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.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅ Sitting on the worn-out couch in the cabin, Makinley kicked her feet up and stared at the ceiling, trying to shake off the thoughts that had been following her around like a shadow. Duncan. The name alone was enough to make her roll her eyes-and not just out of annoyance.
It had been this way since they'd met. There was something about him, something that made her want to smack him for being so clueless, but also something that kept her from really wanting him out of her life. Sure, they were friends, but not without the typical frenemy banter and competition. And yet, somewhere along the way, all those eye-rolls and sarcastic digs had morphed into something she wasn't exactly proud of. She was interested in him-stupidly, hopelessly interested.
The worst part? He was with Courtney. That was its own kind of mess, like a train wreck you couldn't look away from. Watching them fight day in and day out was exhausting, and sometimes Makinley just wanted to scream, "Wake up!" But Duncan was so wrapped up in his drama with Courtney, he didn't even notice she was right here, catching feelings she had no business catching.
A loud bang snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked up to see Duncan strutting in like he owned the place. Typical.
"What's with the attitude?"
Duncan asked, quirking an eyebrow as he dropped down on the couch next to her. "You look like you've been chewing on nails."
Makinley rolled her eyes, putting on her best "I'm-so-bored-of-you" face. "Nothing. Just enjoying the peace and quiet before you showed up."
"Ouch." He laughed, completely unfazed. "Don't worry, I'm here to make your life interesting."
"Oh, yeah? Pretty sure you and Courtney have that cornered," she shot back, trying to keep her voice casual. "It's like watching a soap opera, but worse."
"Pfft, whatever," Duncan muttered, brushing off the comment. But she caught the way his face darkened slightly, just a flicker of something. "Not like I ask for her to nag me about everything I do."
Makinley let out a dry laugh. "Please, if you hated it that much, you'd end it."
Duncan shifted uncomfortably, and for a second, he actually looked... troubled. "It's not that easy, alright?"
Makinley felt her stomach twist, but she kept her tone light. "Whatever. Not my business."
She got up, ready to put some space between them before she accidentally said too much, but Duncan reached out, grabbing her wrist. "Hold up, what's with the mood today? Usually, you're more fun to annoy."
