༻ Kristina ༺

"You look like death," Ella poked my cheek as I lifelessly laid my head on the stack of papers and budget notebooks I was supposed to check later. "You having trouble with your presidential-duties?"

As if. I know how to balance my work.

I shook my head and groaned at my best friend. I can't tell her about last night. Just talking about it makes my blood boil enough to make me want to kill somebody. And surely, Ella's cupid-juices will get excited as soon as I mention that guy's name.

"I've never seen you this tired. What happened?"

"I'm not tired, I'm exhausted," I sighed.

I really was. After last night, I couldn't sleep at all. It seemed that every piece of new information sunk into my brain quite late and even if it did sink in already, it was hard to organize my scattered thoughts.

Why did my parents decide that arrangement without consulting me first?

Were they serious about it or was it just a joke?

Why don't I recognize my childhood friend anymore?

Why do I get the feeling that my life's not gonna be peaceful anymore?

I don't even know what I'm supposed to be mad at already.

Ella was about to ask again but thankfully, the teacher came in and everybody went back to their seats. I hated lying to her so I think it'd be better to dodge the topic instead.

Ugh.

I slapped my cheeks and hopefully my senses got a smack too. I have to focus on school and get these papers done later. The festival's happening tonight already.

"Are you guys excited?" our English teacher, Miss Stanford asked quite eagerly. She was in her mid-forties and was known for being kind and respectable. We all knew she was referring to the festival. "It's to celebrate our school's 52nd anniversary. I can't wait to see what you all prepared! Just a gentle reminder to have fun but play safe later, alright?"

My classmates cheered, exchanged excited chatter and mumbled plans for the evening. Ella threw a crumpled piece of paper at me, and I caught it with my hand before it hit my face.

She gave me a big grin, showing all her perfectly white teeth. "I got you the best costume for later!" she mouthed.

I gave her a small smile in return, but in truth, I was worried. Ella was like my mom. Always pushing me to wear girly clothes and blah. The costume she was talking about was for the games the sports club president arranged to make the festival livelier.

It wasn't really a necessity but he insisted, supported by a lot of votes from the council. I couldn't refuse.

"Okay, now pipe down everyone. I have an important announcement to make," Miss Stanford said, her tone of voice always so gentle. The class became silent after a bit and paid attention to her. "Right now, I just got word from the principal that a foreign exchange student will be joining our class this semester."

Chatters instantly filled the room. An exchange student? At this time around? It was so sudden. And rare. Even I wasn't informed about this. Plus, the student's a foreigner?

"And speak of the devil," Miss Stanford smiled at someone at the door. Everybody curiously turned to look at that direction except me. "Come in Daniel!"

I'm sorry.

I only caught the words devil and Daniel.

It should be a coincidence right?

Just because that new student had the same name...

I wasn't finished contemplating my thoughts when he finally entered the classroom.

I stared him down from his white Nikes, his dark jeans, his black shirt and up to his annoyingly attractive face. It was a simple set of clothing, yet he managed to pull it off by looking like he just jumped off of a Vogue magazine cover.

He stepped up the platform and faced the whole class with a rather neutral expression.

It was really him. The pervert. Oh my God why?

I was still sucking in a deep breath to calm my rapid heartbeats when I heard the girls behind me whispering about said pervert.

"Oh my gosh he's so hot! Or cool? Or both!"

"I think I may have seen him in TV before!"

"Maybe he's a famous TikToker or vlogger or something?"

"That bored look on his face is just... ah!"

"This must be what they call love at first sight!"

Facepalm on that last one.

Were these classmates of mine mentally stable? They don't realize how much of a big jerk that butthead is! No, they actually don't know. They're being tricked by his face. That face of his...

I'm already imagining fifteen different ways to kill him.

No Tina. Do not commit a crime. But wait I'm not eighteen yet so I can still - NO. Stop that. Bad.

My hands were already shaking. I gritted my teeth and tapped my foot impatiently on the floor.

Why did he enroll in this school? How did he get in our class?

"Quiet!" our teacher called the class' attention. She then gave an encouraging pat on Daniel's shoulder. "Go on dear, introduce yourself."

He slowly nodded his head, his eyes somehow scanning the classroom. Was he looking for somebody?

Crap what if he sees me!

Double crap, what if he's looking for me?!

I was about to hide my face under my notebook but it was too late. He saw me. He saw me and grinned. The evil kind.

His malicious smile was quickly misunderstood by the girls behind me. I even heard their shrieks of delight.

That was it.

My life was over.

"Hey," he began, speaking to everybody in a monotone voice. "My name's Daniel Curtis. I recently transferred here from London. I grew up there but I was actually born here in LA. I lived here until I was six."

The whole time he was speaking, he never tore his eyes off of mine. What was this guy scheming? I was getting really anxious all of a sudden.

"To be more specific," he raised his voice a bit, gathering the attention of my already interested classmates. His lips curved up into a mild smirk as he stared at me. "I grew up in my childhood friend's house. Her name was Poopy. She was adorable back then. Recently however, I found out that she evolved into some kind of demon."

I broke the pencil I was holding.

FUNNY WORDS COMING FROM THE DEVIL.

Sean burst into boisterous laughter, and since it was so contagious, the rest of the class laughed along with him.

"Poopy?!" Sean choked out. "I bet she stinks just as her name does!"

I'm seriously pissed now. I wasn't even in a good mood to begin with. My hand had a will of its own, picking up a random book from my bag and throwing it at Sean's head.

I was unnoticed; I was quick and invisible as a ninja.

Screw being the president. I'm still a temperamental teenager.

"The fu-- who threw that?!" he complained, caressing his useless head. I couldn't help it. When I'm mad, I'm violent. Especially now. I've never felt such passionate hate for someone before.

Oh darn my book.

"Shut it Sean," Miss Stanford scolded again, oblivious to the fact that he was hit by a flying book. Everybody in our class laughed. Served him right. "Now Kristina."

I quickly bolted up from my seat when she called my name. It was a habit. "Yes ma'am?"

She gave me a sweet smile before she held Daniel's shoulder again. My eyes narrowed into slits.

Oh no.

No, no.

"Daniel, this is Kristina, the class and council president." She introduced, oblivious again to the fact that we were already... acquainted and had been staring daggers at each other for a while now. "Just ask her if you have any problems regarding the school or anything else."

NO.

He looked directly into my eyes and smirked. "Sure. I hope you'll take good care of me, Miss President."

HELL NO.

"And Kristina, accompany our new student to the festival later and kindly show him around the campus when you have time," Miss Stanford added nonchalantly.

Crying. I'm crying!

I could hear disappointed mumbles from behind. I knew those girls wanted to show the new guy around themselves. I'd gladly hand over the responsibility to them if I could!

Wait. I could!

"Objection!" I accidentally blurted out. I've been watching too many shows about Law. Our teacher and my classmates just stared at me in surprise, but I quickly covered up that major slip-up. "I mean, I can't. I already have too much in my hands, why don't you let them show him around?" I referred to the girls sitting behind me - they were absolutely willing.

Miss Stanford was about to say something when Daniel cut in. "Oh, is that an excuse?"

He's asking for war.

"No." I quickly responded, glaring hard at him, but the smug look on his face never faltered.

"Why do you look so mad, Miss President? Did I do something?" He asked innocently.

"I'm not mad. Why would I be? I don't even know you," I spat. Just what is he trying to do, this brat! Is this blackmail?!

"That hurts," he slowly tilted his head to the side as he clutched his chest. I gotta admit, he did look charming when did that - I mean no. What? "To say that you don't know me, right after we had an exciting dinner last night with both our parents."

NO! WHY IS HE DOING THIS!

I quickly became conscious of our classmates. They were deeply interested and curious where this was going. Perfect amusement.

"Are you done?" I changed my tone into something more council-president-like. I had to keep my composure. Keep it cool Tina. You can handle him. He's just one of the annoying boys in school you're used to handling. "You just got here and you're already fooling around."

Then he tilted his head to the other side, raised his brows like he needed pity and made a tiny pout.

"Is it going to be that way between us from now on, my sly fiancée?"

༻ Daniel ༺

As soon as I said the forbidden word, she let out a choked version of a weird squeak.

Couldn't help it. I wanted to see how she'd react, and I wasn't disappointed.

A slight confusion roamed around. Chatters and mumbles filled the room. At first, they all thought it was a harmless joke, but when they saw Poopy's shock and my confident smile, they were confirmed of their doubts.

And then there was chaos.

"What? Fiancée?! Are you serious?!"

"You're joking! Right, new guy?"

"NO WAY!"

"Tina, where did you hide him all this time?!"

"Is that even possible?!"

"W-W-What...?" Miss Stanford blinked fast and didn't know what to say. She couldn't keep up with the quick turn of events. Guess she wasn't informed about this little personal information.

Figures. I enrolled in a whim and used my connections to get into this school, specifically this class, just this morning.

My papers were probably still being processed at the moment by the school's director himself.

I saw Poopy clench her fists and there was practically smoke coming out of her ears and nostrils.

Oh she's mad now.

I haven't talked to my dad about that marriage issue yet since last night was still a bit of a shock. I just said that to tease her a bit. I can't believe everyone took it seriously.

"Cool!" Some guy shouted, mischief written all over his face. He was looking at me, a wide grin tugging up his mouth. "How far have you two gone?"

It was such an immature question, but I'd humor him. I looked at Poopy again, only to be more amused because of the variety of murderous expressions she keeps making.

Interesting. I wonder what else she can morph that face of hers into.

The right corner of my lips curled up as I gave that guy my answer. This'll make her flip out. "I've only seen her naked once."

She didn't disappoint. The murderous expression she had intensified by imperceptible degrees.

I know I was being a jerk but pissing her off was so easy and entertaining. I've been bored for so long.

I don't know why I like seeing her make those kinds of faces. She can turn her face into anything - a troll, a serial killer, a dictator, an executioner, a demon - it was an amazing skill.

My expressions on the other hand were limited and plain. I can't express my emotions that well through my face. Or maybe I just don't feel that much emotion to make interesting expressions like her.

Or maybe I'm just lazy.

It's really not that big of a deal since making a lot of expressions was tiring, but dad was so bothered about it when I was young.

He said I was an introvert. Maybe that's true.

That's why seeing her like that was refreshing.

"It was our parents' decision, not ours!" she yelled almost desperately, slamming her hands on her desk, hoping to convince at least a few of our audience.

Aside from wanting to see the interesting expressions she kept making, I just wanted to tease her. I have no idea why. It's just fun.

And she's gonna hate me more for this.

"True. But the part where I saw you naked wasn't our parents' decision," I grinned as I folded my arms.

I sounded like a child but as I've said, pissing her off was easy. I was like a little boy picking on the girl he liked.

Will my life start to get this interesting from now on?

Her chest slowly heaved up and down, as if she was trying to control her anger.

"My..." Miss Stanford wiped off the sweat of her face. I forgot she was even there. "Teenagers these days... Kristina, I never knew you had this side of you."

Why? Teenagers do a lot worse these days. Was Poopy a good girl because she was the class and council president? Was she a prude?

Ha-ha.

Time to change that.

"Miss Stanford I'm innocent! I swear!" She pleaded. And then she glared at me again. I replied with a sickly sweet smile. "Daniel would you just shut up?!"

I could see her face heating up. She must be wondering why I had to announce it to the entire class, or why I'm torturing her, or what she did to deserve this.

Simple: I'm bored.

And this was my way of making a lasting impression on her after more than a decade.

I know I sounded like a jerk, but at least I'm an honest jerk.

"Sooo?" Some girl asked me in a teasing tone. "Do you guys have pet names? What do you call each other?"

Without hesitation, I replied. "I call her Poopy."

There was a moment of silence in class.

"SHE'S THE POOPY?! THE PRESIDENT?!" That guy from earlier laughed hysterically. He was holding his stomach and was simply having the time of his life.

"So you two were childhood friends?!" The girl's eyes sparkled.

"Kristina, you used to be adorable?!"

I snorted at that last one. Was it that hard to believe? Now I'm curious what Poopy's like here in school. Just how much did she change?

She trembled in both embarrassment and anger. I was pretty sure she was gonna jump and claw my eyes out any moment now but I was surprised when she suddenly took a deep breath and smiled.

Oh. Wow.

She smiled at me.

It's the first time I've seen her smile in twelve years, even though it was a fake one.

I wonder why I feel like I've been punched in the gut.

She pushed the loose strands of her hair behind her ear and released a short laugh. "Oh yeah," she said as if she just remembered a pleasant memory. "We always used to play around when we were kids. I called him Sir Peanut Butter back then because he always ate peanut butter out of the jar. Daniel, I missed those times!"

Sir Peanut Butter? I felt my lips tug up. I haven't heard that nickname in a long time.

And this sudden change of character of hers? Reverse psychology? This was just an act. She was either trying to smoothly escape the humiliation I just gave her, or she's trying to keep calm.

Either way, she's gonna fail.

"Is she possessed?" That guy from earlier said. He's so talkative. And loud.

"Really?" I smirked. She knew I could see right through her, but I played out the role for my amusement anyway. "I missed those times too. Those hot summer days running around your garden - we always took baths together remember?

"Why yes. I still remember. How nostalgic," she replied, keeping her breathing steady. She would have vomited fire on my and that loud guy's faces already if that were possible.

I wonder how long she can keep calm. I want to test her patience.

The teacher was fairly interested in our conversation too and didn't dare interrupt.

"You know, we could still do that now. Have baths together, since we're a couple and all." I said, as if it was the most natural thing to say.

I can't believe I'm saying all these stuff just to test her patience and see the interesting expressions she keeps making.

Can't help it. It's the first time in a while since I've been so interested in something.

And I'm still debating when I should remind her of that promise twelve years ago. Maybe she already forgot though.

But nonetheless. I'll use that as an excuse to tease her later.

She smiled, showing that she wasn't affected by my counter-attack, but I was pretty sure her mind was already planning where to hide my dead body.

But I'm not going to stop. Not until she completely loses it.

She's gonna be pissed at me for life.

And I already decided that I could live with that.

"Oh c'mon Dan," She laughed it off like a joke. Her little act was breaking down. I was getting strangely excited. "Let's talk about this later. Alone."

I hid a smile. Oh yeah? I'm getting excited. Weird.

"I can't wait," I smirked.

She's going to murder me in my sleep.

It was quiet for a while. Poopy and I just kept giving each other smiles - that's what I think at least. I bet in the eyes of our class, we were sending each other death glares and were exchanging war-cries.

"So!" Miss Stanford finally decided to intervene. Again, I forgot she was there. "Let's get down to class shall we? Um... Daniel, there's an empty seat over there right next to..." she stopped and a flicker of distress showed in her eyes. "...Kristina."

I heard the girl that used to sit there transferred to another school because she kept skipping class. Which of course, made my own transfer a lot more convenient.

"Over here my shitty darling!" Poopy happily waved at me.

I casually walked towards her, giving her a small grin before making myself comfortable in my new seat. "It's so nice to be beside you again, my crappy sweetheart," I whispered, much to her annoyance.

She just smiled at me, showing me her fist and imaginary middle finger. I just chuckled in response.

And so, class began with no one paying attention at all. Everybody was probably too distracted with me and Poopy beside each other, giving each other meaningful looks and crooked smiles. I'll bet they were all either sweating or shivering from the heavy atmosphere around them.

Dad said I had to make a good first impression so Poopy won't ignore me after what happened last night. I think I did pretty well.

"I can't wait 'til you show me around Poopy," I rested my cheek on my palm and looked at her from across our desks.

My eyes narrowed when she smiled again. I wish she did that more often.

"Likewise Sir Peanut Butthead."

And then she sent me a heart-piercing glare. I swallowed hard.

She was gonna make my life a living hell.

I can't wait.