Fine Line Between Love and Hate | Dan x Reader High School

Okay

Angst time.

(y/n)'s POV

I pulled out all of my books from my locker angrily and tugged at the hem of my skirt. I felt someone behind me and I gritted my teeth.

"Go away Dan." I growled.

"Try again." A gruff voice came from behind me. I turned to greet a boy who I believe was named James.

"What?" I sighed. I was too mentally exhausted to deal with anything right now.

"Are you alright?"

"I guess. Why do you care?" He looked taken aback at my rudeness and I instantly felt guilty.

"Sorry, not a great morning." I confessed. "What's up?"

"I heard you were trying out for the play after school today. I've seen you work. You're really good." He complimented. I felt blush crawl across my face.

A blush?

"I just wanted to wish you good luck." He said, flashing a smile. My face reddened even further and my hands started to sweat.

"Thank you." I smiled nervously back at him. He waved to me and I could feel myself melting. I fanned myself slightly at the thought of his dark green eyes. They were gorgeous, you couldn't lie. I turned to see Dan and Phil talking. Well, more like Phil talking. Dan looked as sick as I had felt before, his entire body drooping. Probably having girlfriend with drawls or something he's so focused on taking the piss out of me. Was Phil actually comforting him? Really? He should know better. I walked past, my head held high and I could feel Dan's gaze burning into the side of my face, causing my brain tingle. I will not turn around. I hurried up the stairs to my first class. It was of course Math, where I sat directly next to Dan.

GREAT.

I sighed and set my back pack down on the floor. I looked up and Mr. Wilks greeted me with a nod. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Dan come in. Mr. Wilks ushered him over and handed him 2 sheets. Dan silently put one on his desk and one on mine, flashing me a face. He actually seemed angry now. Like he had any right.

"Okay, help me with number 1, babe." My eyes looked up, separately from my head and I turned my face slowly towards him.

He was back.

I swallowed once and stood up abruptly. I excused myself to the bathroom and took the pass rushing towards the largest stall. I slumped down against the wall as the bell echoed. I was left alone in the deafening silence. I felt tears brim my eyes, but I couldn't bring myself to shed them. They stayed, blurring my vision, making my nose and cheeks a splotchy red color. I took a shallow, shaky breath.

Why was he doing this?

I let out a choked sob, tears burning my eyes. I was willing myself to cry it hurt so bad.

He is only a bully. He can't control you.

I swallowed my feelings, getting up to splash water on my face. I looked at myself in the mirror, dripping and red. I breathed deeply, drying my face. I looked much better. I masked myself with a smile and walked back to the classroom. Mr. Wilks looked at me and I nodded, to let him know I was okay and I was okay. I don't have to let him control me. It's all in my head.

"Okay so number one is asking for domain and range units and what that means is its asking what type of measurement the input and output are attached to so for instance I put in x dollars and get y items. The domain is dollars and range is the type of item." I said, pointing to his paper. He looked at me in disbelief.

"What? Math isn't that hard, babe." I said, flashing a fake smile. He didn't seem to believe I was okay, but he let it go.

Things will be better when they get back to normal.

He was working on the sheet, when he turned to me and said,

"Aren't you trying out for the play?" I felt a burn in my chest from nervousness.

"Yeah."

"Good luck, princess." He said smirking.

I can't tell which Dan I hate more, the slightly sympathetic nagging one or pompous fuckboy one. I would probably go with sympathetic. That one really hits home with me and I can't exactly place my finger on why.

I managed to make it through math and greeted Phil coming out of the classroom down the hall with a wave. He ran up and hugged me, strangling me in his shirt.

"Uh, Phil I don't hate you. You can let go now ya spork."

"Are you okay?"

"My god what are you my counselor?"

"No I am your concerned best friend."

"Well then CBF, I am glad to inform you that I'm fine. I would love some support for auditions today though." I sang, sweetly.

"Of course. What is the play anyway?"

"Ugh Highschool Musical. As much as I love the nostalgia, that's kind of a weird choice for a school play don't you think?" I said.

"Yeah, I guess."

"But the one after that is Beauty and the Beast, which I am so going to try for belle."

"Yeah and Dan can be Gaston. He's a beast anyway." Phil joked. I shoved him for his ridiculousness and we headed inside. Dan was already there, sitting on a desk, mine to be exact. I approached him.

"Move" I said, nicely. He looked at me and smirked.

"What? No please?"

"Fine. Please move your lazy ass off of MY desk." I sassed.

"There's my girl."

"In your dreams Howell."

"More like nightmare."

"You kno--"

"Woah, let calm ourselves down now shall we." Phil said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Playing peacemaker are we Phillip?"

"As always." We sat down and I weirdly felt at peace. Dan the last couple of days has really been tough for me considering it wasn't the usual insults. It was back to the twisted normal I call my life, but I couldn't help but feel it wasn't going to last very long. I could handle it.

After all, Dan Howell isn't the king of the World.

Hope you enjoyed! Stay awesome!

~Calymari