Stupid Cupid

Summary- 17 years old Adriana has been able to survive perfectly without Ryan around. Yet when Ryan returns, his charms flashing once more, trying to shake up her perfect life, Adriana decided that this time she would play his heart. But would it be as easy as she thought?

“He’s back! He’s back!” A group of giggling girls chorused in the Great Hall, as crowds of students squeezed through the doorway to get their breakfast, and of course, to glimpse him.

Adriana Rose Ashby gave a tiny cough at the entrance of the Great Hall and immediately the crowd cleared a path for her friends and her.

“He’s back! He’s back!” The group of girls chorused again.

Adriana stopped abruptly. It couldn’t be! She thought. No! It can’t be! He’s supposed to be out of my life, far away! Disappeared from the very face of Earth. It’s absurd!

Yet she knew it was inevitable. Eventually he’ll come back. She must accept that. So before her friends could ask her what’s wrong, she regained her usual pose and continued.

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“So! My long-missed friend!” Ryan Dylan Ben Kerr proclaimed happily, giving a light punch to Jase Kaden Dillingham.

“So! My long-gone pal!” Jase said casually, his usual impassive mask transform into a handsome grin, causing several girls to stare at him dreamily the way they stared at Ryan. “So much has happened since you left!”

“Not a surprise, certainly! I just hope my place as the notorious prankster isn’t replaced yet!” Ryan said with a mischievous grin and unknowingly, a group of girls fall in love again.

“Of course not! However, you must know something important. Adriana is the –“ Jase begun, but Ryan cut in exasperatedly.

“Her! That shy midget who never dares to some to our table! That lovesick fool?! What can be important about her?”

“Lovesick fool, huh?” A feminine voice growled. Ryan and Jase glanced up, both wearing a shocked expression.

Ryan gawked. She changed so much! Back in Year Two, when she was 16, the youngest of their year, and him 17, the typical age for that year. They had dated for a month. Let’s just say things end up rather horrible. Not much of a surprise, considering he was/am the typical playboy. One year can do much. He mused.

“Adriana! You changed!” Ryan exclaimed. Then as if trying to annoy her, he added, “in a good way, of course,” and winked. He observed her as she fumed.

Adriana’s dark red auburn hair became bouncy and wavy. Her emerald green eyes are big and round. Her nose, slightly upturn, was adorable. Her lip, red as strawberries, was the only thing that didn’t change. Adriana must be 5’7, shorter than him, of course. She was fit, slim and well… voluptuous.

“A lot of things changed as well.” Adriana said simply, but not managing to hide her proud goofy smile.

“Obviously! You managed to break through Jase’s shell, get the highest grades in the school, managed to get half of the school’s males to get a crush on you, gained the school’s worship-ness, became a heiress and taken the spot as Lady Popular!” Ryan blurted and Adriana gave a tinkling small laugh.

“You took note of all that?” Adriana giggled, teasing. “Why! You must be a real bore!”

Ryan glared. “I’m not a bore! In fact I can ruin your perfect life if I want to! Not to mention almost every female in the world loves me!”

“If you want to...” she teased. Then she turned away, and said calmly. “By the way, I’m Adriana Rose Ashby.”

Ryan said confusedly. “I know! We know each other!”

“Or do we, Monsieur Kerr?” Adriana asked softly, and walked away gracefully, with her gang following. Leaving Ryan in a state of confusion.

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He didn’t change at all! He’s still the same arrogant jerk! Adriana thought angrily, walking toward her first class.

Who'd you think you're kidding?
He's the earth and heaven to you
Try to keep it hidden, honey we can see right through you
Girl you can't conceal it
We know how you're feelin', who you're thinking of

His untamable black hair is as messy as ever, driving Adriana almost insane once to control her hands from combing it. And his eyes! It’s still the deep endless blue that she had once got lost in. He got even more muscular and taller, 6’2, to be exact!

The way his arms gripped me once, while he tried to teach me the rules of society! The dances. The formality. Adriana thought blissfully.

“Adriana?” one of her friends asked worriedly. Adriana shook her head angrily. Why am I thinking about HIM?!

You keep on denying
Who you are and how you're feelin'
Baby, we're not lying, honey, we saw you Hit the ceiling
Face it like a grown up
When you going to own up that you got, got, got it back?

No! I won’t fall for him again! I had escape before, and I could do it now! I won’t be another lovesick fool! Adriana thought determinedly.

Yes. I admit. This story is a bit... weird. Anyway, the song here belongs to Disney's Hercules. I Won't Say (I'm In Love).