Chapter 18：A bet to win the girl (1/2)

This was the moment Ben learned he had a phobia of public speaking and the physical consequences of it.

He'd read about this last week in his psychology 101 class. It's a common fear. In fact, it's the most common fear, affecting 73% of the population.

In the statistics of the most common phobias, the fear of public speaking is even ahead of death!

People are more afraid of public speaking...than death...

If you were to give 73% of people two options: speak in public…or die...

They would choose to die!

At least that's what the statistics say! Ben was a man of science!

He was also a part of the 73%! The worst part was he didn't know it until now. It seemed talking to an unknown woman wasn't the same as speaking in front of a group of strangers.

Helpless in front of this classroom of judgment, sweat formed on his forehead as he withstood the heat of dozens of eyes beaming at him.

Ben had been silent for 10 seconds and students were starting to whisper. He knew he had to say something…anything. ”M-my n-n-n-n-n-name is B-B-B-B-Ben-Ben...”

Zachary noticed Miyuki's worried expression. Returning his gaze to Ben, he narrowed his eyes and formed a mocking grin. ”Ok thank you! Next!” Zachary cut him off.

The interruption hadn't upset Ben but instead provided relief. He was too nervous. Releasing a deep exhale, he walked over to Zachary to get a nametag for later group activities. Then he returned to his seat and put the tag on his chest.

Everyone had introduced themselves so the professor returned to the front.

Ben gripped the wooden desk's edges and closed his eyes for several moments, taking deep breaths to calm his still shaken nerves. When he opened them, he discovered people snickering under their breath. Others asked them what was funny and they pointed to Ben. After a minute, half the class had at least giggled at him.

'Do I have something on my face?' Ben rubbed his cheeks.

”Benjamin-san…” Miyuki's appeared sorrowful as she pointed at his chest.

Ben glanced down to see his nametag: ”B-B-B-Benjamin.”

He looked at Zachary who wore an amused expression while writing some notes.

The professor was busy drawing on a whiteboard and hadn't noticed this development.

Ben frowned. He didn't understand why this guy would target him.

Miyuki reached over to remove the nametag from Ben's chest, taking a pen and crossing out the extra B's. Zachary's eyes knitted his brows at this. Rather than be upset at Miyuki, he scowled at Ben.

That's when Ben understood. 'So that's how it is…Jealous over a girl.' He snorted. It was annoying, but he didn't have time for this now. Ben ignored Zachary's provocative stare and returned to listening to the lecture.

***

The first session of the seminar ended and most of the people had left. Ben was outside the classroom helping Miyuki move the desk and chair inside as a thank you for her earlier kindness.

”Benjamin-san, do you know what speech you will give at the end of the week?” Miyuki asked.

He shook his head. He hadn't thought about it yet.

A sneer came from the classroom's entrance. Zachary sauntered out with a cocky smirk. ”Speech? Can he even give a speech? If it's anything like today, it would take 3 hours to through it haha.”

Ben and Miyuki frowned at this random insult.

”Zachary-san, you are being rude,” Miyuki rebuked.

”I'm merely offering this undergrad some advice. Not everyone can speak in front of a group. Some people lack the necessary…courage.” He glared at Ben when he saw how close he stood to Miyuki.