The following day, I was heading to college on foot. As I walked, a bike approached from behind and stopped in front of me. Startled, I glanced over and recognized Tevin, even though he was wearing a helmet. He took off the helmet and said, "Hop on. I'll give you a ride."
"Um, okay," I replied and got on. I wanted to refuse, but I was afraid he wouldn't take it well.
"I'm a speedy rider, Rehaan. Hold on tight," he warned as he put the helmet back on.
I gripped Tevin's shoulder. The college wasn't too far, and we were on a bike, so I assumed he wouldn't go too fast. However, the moment he revved up the engine, he zoomed off so quickly that I couldn't even catch my breath properly. We arrived at the parking area within seconds. I hopped off the bike when he came to a stop.
"Tevin, are you crazy? Why did you have to speed like that? I thought I was going to die," I panted, clearly out of breath.
"Sorry about that," he apologized with a grin. "I love riding fast. But I promise to take it slow next time."
"There won't be a next time, you goof," I retorted and started walking away. I could hear him chuckling.
"Don't be so sure. Just wait and see. There will come a day when you can't live without me," he called out loudly.
"Sure, in your dreams," I shot back without looking back. I quickened my pace, but he caught up and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I tried to push him away, but he held on. I had no choice but to let him be close.
I didn't really like everything about Tevin, but he was undeniably popular. Whenever he walked into the college, all the girls would stare at him. And he knew it too; he loved the attention. Some girls from another department even approached us to be friends, all because of Tevin. I wasn't interested in that kind of friendship though. Tevin always acted like a spoiled rich kid, which is why I called him a spoiled rich brat. So, I was relieved when he went and sat with the girls, as it meant he wouldn't bother me anymore. Even though he would occasionally glance at me, I didn't pay it much mind and focused on my own business. I started talking to other students. But as soon as I started being friendly with them, he came and sat next to me. He grabbed my shoulder and pulled me towards him. I was confused for a moment and looked at him, but he didn't say anything and just smiled. At that moment, I thought his smile was cute, but when the bell rang, I put his hands down and sat up straight.
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As the days went by, he became even more clingy towards me. I started to find his childish behavior endearing and would often smile at it. Despite having other friends, he would always choose to be with me. We had classes together with the English and Physics departments, so I made friends there too. But I always preferred sitting with Tevin, not because he forced me to, but because I felt comfortable around him. Eventually, he became my go-to person. Whenever I got off the bus, he would be waiting to give me a ride. I always wondered how he knew I wasn't in class. Oh well, I was probably overthinking it. He could have just asked someone in our class. After two weeks in college, Tevin had become my comfort zone. I would approach him when he walked alone, allowing him to grab my shoulder and be even more friendly. I could feel that the annoying spoiled kid I once thought he was, was actually a really good person.
To be continued...