66 When Love and Hate Collide

"Are you serious?"

"I am."

"Hehe~ Then prepare to grant one request of mine, Ciel," Kate chuckled after she returned from the kitchen. She just finished eating Olivia's apple pie. It was as good as she had expected. Currently, she was holding her test papers and checking the results.

Ciel shook his head helplessly. Giving Kate an incentive as long as she passed the exam was not a bad deal. The only concern he had right now is whether the girl in front of him would ask for an unreasonable request if she managed to pass the exam.

The boy didn't doubt Kate's ability. He doubted her motivation.

Kate smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, Ciel. I won't ask for anything unreasonable."

"Mmm, I believe you," Ciel said in a relaxed manner. "Now, time for the English Test."

"W-Wait! I just ate. At least give me a thirty minute break!" Kate pleaded.

"Fine. but after thirty minutes, you're not allowed to make any more excuses."

"Kuh!"

-----

Ethan arrived at the Summer's residence to pick up Kate like he promised. Today was the day of the make-up exam and he was confident that he would be able to pass it. He was seated inside the living room while he waited for Kate.

"You sure are early," Ciel said with a smile. "Are you that excited to take the exam?"

"Of course not," Ethan replied with a grin. "Are you sure you're not coming with us?"

"No. I'll leave Kate in your very capable hands. Make sure to bring her back safely."

"That goes without saying."

Ethan was observing Ciel's expression. The boy in front of him was sipping his cup of coffee in an elegant manner. Ethan knew that if he was a girl, it would be hard not to get charmed by Ciel's good looks. The boy who grew up in the countryside had labeled Ciel his love rival. He wasn't aware that someone who was as resilient as a cockroach was waiting for them inside the academy.

"Sorry for making you wait."

The voice of a girl broke Ethan out of his stupor. He turned his head to look at Kate who was wearing a black sleeveless floral dress. There were two black ribbons that hung off her shoulders which connected the dress together. The color of the dress highlighted Kate's hair color and made her look like a beautiful flower in full bloom.

Ethan unconsciously swallowed his saliva as he gazed at the object of his affection. Ciel, on the other hand, nodded his head in appreciation.

"Kate, you look very pretty in that dress," Ciel said with praise. "I pity the boys who will be seated right next to you. They might just fail the exam because of you."

"T-That dress looks very good on you, Kate," Ethan stuttered. He was late in praising Kate because the visual impact he received made his mind go blank for a few seconds. He didn't want to lose to Ciel so he immediately praised her the moment he regained his wits.

"Thank you, Ciel. Thank you, Ethan," Kate replied with a smile. "You also look dashing today."

Ethan was wearing a white, long-sleeved shirt, and dark-blue jeans. His clothes paired with his light-brown hair and above average looks made him a sight for sore eyes.

[Eight out of ten points,] Stella commented from within their shared mindscape. [Ethan will definitely be a good man when he grows up.]

'Why only eight points?' Kate asked. For her, Ethan would easily get nine out of ten points when it came to good looks.

[He's still too green,] Stella replied with a giggle. [I'm looking forward to seeing the drama that will happen today.]

'Drama? What Drama? What are you talking about?'

[Secret.]

Kate wrinkled her nose because of Stella's attitude. Her teeth itched whenever her split personality stopped at the good part and wouldn't explain anything to her!

Ethan noticed the change in Kate's expression and silently praised her. 'She's still cute even if she wrinkles her nose.'

"Shall we go?" Kate asked. This time she had no intention of being late. She also told Ethan to come and pick her up two hours before the exam started. Today was her last chance to enter the academy this year. She wouldn't take any chances!

Ciel stood up from his seat and gave Kate a hug. "Goodluck on your exam. I'll be waiting for the good news."

"Don't worry, I got this one in the bag!" Kate patted her chest. She looked very confident right now and Ciel felt relieved knowing that she was pumped up for the test.

Today, Heinz would be following Kate inside the academy. Since this was a make-up exam for the influential families, they were allowed to bring one person with them. The journey towards Saint Claire Academy was smooth. There were no accidents or traffic jams along the way which made Kate breathe a sigh of relief.

After stepping out of the car, Kate immediately noticed a familiar looking boy waving at her from a distance. It was none other than Stephen Malfoy.

Ethan narrowed his gaze as he saw Kate wave back at the boy. He tried to recall if he had met him before, but nothing came to mind. Ethan unconsciously pulled Kate behind his back. His action made Stephen raise his brow. There was a hint of irritation that briefly flashed inside his clear gray eyes, but it was gone the next second.

"Good morning, Kate," Stephen greeted his savior. His eyes locked on Kate's sleeveless black dress that revealed her pale shoulders. A smile appeared on his face as he nodded his head in admiration.

"You look very beautiful in that dress," Stephen praised. 'It's such a shame that a stinky bug is hovering beside you.'

"Who are you?" Ethan asked. His tone carried a determination to protect the girl behind him. 'You snotty prick. Who gave you the right to compliment MY Kate?'

"Ethan, it's ok. I know him," Kate said as he placed her hand over Ethan's shoulder. "I found him collapsed at the ground during the exam and brought him to the infirmary."

"I see. You're such a good girl, Kate," Ethan said with a smile. 'Tsk, you should have left this bastard to fend off for himself. Just look at his face. With a glance you can see that he's not a good person!'

Stephen smiled after Kate explained their fated meeting. He looked at the insect in front of him and did his best to hold back a snort.

"My name is Stephen Malfoy." Stephen extended his hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you."

"Ethan Kerr," Ethan replied as he took the boy's hand in a firm grip. "I am Kate's bo- friend."

Kate watched as the two good looking boys shook each other's hand. Both of them were smiling as if they were long lost friends who had finally been reunited.

"Ethan right? I hope we become good friends," Stephen said as he shook Ethan's hand. 'Stay away from Kate you filthy Mudblood!'

"Of course. I look forward to spending the school year with you," Ethan replied with a grin. 'Fck off you Poo Brain. My Kate is too good for you!'

Stella giggled from inside their shared mindscape. She was looking at the two boys and her eyes were sparkling in excitement.

[I knew there was going to be drama,] Stella thought as her smile grew wider. [This is gonna be good!]