Hunger/ Anger.

Daræy, the self-proclaimed King of Drama, rises again.

It's not like he causes the drama. No, no, no. The drama finds him. It follows him like a lost puppy, clings to him like static, and refuses to let him live a peaceful life. If there's a commotion somewhere, best believe that Daræy is either directly involved or, at the very least, standing in the middle of it, looking as effortlessly attractive as ever.

The way I can't avoid humiliation, no matter how much I despise it with every fiber of my being, is exactly how Daræy can't escape drama. And this time? I was the one bringing the drama right to his doorstep.

I had spoken in a low tone, trying to keep our conversation between us, but of course, Daræy's good looks are a magnet for attention. It's like the universe refuses to let this boy exist in peace. A simple, quiet argument between two beautiful people should have remained just that—a quiet argument. Instead, it had transformed into a full-blown soap opera, complete with an eager audience.

Soon, I'll be known as the girl that fought with the cute boy in physiology. And trust me, news about Daræy spreads faster than wildfire.

I should've backed off, but I was already in too deep.

"If you're not dumb, then don't act like you are," I snapped, turning away to end the conversation.

That should have been the end of it. A clean break. A solid exit line.

But, of course, our star actor wouldn't let the show end without adding some magic to it.

"If you're angry about something, don't transfer your aggression," he said, his tone surprisingly even. It sounded almost... cautious. Like he was trying to prevent the impending disaster that was brewing between us.

Oh, Daræy. That was exactly what I wanted you to say.

"If you knew that," I shot back, arms crossed, "then you should practice it more often."

I wasn't even bothered by his expression. Not one bit. But I could feel the heat coming from him, that unmistakable tension in the air. Oh, he's getting mad faster than usual.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, his voice dipping lower.

I finally looked at him, properly this time.

The second my gaze met his, I froze.

Not for long—just about twenty whole seconds.

My eyes traced their way from his sharp stare, down to the smirk tugging at his lips.

Wait.

He's smiling?

But the aura he was giving off was deadly.

Oh, he was pissed. But instead of yelling or making a scene, he just smiled.

A dangerous move, Daræy. But not enough to make me back down.

"She greeted you and asked you a question," I said, my voice steady. "The least you could do was confirm your name. She isn't some kind of sidekick that can read minds."

He was silent for a while. Then, he chuckled.

Oh, I don't like that chuckle.

It only fueled my anger more.

"Do you get some kind of award for being a jerk, or something?" I asked, my words laced with irritation.

"Okay, that's enough," he said, rubbing his temple like he was this close to losing his patience. "You made your point, and I wasn't trying to transfer aggression. I just hate answering stupid, obvious questions."

"Well, I guess you're right," I said, dramatically placing a hand over my chest. "Being Daræy is pretty obvious."

That got him.

His lips twitched slightly before he grinned. "It's my wow factor," he said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't deny it—that somehow made me laugh a little. He turned to Joy and, to my surprise, actually apologized for being rude.

And just like that, my anger disappeared.

Wow. That's a first.

But before we officially ended this argument, I had one last thing to say.

"Don't get offended by this, but I just have to say—" I paused, meeting his gaze. "Not every girl is Anita. You shouldn't judge us from just one perspective."

His expression shifted slightly.

But instead of responding, he just gave me a look.

And with that, we concluded the chapter, finally starting our practice session.

There wasn't much to do, so we finished faster than expected. Joy left, saying she had other things to do, while Daræy stayed back to read a little.

I, on the other hand, was too hungry to walk, so I made the life-saving decision to fall asleep in the auditorium.

---

DARÆY'S POV

After reading about the shoulder joint and arm muscles, I decided to take a break. I massaged my temples, stretching my arms before lazily raising my head—

Only to find Tessa.

Sleeping.

The place had gone quiet, so I had naturally assumed she left, but there she was, peacefully knocked out right in front of me.

I chuckled. "This noise maker has finally powered down. Nice."

I stepped outside to grab some water, only to immediately bump into Irene.

I sighed. Naturally, I ignored her presence.

But, of course, the girl doesn't know when she's unwanted.

"Daræyyyyyy!" she sang, dragging my name like it was a boring song.

I exhaled through my nose. "Hi."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Why are you smiling?"

I hadn't even noticed. But the second she mentioned it, I realized I was smiling.

For no reason.

"Nothing," I shrugged. "I had a fight with Tessa."

Irene gasped dramatically.

"And you're alive?"

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Tessa hasn't eaten since morning, which means she's in stage two by now."

"Stage two of what?" I asked.

"Hunger rage," she said, shaking her head. "Normally, everybody avoids her at this moment because she does not take crap in stage two."

"I noticed," I muttered.

"But you had a fight with her and survived," she continued, shaking her head in disbelief. "You, my friend, are a star."

She took what she came to buy and turned to leave.

"Oh, and get her something to eat!" she called over her shoulder. "She'll pay you back. She doesn't like free stuff from people who aren't her friends."

I scoffed. "So why don't you, her friend, get something for her?"

Irene rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, just buy it. She'll appreciate it."

And just like that, she left.

I glanced back toward the auditorium.

So, she hasn't eaten all day. No wonder she's like that.

Hmm. What should I get?

I decided on a sausage roll and a drink, hoping that would be good enough.

When I returned, she was still asleep, looking strangely calm for once.

I almost felt bad waking her.

"Tessa," I called softly.

She stirred. "Hmm?"

I smiled. "Wake up."

At first, she didn't respond, but after a while, she finally got up, rubbing her eyes.

"Hi," I greeted.

"Hi," she mumbled.

Cute.

I set the food in front of her, and she froze.

Her eyes slowly lifted to meet mine, her expression unreadable.

"Friends buy each other things," I said casually. "No need to get worked up, okay?"

She hesitated. "We're friends?"

"Well," I shrugged. "I did listen to your advice. And I've also listened to your nonsense all the way to your house. So, yeah. We're friends."

She looked down, her voice soft. "You were listening?"

I could tell what was coming next.

"Thank you," she whispered, bowing her head.

I reached out, tilting her chin up—

Only to see her face was wet.

"Are you crying?" I asked, completely dumbfounded.

And that did it.

She burst into tears.

Darn it.