VALENTINA - dylan kingwell

CH2 "you again"

Valentina had barely slept the night after her run-in with Dylan Kingwell. It wasn't that he was all over her mind—okay, maybe a little. But it was the arrogance in his voice that bugged her. Why did he have to act like the world revolved around him just because he acted in the fucking Baby Sitters club and District 1?

By morning, she had decided to put it behind her. She had more pressing things to worry about: homework, her shift at the café, and, of course, Jake's constant attention. The guy didn't know how to take a hint.

Dylan was skating early that morning, the cool air of the rink brushing against his face. He pushed himself harder than usual, frustration bubbling inside him. The whole fame thing used to be fun—getting recognized, people knowing his name—but now it was suffocating. He missed being a regular guy, and running into Valentina yesterday had been a rude reminder that not everyone cared about the "Dylan Kingwell" persona.

There was something about her that he couldn't shake. She didn't seem impressed, and that stung more than he'd like to admit. The girls back in LA were all over him. Even guys these days. He skated to a stop, breathing heavily, before glancing up at the rink clock. His sister, Addyson, would be up soon, probably complaining that he left without telling her. She had just turned 17, the same age as Valentina, and they'd always been close.

Addyson was one of the few people who knew him outside of the fame bubble, the one person he could be real with. He pulled out his phone, shooting her a quick text: "Be home soon. You better not have eaten my left overs you fat fuck."

School felt like a battlefield that morning. Jake was at it again, leaning against her locker with that same cocky smile plastered on his face. She cant lie, his blonde shiny hair and cheeky smile were not something you could ignore.

"Hey, Val," he said smoothly, as if they hadn't had the same conversation a hundred times. "You coming to the game Friday?"Valentina sighed, shouldering her bag and trying to slip past him. "Jake, I've told you a million times. Fuck off please."

He stepped in her path, not getting the hint. "Come on, it's just a game. You and I could hang out after. You'd have fun."Valentina was about to reply when her best friend, Kelly, appeared beside her. "She said no, Jake," Kelly chimed in, crossing her arms. "Go find someone else to fuck."

Jake's smile faltered for a second, but then he laughed it off. "Alright, alright. But you'll change your mind," he said with a wink, walking off down the hall.Kelly shook her head, rolling her eyes. "How does he not get that you're not into him?""I wish I knew," Valentina muttered. "It's like no matter what I say, he's convinced he can change my mind."

They started walking toward class when Kelly suddenly perked up. "Oh my god, did I tell you? Dylan Kingwell came into the café again yesterday. I swear, he's stalking you."Valentina scoffed. "Please. I ran into him once. And if he shows up again, it's probably just because it's the only decent coffee shop in this town."

Kelly smirked. "Sure. I saw the way you looked at him."Valentina turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "He's literally the most self-absorbed guy I've ever met."

"Still fine though," Kelly teased. "You know, you could do worse.""Like Jake?" Valentina quipped, making Kelly burst out laughing.

Dylan hadn't planned on going back to the café so soon, but it was the only place in town where he could sit and think without being interrupted. Plus, Valentina worked there, and something about the way she brushed him off the other day stuck with him. He also kinda wants to check her out. And he still doesnt know her name. Which bugged him even more.

When he walked in, he scanned the room. Sure enough, there she was, taking orders behind the counter. She was focused, her hair tied back in a messy bun, with that same look of disinterest she always seemed to carry. It was oddly refreshing.He slid into a booth near the window, half-expecting her to pretend he didn't exist again. But this time, when she walked over to take his order, she paused for just a second, as if recognizing him.

"You again," Valentina said, not looking up from her notepad."Guilty," Dylan replied, smirking slightly.She finally met his gaze, raising an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Black coffee?""You remember," he said, leaning back in his seat, manspreading.

She rolled her eyes. "It's the most boring order on the menu. Not exactly hard to remember."Dylan chuckled. "Fair enough."There was a brief silence before she scribbled down the order and walked away without another word. Dylan couldn't help but watch her go, that same curiosity tugging at him. She was —unaffected by him, or at least she pretended to be.

"Did you see that?" Kelly whispered once Valentina returned behind the counter. "He was totally checking you out."Valentina shot her a look. "I'm just doing my job, Kel.""Uh-huh," Kelly replied with a knowing smile. "He's here for you. Trust me."Valentina rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny that something about Dylan Kingwell made her stomach flip. She wouldn't let him know that, though. If there was one thing Valentina was good at, it was keeping her cool.

After her shift, Valentina was walking home when a car pulled up beside her. For a second, she thought it was Jake again, trying another one of his lame pickup stunts, or trying to get to hop in the passenger seat. But when the window rolled down, she was surprised to see Dylan sitting in the driver's seat.

"What are you doing?" she asked, stopping on the sidewalk.He shrugged, his elbow resting on the edge of the window. "Saw you walking and figured I'd offer a ride."

What type of ride val thought but quickly brushed this away.

Valentina stared at him for a moment, trying to figure him out. "You don't seem like you actually care if i need a ride home or not.""Id surprise you," he replied, his tone teasing.She huffed, shaking her head. "No thanks. I'll stick to my feet."Dylan grinned, something mischievous flashing in his eyes. "Suit yourself, De Luca. I'll see you around."

He drove off, leaving Valentina standing there, more confused than ever. She didn't know what his deal was, but she wasn't about to let herself get wrapped up in whatever game he was playing. And how the fuck did he not just figure out her name, but her LAST name?