After his confession, Shawn captured her lips in another passionate kiss, this time catching her completely off guard. Her body instantly reacted. Next, he pinned her gently against a large almond tree where they stood.
"Alice... Do you feel the same way? Do you love me?" he asked, locking his gaze with hers, his eyes searching.
"It's getting late, Shawn," she diverted, avoiding his question.
"Give me an answer, Alice," he demanded, though his voice was soft, almost a plea.
"Shawn... to be honest, you're the type of guy every girl would dream of being with." She paused, taking his hands and intertwining their fingers, finally meeting his serious yet tender gaze. "I'm sorry, Shawn, I... I can't be with you," she said with a heavy sigh.
He bumped his forehead against hers before engaging her in another kiss. "So easy for you to deny, silent ghost. Believe me, I truly love you," he murmured, his eyes still fixed on hers.
"Shawn, I can't be with you because we're different. Our backgrounds, our status. And you're famous. If we were together, your reputation could be ruined," she reasoned, her voice laced with genuine concern.
"Shhh... little ghost... I don't care at all. If it's my wealth, I'll give it up for your sake," he said, and somehow, she felt he wasn't lying.
"So, little ghost, give me an answer," he requested again, his voice gentle but insistent.
"Shawn... the thing is, I'm a jealous type, and the way girls flirt around with you makes me sick. So it's better if you're not mine; at least I'll know I can't claim you," she confessed, her vulnerability showing.
"Phew... is that all? Look, stop making an issue out of nothing, okay? Bear in mind that I'm all yours, and don't worry, I'll announce it to the whole university so every other bitch backs off," he bragged, a confident smirk playing on his lips.
She reached for his face, her smooth palm landing softly on his cheek as she caressed it lovingly.
"Should I kiss you again?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper, filled with anticipation.
She simply nodded. After the kiss, he offered to drive her home because she refused to stay in the hostel.