Loving 'Dae Dae'

9.

He stared at me.

Noone spoke.

And by noone, I meant the whole cafetaria.

His lips tilted into a frown.

He didn't want me to be here.

That kinda hurt.

"I liked that apple."

I felt guilty and relived.

Guilty that I had bitten his apple but relieved that he hadn't objected my presence. Yet.

I gave him an apologetic smile before handing him back the apple.

"Thanks."

He just nodded then crunched back into the apple.

Everyone gasped.

"They just indirectly kissed!"

A couple girls echoed the same accusation as Blair. I could hear their shouts even if our table were five meters away.

They're stares burnt holes, branding me with hatred and envy.

I shifted uncomfortably.

Ronan rolled his eyes at them.

I stared straight back at them.

I was confused, sad and scared.

Why were they glaring at me?

Why do they hate me?

What did I do?

"Hey…"

I ignored Ronan.

I wanted to figure out why they glared at me with such…malice.

Like I was a freak.

Like I was a nobody.

Stupid Dakota! You always have to mess up!

Maybe this was a bad idea…

I shivered.

Maybe I should go....

"Dakota."

I slowly turned my head.

Hesitantly pulling my focus away from Blair and giving it to Ronan.

"Hmmm?"

My voice sounded distant.

My eyes were already drifting back.

But his voice stopped me.

"Don't look at them."

His voice was stern and although his face held no emotion his brows were furrowed.

"They don't deserve your attention."

I nodded before smiling again.

Never stop smiling.

"Okay Dae Dae"

"Don't call me that."

"Hmmmm…"

"I'm serious."

"Uh huh…"

"Dakota…"

He groaned my name.

"Yes?" I smiled innocently, trying to ignore how impossibly attractive his groan is.

"Don't call me that."

"Okay…"

He relaxed.

"…Dae Dae."

He glared. But it wasn't like those girl's. In fact it was almost...  Playful?

And then I realized.

He was just distracting me from the glares and heated stares I was receiving.

He was helping me.

And for that I was grateful.

"Don't. Call. Me. That."

I chuckled.

Or maybe he really just did hate my nickname for him.