Against the Odds | DAERIN

Chapter: 10

h a e r i n

After our kiss, I walked Danielle back to her house, giving her a brief hug before starting the walk back to my own house. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about what happened. I had finally kissed her, and she had kissed me back!

I opened the door to my house, took off my shoes, and walked into the kitchen.

"Hey, Haerin," my dad said as he closed the fridge.

"Hi," I said, patting him on the back as I walked out of the kitchen.

The next day, I woke up in a good mood and quickly got ready for my shift at the shop. As I was about to leave, I checked my phone.

DANIELLE:
Hey. What're you doing today?

I looked at the message from Danielle and smiled before quickly typing my response.

ME:
Got work but after that, nothing. Wbu?

Pretty much as soon as I'd sent the message, three dots appeared on my screen.

DANIELLE:
Same, do you maybe want to come over later?

I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face as I read it. I typed a response before deleting it. I didn't want to sound too excited; that would seem needy. I typed a less enthusiastic but still excited reply and went with it.

ME:
Yeah, I'd like that. See you then :)

—

My shift passed by pretty quickly, and soon enough, I was already heading home. When I got into my bedroom, I flopped onto my bed and pulled my phone out of my pocket.

ME:
Hey, when do you want me to come round?

I typed the message to Danielle and sent it, then laid my head on the pillow. As I lay there waiting for her reply, it dawned on me. I really like her. I mean, I knew I liked her already, but I really fucking like her. It's not just some stupid crush on my brother's girlfriend anymore.

My thoughts were interrupted by my phone buzzing. I quickly picked it up and read the message.

DANIELLE:
You can come now if you want?

I typed my reply and sent it, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

ME:
Yeah, I'll be there in 20 :)

"Where are you going?" My mom's voice stopped me in my tracks. She stood in the kitchen, packing away some shopping, with my dad by the fridge.

"Just to a friend's," I replied, trying not to make it too suspicious but failing miserably.

"A friend?" My mom asked, a smirk on her face.

"Yes, mom, a friend," I said, rolling my eyes at her childishness. I grabbed my coat off the hook and put it on.

"Who is this friend?" my dad asked, looking around the fridge door. "Do we know her?"

"No, you don't. Now if you don't mind," I said, sliding on my shoes. "I'll be back later."

My parents laughed, saying their goodbyes, and went back to what they were doing before.

I started the walk to Danielle's house, feeling grateful that I'd remembered to put my coat on over my clothes. I was just wearing black joggers and a white hoodie that I had thrown on after work.

Usually, I would be driving around at this time of the year, but I don't have a car at the moment. I got my license early last year, but I still don't actually have a car. Saving up for one though. As I neared Danielle's house, I took a deep breath. Calm down, it's only Danielle. Smart, caring, funny, not to mention absolutely gorgeous, Danielle. I'm not usually the type to get nervous, but now that I've registered my feelings for her, this is slightly scary. A good scary, though.