Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 870

Back in the day, Alyssa felt as though someone had stolen Julia away from her.

It was Julia's birthday, and the timing couldn't be more perfect-it was the weekend. Most of their dorm mates were locals and typically went home on weekends. Alyssa had planned to head home too, but she remembered it was Julia's birthday, so she snuck out to buy a birthday cake, hoping to surprise Julia back at the dorm.

Julia had been tied up with rehearsals and came back late.

After buying the cake, Alyssa was about to hide it along with a gift in their dorm. As she opened the door to their dorm, she caught a startling sight.

The window was wide open, and a guy was climbing in from outside.

There was this enormous sycamore tree just outside their dorm, with branches reaching near the window. The guy had shimmied down the tree and was halfway through the window.

At the sight of Alyssa, he froze, perched on the windowsill, poised to jump in.

Alyssa let out a scream, but the intruder was swift; he leaped inside, dashed to the door, and yanked Alyssa in, slamming it shut.

He pinned her against the door, his hand clamped over her mouth. "Chill, it's just me," he whispered.

It was one fluid motion.

As Alyssa gazed at the familiar yet roguish face, recognition dawned on her. It was Michael, Julia's boyfriend.

After a brawl, Michael had become notorious across campus, and everyone knew he was Julia's boyfriend.

Michael hit the son of a powerful figure and was detained in the police station.

It was only because of Alyssa pleading with her father that Michael was released-a favor for Julia. Both Julia and Michael knew Alyssa helped them out.

Michael's grip on Alyssa's mouth tightened as she blinked back, frozen in shock. From outside, there came a knock, prompted by Alyssa's scream-concerned girls from the next room. "Anyone there? What's going on?"

Michael shot Alyssa a look, his finger to his lips in a silent plea. Slowly, he let go of her.

Alyssa, trying to regain her composure, called out in a raspy voice, "It's nothing, just got scared by a mouse, that's all."

A muffled acknowledgment came from the other side before the sound of footsteps faded away.

Turning back, Alyssa caught Michael grinning. "Calling me a mouse, huh?" he chuckled.

She had indeed been scared out of her wits, her body still tense.

And for some reason, she could still smell that distinct scent-not cologne, but a light, pleasant aroma that seemed so out of place on a guy like him.

Alyssa, determined not to show weakness, retorted, "If you're not a mouse, then why did you sneak over to my dorm?"

Michael slouched onto Julia's bed with a casual air. "It's my girl's birthday. Of course, I've got to be here for her."

He was bold. Guys weren't allowed in the girls' dorms, yet there he was, having scaled walls and trees to get in.

The height didn't seem to faze him in the slightest.

Alyssa found this bad boy thoroughly annoying. "You're all grubby, don't sit on Julia's bed. She's a neat freak," she scolded with irritation.