Page 31

ANYA

I am fuming right now. “Why would you do that?!” I shout.

“I did the right thing, baby,” Daniel says, leaning against the pillar, his hands in his pocket, his eyes soft, and a gentle smile adorns his face. How can this man be so calm? I have no idea, but he is stupid. So what he didn’t help much with this assignment. Did I ever complain? No. Never. I was okay with doing it on my own in the first place. He did not have to rattle it out to the professor about how little he contributed and how I deserved all the marks.

I huff and clench my jaw. “No,” I exclaim. “Now, you are going to fail this assignment.” He really could have just passed if he had kept his mouth shut.

“I know.” He wraps his arms around me, but I do not lean into him the way I like to.

“It’s not like I did the assignment on my own. You were there with me.” I push him away, my heart racing with frustration.

“True.” He holds me again and pecks my nose. “But I did not help you.” He sighs, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I could not sleep yesterday. I felt like a complete asshole.” His eyes meet mine. “It was all your hard work, Firecracker.” He kisses the top of my hair, while his fingers play with the strands. “And I am really proud of you, so I can never take credit from you.”

My breath hitches. Somehow, it feels so special hearing him say that he’s proud of me. “But—” I protest weakly. My frustration melts like butter in a pan, his words soothing me like a lullaby.

His lips meet mine. My eyes flutter close. He deepens the kiss, turning us around and gently pushing me back until I’m pressed against the wall. The cool surface makes me shudder. His lips brush against mine, our bodies pressed together, the warmth of his skin filling me with sensations that make me want to melt right against him. His hands grip my waist in a possessive way, his touch demanding yet gentle as he pulls me closer. His lips move against mine in a slow and steady rhythm and I can’t help but respond just as gently as my fingers trace along the edges of his jaw, exploring the rough stubble that he has recently grown. I can feel Daniel groan in the back of his throat, his mouth parting my lips with an urgent hunger.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs against my lips, his breath warm and sweet. “I got lost in the moment for a bit.” His eyes meet mine, soft and sincere, before he clears his throat and offers me a small smile. “What I meant to say is…you deserve this grade on your own, baby.”

He brushes a gentle kiss against my cheek, his touch grounding me as I instinctively lean into him. “You never have to carry my burden,” he whispers, his lips trailing down to my neckline. I tilt my head, granting him better access, as his voice drops to a tender murmur. “My shoulders are strong enough to carry both of our burdens. Always. Okay?”

“But, that’s unfair.” I pout. “I can carry my own burdens. And if I have to share mine, you have to share yours, too.” I grumble. He needs to know I want to be there for him, too.

He chuckles. “Okay, okay, fair point,” he replies. He cups my cheeks. “I do not care much about this subject anyway.” He rests his forehead against mine and closes his eyes. His freckles are so cute. I run my finger over them and he smiles gently, his dimple popping out. “I do not care if I pass or fail but—” He opens his eyes.“---I promise I will pass other assignments, okay?” I simply nod, feeling mesmerized.

He suddenly backs away. “Hmm?” he murmurs as a crease forms between his eyebrows. He looks at something behind me before going around the pillar. “Where is it?” he asks as he looks around in the corridor.

I frown. “What are you looking for?” I ask, looking around myself.

“Your smile.” He grins. I exhale, narrowing my eyes at him. He chuckles and I smile, too.

“You really are insane.” I swat his chest, unable to keep myself from giggling.

“Insane for you.” He winks.

“Oh my god,” I exclaim. My cheeks heat up. He laughs out loud, his laughter making my heart warm. I roll my eyes.

“They’re so cute.” I turn around to see Sophia and Siya gawking at us, identical smiles playing on their lips.

“Hi, babes.” I wave as they come closer to us.

Soph chuckles. “We’ve been watching you lovebirds for two minutes straight and you only noticed us now?” she teases, her smile growing.

“What can I say?” Daniel shrugs. “The rest of the world doesn’t exist when I am with her.” He smirks.

I twist my face in disgust, but my heart skips a beat at his words. “You guys are so disgustingly in love; it’s giving me diabetes,” Siya says, her eyes twinkling in awe as she looks at me.

In love? My eyes widen. I blink at Siya’s words, the weight of them settling in my chest. In love? My heart races at the thought. I glance at Daniel, who’s leaning casually against the pillar, a playful smile dancing on his lips. He doesn’t seem fazed by the label at all. In fact, he looks proud.

Am I in love with him? The question spirals in my mind, sending a rush of warmth through me. I’ve always felt something special between us, something that ignites my spirit. But love? That feels like a big step, a leap I’m not entirely sure I’m ready for.

He chuckles. “I am not going to apologize for that,” he says as he eyes me.

“How was your assignment, Soph?” I change the subject immediately.

“Oh, it was alright. We managed to complete it just in time. I’m glad it’s over now,” she says with a soft chuckle. “Thankfully, Olivia was an amazing partner.” She smiles.

“Mine was the best though.” Daniel grins widely. I shake my head and narrow my eyes at him.

“I am glad to hear that, Soph.” I throw my arms around Siya and Sophia. “Do you want to eat something?” I look back at Daniel. “I am very hungry,” I whine.

He sniggers. “Fine, I’ll treat you guys,” he says, ruffling my hair.

“Oh, I’m going to make sure you regret that,” Soph smirks. “I’m about to order half the menu.” She laughs wickedly, and I swat her arm.

“Don’t sweat it, Firecracker,” he says with a grin, glancing at me. “I’ve been saving up for moments like this. Buying dinner for your friends is worth it.”

“He’s at it again,” Soph sighs dramatically.

I chuckle. I love being around these people. My people.

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