The rooftop door creaked open, and we both turned—
A golden-furred dog strolled in like she owned the place, followed by three wobbly, fluffy puppies, tails wagging with chaotic joy.
For a beat, we just blinked at the unexpected intrusion. Then, as one of the pups tripped over Danny's boot and gave a tiny sneeze, we both burst out laughing.
The tension between us melted like mist in sunlight.
I pulled away, cheeks flushed—not from shyness this time, but from the ridiculous charm of the moment. We stood there for a second, watching the puppies chase each other's tails.
"I guess the rooftop has a fanbase," I murmured.
Danny knelt, letting one of the pups nibble at his fingers. "They've got taste. Quiet. Secluded. Ideal for secret meetings and epic debates."
I rolled my eyes, hiding a smile. "Then let's meet in the library tomorrow. After school. For the project."
He looked up at me, eyes sharp with something unreadable—but warm. "You got it."
We walked down the stairs side by side. No more flirtation. No more teasing. Just the kind of silence that felt... comfortable.
At the bottom step, he nodded once. "Goodnight, Rose."
"Goodnight, Danny."
I walked home with a strange softness clinging to my skin. The kind you don't brush off. The kind that lingers.
The next day at college, I stepped into class with a rhythm in my step and a quiet buzz under my skin.
He was already there, sitting by the window, half-lost in a worn paperback. His fingers toyed with the pages like they held secrets. It was strange—how someone could look so loud in crowds and yet so silent when alone.
I sat at my desk without saying a word.
The teacher walked in, setting her bag on the table. "Open to Chapter Five. Let's see who's actually been reading."
She asked a question—something basic, honestly. But the room fell quiet. Predictable.
I raised my hand.
"Yes, Rose?"
I answered confidently. No hesitation. My words were clear, my voice calm. I didn't even stutter. It felt good—owning knowledge like that. Like I was meant to.
And just then, the familiar, syrupy-sour voice drifted in behind me.
"Ugh. Nerd."
Olivia Chase.
The popular girl with flawless skin, perfect hair, and barely enough brain cells to charge her phone. Her personality was 90% lip gloss and 10% gossip.
I didn't even turn to face her. Just smiled faintly and said,
"Better a nerd than a pretty prop with Wi-Fi. Besides, I can't afford to fail like you, darling."
The room gasped like I'd drop-kicked the syllabus.
Even the teacher blinked in stunned silence.
"Silence!" she barked, struggling not to smile. "Rose, take your seat."
I did—cool, composed, unbothered.
Behind me, Olivia went quiet.
But as I sat down, something shifted in the back of the room. A rustle. A whispered laugh. Then—
Danny's voice. Low. Sharp.
"Impressive."
And I turned just enough to meet his gaze.
But before I could reply—
My phone buzzed in my pocket. One message. Unknown number.
"Careful who you make enemies of, Rose. Not everyone plays fair."