“Last time I ate spaghetti, I couldn’t stop puking for a week,” I say.
His eyes widen in concern.
I laugh. “Don’t worry; I ate from that questionable placebehind campus. Cheap food isn’t always a win.”
He shakes his head, setting down his fork. “You really don’t think things through sometimes, do you?”
I blink at him, caught off guard. “Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I’m serious, Anya. You’re always running yourself into the ground—classes, assignments. When was the last time you just stopped to take care of yourself?”
His words hit too close to home, and I glance down at my plate. “I’m fine, Daniel. People manage worse. I’m just busy, that’s all.”
“You say that, but...” He sighs, leaning forward on his elbows. “You act like you’ve got it all under control, but anyone paying attention can see how much you’re carrying. You don’t have to do everything alone, you know.”
I pause mid-bite, caught off guard by the conviction in his voice. He stares at me for a moment, his gaze unwavering.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mutter, trying to keep the conversation light.
“Yes, you do,” he counters softly. His hand reaches over, and his thumb gently swipes a bit of sauce from the corner of my mouth. His touch lingers for just a second too long, and I feel my face heat.
“You’re too smooth for your own good, you know that?” I say, hoping to distract myself from how flustered I am.
“You think I am smooth?” He leans back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ll take it as a compliment.”
“It wasn’t,” I shoot back with a smirk.
He stares at me, his eyes not leaving mine and a small smile plays at his lips. “I mean it, baby.” He cocks his head. “You do not have to go through everything alone. We are in this together and all your burdens, your worries are mine, too. Do you understand?” He raises an eyebrow.
I can't help but beam. “Yes sir.” I mock a salute.
“Good girl.” He winks at me and I shake my head.
“Dude, this smells nice.” I turn around to see the owner of the voice.
Daniel grabs the plate quickly. “Louis, don’t.” He glares.
“Hi, there.” Louis waves at me, and I give him a small smile. He looks between Daniel and me, and smirks as he takes a seat next to me.
“I have to file a complaint, Ms. Anya,” he says, faking a serious expression, but I can see the playful smile he’s trying to hide. Daniel rolls his eyes.
“I have no idea what you did to my brother.” He pats Daniel’s arm. “But this man is whipped.” He sighs. “It is so difficult to be around him.” Louis fake-shivers and faces Daniel. “He keeps smiling. It is very spine-chilling.”
“Whipped, huh?” I say to Daniel, raising an eyebrow.
Daniel shrugs, a smug smile on his face. “Can you blame me?” He looks at Louis with a bored expression on his face. “But come on, dude. You are overdoing it,” he says, a blush rising on his neck. He looks so cute.
“No, he is not,” Ethan says as he walks out of a room—probably his. “He’s a goner for you; believe me,” he exclaims, facing me again. I snigger.
“That I am. I cannot deny that.” Daniel winks at me. His friends groan and I chuckle.
“Shut up,” Daniel says, smiling at them. I laugh, enjoying the playful banter between us all. This is fun. I might as well gang up on him.
I smirk. “So, guys.” I gulp down the food. “Since you were complaining about Daniel’s—” I pause trying to find the right words.“---I would sayexaggerated behavior.” I smile at him slyly. “I would really love to know some incidents.”
Louis leans in his chair. Ethan and Louis exchange aglance before grinning at Daniel’s horrified expression. “Firecracker.” He gasps. “You do not have to join them!”
I can’t help but laugh at his reaction. “I’m just being curious, captain,” I tease, sipping on my water.
