Clashing Harmonies || a broppy story || ❁

Chapter 2

The snow outside fell in soft, delicate flakes, blanketing Troll Village in an icy glow. Poppy's pod buzzed with music and laughter, but Poppy herself couldn't focus. Her usual bubbly enthusiasm felt forced as the weight of her earlier argument with Branch settled deep in her chest.

She glanced around the crowded room, her gaze snagging on Creek, who was entertaining a small group of trolls with one of his over-the-top stories. His charm was undeniable, but Poppy found herself less drawn to it tonight. Instead, her mind kept wandering back to Branch—the way his words had cut deeper than usual, the way he'd stormed out into the freezing night.

She sighed, gripping her cup tightly as DJ sidled up to her.

"What's got you so distracted, Poppy? This is your party, and you're acting like someone just popped your cupcake bubble," DJ said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's nothing," Poppy lied, though the tremble in her voice gave her away. She glanced toward the door, as if expecting to see Branch walk back in. "I think I just... messed things up with someone."

DJ followed her gaze and scoffed. "If you're talking about Branch, don't sweat it. That troll lives to brood. I don't even know why you keep inviting him to these things. He's like the opposite of fun."

Poppy frowned, a flicker of defensiveness rising in her chest. "He's not as bad as everyone thinks, you know."

DJ gave her a skeptical look but shrugged. "If you say so. Just don't let him ruin your night." With that, she drifted back into the crowd, leaving Poppy alone with her thoughts.

As the party raged on, Creek approached her with his signature swagger, his dazzling smile cutting through her haze of worry. "Poppy," he said smoothly, leaning closer than necessary. "Why so glum? This isn't like you."

Poppy forced a smile. "I'm fine, Creek. Just... a little distracted, I guess."

Creek tilted his head, studying her with an intensity that made her squirm. "Well, if you need a distraction, I'd be happy to offer my services." His hand brushed lightly against her arm, his touch lingering just a second too long.

She pulled back slightly, her smile faltering. "Thanks, but I think I just need some air."

Creek's expression didn't falter, though his eyes darkened ever so slightly. "Suit yourself," he said with a casual shrug, turning his attention to a nearby troll.

Poppy slipped away, heading toward the door. She needed to clear her head, needed to escape the noise and the heat of the party. But as she stepped outside, the sight of a familiar figure standing in the snow stopped her in her tracks.

"Branch?" she called out, her voice soft against the stillness of the night.

He turned slowly, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. The wind tousled his black hair, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable.

"What are you doing here?" Poppy asked, stepping closer.

"I came back," he said simply, his voice low.

Her heart skipped a beat. "Why?"

Branch hesitated, his gaze flickering away. "Because I didn't like how we left things. And because... I don't want you thinking I don't care."

Poppy blinked, startled by his honesty. Branch wasn't the type to open up, especially not to her.

"I didn't mean to push you away," she said softly. "I just... I didn't know what to do. You looked so angry, and I thought you didn't want to be here."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I just don't know how to be... Happy... Like you." he said, looking down, he felt ashamed.

"Branch... No I'm sorry I shouldn't hav let creek convince me to just, kick you out." poppy said.

"Wait, creek... He told you to kick me out?" branch said, as he started getting angry.

"Yeah, he told me you weren't havin fun, and it would be better if you left..." poppy quoted.

"That bitch." branch said under his breath.

Suddenly branch took of back to his bunker, he didn't want to look at any other trolls anymore. He felt everyone turning on him. Poppy tried grabbing his hand, but it was too late. He was gone.