Danna turned away, ready to step out of the room, trying to steady the storm inside her chest.
But Garson's voice stopped her — again.
"The guard won't let you leave," he said with a smirk, leaning back casually. "Not unless I say so."
Danna froze, then slowly turned around. She didn't leave.
Instead, she crossed her arms and stared at him, clearly annoyed.
"Seriously? Do you enjoy being this dramatic or is it just a side effect of the fever?" she snapped.
Garson chuckled, completely unbothered. "Maybe a little of both."
"Well, I'll call the police if you force me to stay," Danna said, narrowing her eyes.
Garson leaned back with that signature smirk.
"Do it, Miss Coffee. Let's see how that goes."
His voice was daring, almost amused — like he knew she wouldn't.
Garson slowly got up from the bed, ignoring the lingering pain.
He took a step toward her, and Danna instantly tensed.
"I-I'll hit you, okay?" she blurted, pointing a finger at him. "I don't care if you're sick — don't come any closer!"
Garson kept moving toward her, slow and steady, his gaze locked onto hers.
Danna stepped back without thinking — until her back hit the wall. Her breath hitched.
Just as she raised her hand, ready to shove him away…
He reached into his pocket and pulled something out.
A delicate, gold bracelet. It shimmered under the soft light.
Danna froze, her eyes flicking between the bracelet… and Garson.
"What… what is that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Miss Coffee, you can have it," Garson said with a smirk, holding out the bracelet.
Danna's brows shot up. "What are you—crazy? Why would I take anything from you?" she snapped, clearly annoyed.
Garson just shrugged, amused.
"Consider it a thank-you gift... for not letting me die on that library table."
She folded her arms. "I didn't save you for jewelry, Garson."
Garson leaned in slightly, his voice low but firm.
"Just have it, Miss Coffee."
Danna pulled back, shaking her head.
"No. Not from my enemy. Never."
Garson smirked, eyes flickering with something softer.
"You returned a precious necklace — one that means a lot to me. Consider this a… thank-you gift."
What Danna didn't know was that when Garson first saw the bracelet at the jewelry shop, it reminded him of her. He didn't even understand why he bought it.
Danna hesitated, then finally took the bracelet.
"Now please… be back," she said softly, trying to keep her voice steady.
But before she could move, Garson placed both hands on the wall beside her, closing the space between them.
"Why do I make you nervous, Miss Coffee?" he asked, a slow smirk playing on his lips.
Their eyes locked, the air thick with unspoken things neither dared say.
"Are you in love with me or something? Or did your fever just make you crazier?" Danna said boldly, eyes sparkling with challenge.
Garson smirked, stepping a little closer.
"Nope, neither," he said, voice low and teasing, their eyes locked in a heated stare.
But before the moment could stretch any longer, Danna pushed him back gently.
"I have to go, crazy head."
Danna turned on her heel and left the room, her heart pounding just a little faster.
Garson chuckled softly behind her.
"I do have an effect on you, Miss Coffee," he called out, his voice low and full of amusement.
Danna rushed down the grand stairs, her thoughts swirling. He's crazy, she thought to herself, barely able to focus.
As she reached the living room, she suddenly bumped into someone—James.
He looked at her, surprised.
"Hey, careful," he said, raising an eyebrow.
Danna blinked, quickly composing herself.
"Who are you?" James asked, narrowing his eyes. "I don't think I've seen you around before, pretty lady."
Danna glanced at James, then said quietly,
"I'm someone you don't need to worry about."
James's smirk softened just a bit, a flicker of respect in his eyes.
You've got guts!
Danna shrugged, unfazed.
Thanks!
The room grew quieter; the air charged with unspoken challenges.
"Well, nice to meet you, pretty lady. I'm Garson's brother, James," he said with a half-smile. "Maybe we should grab a coffee sometime?"
"No thanks. I'm not interested in meeting you or your brother," Danna replied coolly, walking past him without a glance.
James watched her go until she disappeared down the hallway.
You're a totally interesting girl, he thought to himself, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
Natalia stood outside her house, dressed in a purple top and black pants, her hair flowing freely in the breeze. As Aiden's car pulled up, she smiled softly, brushing a strand behind her ear.
Aiden stepped out, returning her smile. "So… let's go?" he said casually.
Natalia gave a small nod, and the two slipped into the car, the morning light casting a soft glow over them as the engine hummed to life.
As Danna walked into the university, she muttered under her breath, "Both the brothers are stupid…" Her thoughts were still tangled from this morning — until her eyes landed on Aiden's car.
She slowed her steps.
Inside, she saw Natalia
Danna's steps froze as she saw Aiden's car pull up. She quickly ducked behind another parked car, peeking just enough to see.
Natalia stepped out, laughing at something Aiden said. He smiled back, casually brushing his hand through his hair as he walked beside her.
Danna narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.
So that's why, bestie… you don't have time for me these days, she thought, lips pressing into a pout.
As Natalia and Aiden walked off toward their class, still chatting and smiling, Danna stepped out from behind the car, brushing imaginary dust off her shirt.
You think I didn't see, huh? she thought, raising an eyebrow but keeping her expression blank.
She followed them quietly into the building, entering the classroom a few minutes later like nothing happened — casually sliding into her seat, not even glancing their way.
But inside?
She was connecting dots.
Natalia turned in her seat, giving Danna her usual cheerful grin.
"Hey! You didn't reply to my texts last night. Everything okay?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Danna looked up from her notebook, forcing a smile.
"Oh… yeah. Just busy."
Natalia leaned in a bit. "You sure? You seem off."
Danna shrugged, casually flipping a page. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me, bestie. You've got someone else keeping you busy now anyway."
Natalia blinked. "Huh?"
But before she could ask more, the professor walked in.
Danna didn't look back. Let her wonder, she thought, lips tight.
As the bell rang and students began to pack up, Natalia stood up quickly, her eyes on Danna.
"Danna, wait—" she called, weaving through the desks.
But Danna had already slung her bag over her shoulder and slipped out the door, not even turning around.
Natalia stood frozen for a moment, watching the empty space where her friend had been.
A quiet sigh left her lips.
Why is she upset this time? she thought.