He’s Just Putting On an Act Chapter 1

After my confession to my childhood best friend was rejected, I cried my eyes out at Aunt Gwen's place.

But then, by some stroke of absolute luck, I caught him through the crack of his bedroom door, staring at a photo of me, completely lost in his own feverish world.

"I can't... give in too easily..." he muttered, his voice strained.

"...God, I love her... Daisy..."

I peeked through the gap. He was half-reclining on his bed, his head tilted back against the headboard, his neck stretched tense, a deep, feverish flush creeping up his collar and staining his cheeks.

I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to quiet my frantically pounding heart.

A slow, amused smile curled my lips.

Unbelievable.

Who knew this idiot had a completely different side to him?

* * *

When Danny finally stepped out of his bedroom, he caught me with my arms wrapped around his mother, looking like the most miserable girl on earth.

"Aunt Gwen, I think it's time I moved out," I sniffled, playing the part of the heartbroken victim.

Gwen gently wiped away my tears, her heart breaking for me. "Don't listen to that foolish boy. This will always be your home."

I gently pulled back from her embrace. "But I've already packed my bags. I'm leaving tonight."

Danny, who had been pretending to fetch a glass of water, froze. His gaze locked onto the bright red suitcase sitting by the front door, his expression blank with shock.

"Daisy, what is the meaning of this? No one is kicking you out," he said, his voice tight.

"Can't a girl just want to go back to her own apartment?"

"Your place is miles away from your office. How are you even going to commute?"

I ignored him, walking over to grab the handle of my suitcase.

Panic flared in Danny's eyes. In a flash, he stepped in front of me, blocking the door.

"My mom loves having you here. Besides, I drive you to work every single day and look after you. Are you seriously telling me you're just going to leave?"

"Yes."

I finally looked up, meeting his eyes.

"You said it yourself, Danny. You said my feelings for you are just a habit because we've never been apart. You said if we put some distance between us, I'd probably fall for someone else."

I paused, letting the words sink in. "I thought about it all night, and you're right. So, I'm going to go out there and see what else the world has to offer."

Danny went completely rigid.

"I..."

He opened his mouth to explain, to plead, but the words seemed to choke him.

Behind his back, Gwen covertly gave me a subtle thumbs-up.

With a knowing nod, I rolled my suitcase past him and stepped out into the hallway.

The moment the door clicked shut behind me, I heard Gwen's hand smack hard against Danny's back.

"You idiot! What are you doing? Go after her!"

"Mom, I only see her as a sis..."

"Cut the crap! Do you honestly think your own mother can't see right through you? Stop playing stupid!"

"You don't understand, Mom! It's not like that, I..."

I didn't look back, but a triumphant smile was already spreading across my face.

Danny, if you love playing hard to get this much...

I'm going to drag you down and make you my absolute puppy.