ugly duckling

end of a short era

'I can't do it!' you whine to yourself, sulking as you walk past Daniel and Yui in the hall for the 7th time.

after your conversation with Vasco, you felt a sudden reassurance in your feelings, his validation completely changing how you wanted to approach the matter of your friend growing closer to a past bully of yours.

sadly, despite your growing character and confidence you still lacked the nerve to steal the boy from under Yui's grasp.

they spent all their time in class together now, breaks and lunchtime all ended up just being time for them to chatter endlessly. it would have been cute! if only the girl wasn't the epitome of evil...

you slump into your desk when you finally give up trying to discreetly draw his attention from the girl. laughing louder than necessary at Mira's jokes didn't work, nor did greeting him with over-enthusiastic eyes, and when it did He certainly didn't bother exchanging more than a few words with you when Yui called him again.

closing your eyes. your mind relentlessly plays the same thoughts in your head, your situation was tiring you out in ways the stress of class couldn't

it was all so new and unfamiliar, this sort of care for another person. you felt like a monster when you remembered how cold you were before the start of this semester, how far you've come only to be friendship dumped already.

"you look pathetic" a voice above you snorts, twisting your neck, you lock eyes with Zack who smirks down at you, eyebrow raised

"yea?" you start, sighing in distress "Well I feel pathetic..."

your admission stuns the boxer for a second, arrogance easily slipping off his expression as he tilts his head cluelessly.

"that right..." he mutters in a questioning tone

you don't have the energy to respond, instead nodding silently, eyes now trained on Daniel and Yui who giggle to themselves as they enter the class.

zack notices your gaze focussed on the boy, sweatdropping with disgust "You're seriously worked up over that blockhead? I can't believe he's got you too..."

this irks you, consistent reminders of how others viewed your relationship with Daniel are irritating so instead of laying over and taking his gruff words you huff, sitting up with your hands now tensely gripping the edge of your desk you growl at him "It's not like that! geez, why does everyone keep assuming-"

the boxer shoves his hand on top of your head, aggressively rubbing the spot making your neck snap one way and then the other "I never said anything about you liking him like that dumbass!" his voice is laced with amusement that's almost palpable "though if you were into that idiot I'd recommend getting a new pair of glasses and moving on, he isn't interested" he snickers

you cringe at his rough treatment and mean spirited words, grabbing him by his wrist you squeeze them in an attempt to pry them off of your sore head "I could say the same to you- you- you jerk!"

the boy hisses, letting you rip his hands from your head "Huh? What's that supposed to mean- you- what the hell do you know about romance anyways!"

your face twitches, smiling as you look up at him its undeniable your frustration seeping through your skin "I don't know jack! but I can tell when a girl isn't interested in a muscle-headed loser like you!"

the boy looks hurt. yet doesn't relent, forcing more strength into his arms as he grabs your face now, tugging at the skin making you yelp "You've got some mouth on ya..." he hisses, fingers pitching your cheeks rubbing the skin together, forcing you to bite back a whine of pain "I don't get why your so attached to that ass anyways...! insulting me over a little joke- it's not like he's your soulmate"