features as coldly perfect as ever, looking like an unapproachable prince.
“Where?” His gaze swept past Cameron without recognition.
Cameron smiled, “I’m here.”
Elijah walked straight toward her but then passed her.
Cameron stayed still.
“I didn’t see you,” Elijah said.
“Stop,” Cameron called, turning around to look at his back.
Elijah stopped.
“Turn around now,” Cameron said.
Elijah turned. Still holding his phone, he immedjately spotted the girl he had just caught a glimpse of,
Dressed in a trendy JK-style school uniform, Cameron had lean legs and flawless skin. Waist length hair cascaded down her back, framing delicate features enhanced by subtle makeup. At first glance, she was breathtaking.
Elijah’s gaze lingered for a few seconds before darting away. “Cameron, where are you?” he said into the phone,
Cameron sighed, “Stay put.”
“Okay,” Elijah replied.
Cameron strode toward him, then hung up and looked up at him. “Find anything for your sister yet?”
Elijah’s head snapped down. He was shocked to see that incredibly pretty girl he had just seen standing in front of him. He thought, ‘The voice… It’s Cameron’s. So… This girl is Cameron!’
He stared at Cameron, unblinking.
She stood so close he caught the faint scent of her perfume. His ears burned crimson instantly, and he stumbled back abruptly. “You… Cameron?”
Behind him was the escalator. One more step and he’d have tumbled down. Reacting instantly, Cameron grabbed his hand and yanked him forward. “Watch out!”
Elijah was still in a daze.
Once he steadied himself, Cameron released him.
Elijah’s face remained flushed.
Cameron tilted her head. “Why are you blushing?”
Elijah quickly turned away, avoiding her eyes. “The AC here is way too strong.”
Cameron nodded. “Yeah, it is a bit warm.”
Amelia and the others had insisted she wear this short skirt, despite it being autumn already. Fortunately, the mall was heated. The outfit had been a surprise in her luggage, courtesy of Gavin at some point.
Elijah’s face remained flushed, and his mind went completely blank. His hand, the one Cameron had just grabbed, was still shivering.
“Let’s go,” Cameron said. “You wanted to buy clothes for your sister, right?”
“Huh? Oh. Yeah.” Elijah was barely coherent, forcing himself to focus.
Taking his mumbled response, Cameron turned toward the boutique Elijah had been browsing earlier.
Elijah trailed behind. His gaze stayed fixed on Cameron’s figure-so stunning, like a fairy. His heart was pounding wildly.
