Catch or Fall

Chapter Nine

Okay, that was a first. "I am an asshole?"

"Well, was—it depends on the situation. Mostly, you were just an ass to me."

What the heck is she saying?

"Okay, let me get this straight. Are you saying I've been—or was an ass to you?" When she nods, I prod. "Is there an explanation as to why you came to that conclusion?"

"One, you never uttered a single word to me—except for that time you had to ask about the assignment. Two, in Professor Colton's class last semester, you knew I didn't have a partner, yet you picked Enzo and I was left with Zac. Three, because of the two things I've mentioned."

This time, it's my turn to be amused. "So you thought I was an asshole because one, I never spoke to you in class and two, I chose another person to be my study partner? Well, here's my side of the story. I tried to talk to you, that's why I asked you about the homework. But you were always scowling at me. So in short, you intimidated me. And with Enzo, I did that because he's not in good terms with Zac. Even if I wanted to choose you, Enzo promised to pay for my gas for a month."

Harper chuckles softly as she tries to hide the blush forming in her cheeks with a pillow. "Oh God, I'm so petty."

"I might have to agree with you on that," I tease. Instead of glaring at me, she responds with a smile. She's prettier when she smiles.

"I'm not sure if you will like it, but maybe you want some spicy noodles?" She offers.

And because I'm not ready to leave yet, I nod. "Okay."

*

Harper

Having a guy over in my dorm room is something that's not normal for me ever since I swore off dating two semesters ago. And if I tell my past self about this—that Ashton FREAKING Price is here— she'd probably not going to believe me. My present self can't actually believe it either.

And imagine my panic when he knocked on my door and I'm still on my short shorts? I totally forgot that I used all my leggings for workout. Pajamas are not my thing so I only wear shorts, or sometimes undies when I sleep. So yeah, that's a reminder for me to drop by the laundry shop first thing in the morning.

"Congratulations. You've successfully turned me into a cup noodle fan," Ashton tells me as he downs his third cup. "This isn't actually bad."

"I'm not into cup noodles, actually. I only love that. Spicy ramen is my comfort food," I admit. The story behind my love for spicy ramen dates back in high school when I got thrashed at a party. My friends were scared to drive me home with my face looking like a smashed tomato. Hot chocolate was out of the option, so they made me eat ramen at a convenience store. It has been my go-to food since then.

"And you can eat authentic ramen at Japanese restaurants. Why settle for the budget version?"

I roll my eyes and sigh. "Because that's exactly the reason, Ashton. I'm on a budget so I can only afford the budget version."

"Shit, yeah. Sorry, I forgot. It has not sunk in, you know."

"It will, one of these days. Trust me," I say, but it's not only to convince him. It's also to remind myself that good days will come. "It's not going to be easy but sometimes you have to make a choice. And once you make one, you have to stick to it."

"And if by the end of the day the shit gets shittier, you just have to deal with it and try again?"

"Yeah, Ashton Price. That's how life works," I say and flash him a thin smile. "As they say, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade."