everything had been perfect between star and ddot ever since they started talking. from the very beginning, their chemistry was effortless, natural. they were getting closer every day, and while they weren't officially dating yet, anyone could see how much they liked each other. they did all the cute couple things. matching face masks, binge-watching their favorite shows, and cuddling on the couch.
star loved how easy it was to be around ddot, and even though he had a tough exterior, he softened around her in a way that made her feel special.
ddot wasn't one to let just anyone into his life. he had his walls up, and he had good reason. being in a gang meant he had a lot to protect, and he didn't want to drag anyone into that world, especially not star. but somehow, she'd slipped past his defenses, and he found himself doing things for her that he'd never do for anyone else—like letting her put a pink face mask on him and making him pose for cute tiktoks.
"bro, you're lucky i love you," he'd mumble as she applied the mask to his face, laughing at how smooth his skin was underneath her touch.
"you say that now," star teased, "but watch—your skin's gonna be glowing tomorrow, and you'll be thanking me."
ddot just rolled his eyes, but deep down, he loved seeing how happy it made her. he loved making her smile, and there was something about star that made him want to do anything to keep that smile on her face. he'd never felt this way about any girl before, so he knew star was special.
he couldn't live without her.
one day, they decided to head out together. ddot wanted to surprise star with something special, so he took her to a jewelry store. he had been thinking about getting her a chain—a beautiful, expensive one with a star pendant at the end, something that represented her. as they walked through the store, star's eyes lit up, scanning the cases of glittering necklaces, rings, and earrings.
"this place is crazy," she said, her fingers lightly touching the glass as she admired a delicate bracelet.
ddot nodded, but his focus was on finding the perfect chain for her. "just wait, baby. i got somethin' in mind for you."
as they were browsing, a random person walked up, eyeing the couple. they looked at star, then back at ddot, their tone dripping with sarcasm. "that's the best you could do? yo standards must be mad low"
the words hit star like a slap in the face, but she pretended not to hear them, her eyes still on the jewelry. her fingers traced the edge of a pendant, trying to block out the insult, but ddot on the other hand was livid.
he turned sharply, stepping toward the person, his whole demeanor shifting. "yo, who you think you talkin' to?" his voice was loud, filled with anger. "you don't even fucking know her, so cut the bullshit you're weird. instead of worrying about other people's relationships why don't u try getting ur ugly ass in one? weird ass bitch"
the person instantly shrank back, clearly not expecting ddot to snap. they muttered something under their breath and walked away, but the damage had been done.
ddot took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before turning back to star. he walked over, slipping his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close. "you okay?" he whispered, his chin resting on her shoulder.
star nodded, still staring at the jewelry, but he could tell the comment bothered her. she was trying to ignore it, but ddot wasn't going to let that slide. "look at me," he said softly, tilting her chin up so she would meet his gaze. "don't even think about what they said. it's straight bullshit. you're one of a kind, star. no one else could even come close to you, and my standards are high that's why i chose you"
