The Imperfect Girl

Chp. 28- Unwelcome Competition?

(Damon's POV)

So, I'm not the jealous type—usually. But today? 

Yeah, today was different. 

Adeline was talking to some guy, and not just any guy. A transfer student. 

You know, the kind who tries way too hard to blend in, with that quiet, mysterious vibe like he's starring in some indie film.

His name was... what was it again? Liam? Lame? Something that screamed boring.

He was all low-profile and you know, while I sat there, itching to do something reckless. 

I didn't like it—Adeline giving him attention. Not one bit.

She looked too comfortable, smiling like it was nothing. 

And honestly? It ticked me off more than I wanted to admit. 

I mean, I get it, new guy and all. But wasn't she used to me hogging all her time by now?

He was probably into all the stuff she liked—books, quiet conversations, not being me. 

I watched them, my foot tapping against the floor like a drummer about to launch into a solo.

 She was nodding along to whatever he was saying. 

Like - oh, please.

I leaned back, watching from a distance, but it didn't take long before I couldn't stand it anymore. Seriously, this guy thought he could just waltz into the picture like some main character and claim some attention? 

Nah, not on my watch.

I walked over, hands in my pockets, casual as ever. "Hey, Addie," I called, making sure my voice was loud enough to cut through whatever conversation they were having. 

The guy looked up, startled, but Adeline didn't flinch.

"Damon," she said, giving me that look—half-annoyed, half-amused.

"Oh, hey," the guy—whatever-his-name-was—said, awkwardly trying to include me in the conversation like he hadn't just been monopolizing my girl's time.

"New friend?" I asked, giving him a quick once-over. He was not-too-tall, lanky, with glasses that made him look like he knew way too much about weird things, like rare insects or something.

"This is Lucas," Adeline said, "He's new."

Lucas, right. 

Already forgot.

"Lucas," I repeated, with a smile so fake it should've been in a wax museum. "Nice to meet you." sike

He nodded, unsure of where to look as my eyes flicked between him and Adeline. I could practically feel his discomfort. 

Good.

"So, Addie," I turned back to her, pretending Lucas didn't exist, "We still on for today?"

Her eyebrows raised. "today?"

"Yeah, remember? I said we'd finish the rest of the project—"

"We've already finished it," she said, deadpan.

"Well, you never know," I smirked, "Maybe we missed something."

Lucas was looking at us like he'd walked in on a private conversation—which, honestly, he had.

"Right," Adeline sighed, clearly catching on to what I was doing. 

I saw her eye-roll but didn't care.

Lucas, bless his heart, shuffled awkwardly. "Well, I should... um... get going."

"Oh, no need to rush on my account," I said, not meaning it at all.

"I'll see you around," he mumbled to Adeline before making his grand escape.

As soon as he was gone, I turned to Adeline. "Lucas, huh?"

She gave me a side glance. "You're impossible."

"Me? I'm just making sure you don't forget about your best deskmate," I grinned.

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