My Cruel Bullies Are Now My Loyal Puppies novel Chapter 3

I never worried about scheduling time with all three of them.

Because they automatically accommodated each other, coordinating without realizing it.

All three knew about the others' existence.

So I never worried about being caught three-timing.

I just needed to occasionally create the impression that I was genuinely torn—that they were all so wonderful that I simply couldn't choose between them.

They believed it completely, their eyes barely hiding their contempt while they pretended to be madly in love with me.

At first, I wasn't very skilled at this balancing act, and my schedule was packed.

Blake liked meeting at the library or coffee shops.

I'd show up in a white dress that complemented his style, wearing light makeup.

But after sitting for less than ten minutes, I'd secretly reach under the table to tease him.

Initially, he'd resist, his eyes darkening as he firmly moved my hand away.

His thin lips would press together, clearly displeased.

That's when I'd look at him with hurt eyes.

"Blake, is it just my proper image you like, not the real me?"

My question would freeze him, leaving him unsure how to respond except with a stiff: "No."

Hearing this, I'd immediately brighten up, throwing myself at him and clinging to his arm, showering him with sweet words.

"I knew you were different from other guys with their empty sweet talk!"

"Blake, you're so wonderful. If only you could like me forever!"

"You know why I haven't said yes to you yet? It's because you're too perfect. I'm afraid that when you leave me someday, I'll never recover!"

I'd praise him endlessly but explain that, sorry, I couldn't commit because you was just too good for me, and I was afraid of getting hurt.

After enough repetition, after enough time...

When I'd reach for his hand under the table, he'd no longer pull away.

Eventually, he didn't even notice when he'd absentmindedly take my hand himself, placing it in his palm, gently caressing it while maintaining his expressionless facade as he read.

That's when I'd hide my smile in the crook of my arm as I rested on the table.

-----

Most of my nightlife was scheduled with Declan.

His idea of dating was interesting, if potentially lethal.

After dismounting his massive motorcycle with a pale face, I decided I couldn't let him torture me like this anymore.

Taking advantage of my bloodless complexion, I grabbed his clothes with trembling hands, gently shaking them.

"Declan, could we maybe go somewhere else? Like a movie theater or something?"

To my surprise, he looked down at my hand clutching his shirt, then at my pale face, his mouth twisting into a half-smile: "Beg me. Beg me and I'll agree."

Damn it.

Should've known he was waiting to get back at me for that first day.

I pinched my thigh to hold back the curses threatening to escape, and weakly pleaded: "Please..."

Only then did he agree to change venues.

Not to a movie theater, though, but to a bar.

Declan was a guy who did everything at top speed, from his actions to his girlfriend turnover rate.

Wanting to win the bet without getting too attached, he boldly introduced me to his world.

I had to admit, in that hazy, intoxicating environment, he was mesmerizing.

From the starlike embers of cigarettes between his knuckles to the seductive way he swirled his drink.

But I was determined to shatter his world.

I pretended to be both frightened yet brave, snatching the cigarette from his hand.

His expression turned irritable, but even then, he remembered his "mission" and expressed his feelings for me.

He rented an apartment near the university.

After dealing with the other two, I'd go tutor Ethan in German as promised.

The young man was sweet in words and actions.

Maybe because he was younger, his every move carried obvious intent.

Casually brushing against my hand.

Standing behind me, oblivious to personal space, practically surrounding me in his embrace.

He'd tease me:

"Tara, am I scary? Your face has been red since you walked in."

I'd lower my head, pretending to be embarrassed.

While secretly touching the blush I'd applied in my coat pocket.

‘Kid, you still have a lot to learn about the art of seduction.’

With my deliberate permission, Ethan's little maneuvers became increasingly frequent.

Combined with his face, it was admittedly quite charming.

I let him have his fun, until the day he tried to kiss me.

I pushed him away, feigning panic, my face a picture of internal conflict.

"Ethan, this isn't right!"

"I... I... I..."

I stammered incoherently, then, as if too ashamed to face him, grabbed my bag and ran out the door.

Ethan stood by the upstairs window, quietly watching my fleeing figure, a touch of mockery in his dark eyes.

Beyond his line of sight, the panicked expression vanished from my face.

In the glow of the setting sun, I hummed a little tune as I walked back to my dorm.