I should be excited that it's Friday but I'm the exact opposite, not after what happened in English class with Mr Turner. He had insisted that he tutor me because he thought I could use some 'help'. I didn't need help, I know what I'm doing but he seems to think that I do. He has free range control over us so whatever he says goes because even Mr Delgado agreed to his suggestion so there was no arguing. I may have failed the first quiz we did yesterday but that doesn't mean I'm terrible at the subject, I'm decent at it. 

Ever since Daniel started coming to class every day after Monday, he's been trying to pick a fight with Mr Turner and irritate him. In turn, he ends up getting sent to the principal's office, which has happened three times this week. I managed to convince to try and hold back from trying to provoke the student-teacher today. I wanted him to stay with me in class even though I had Ruby. The uncomfortable feeling from Monday vanished after he talked to me the day after to apologise but it still affected Daniel. 

When Mr Turner discussed with me after class about tutoring in the library after school on Monday and Friday's, Daniel had reacted unexpectedly. It was after the mention of us being alone together. Since he was standing behind me, he immediately stood by my side to narrow his eyes at Mr Turner before wrapping his arm around my waist protectively and guiding me out of the classroom before he could finish his instructions for our first lesson together next week. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion at his actions. He took me towards the bleachers to sit on the benches. I watched as he paced back and forth while opening and closing his fists.  

"Little fucker is close to being beaten up" Daniel growled.

"Daniel, it's just tutoring, nothing else, it's not like we can go anywhere else, plus there's nothing we can do unless you want to come to each tutoring session with me" I joked. Daniel paused his movements to then turn and smirk at me. Oh no, I know that look, that's not good. "What are you smirking about?" 

"I'm coming to your tutoring sessions after school" Daniel declared. My eyes widened.

Excuse me? What? Did I hear that right?

"Daniel you can't do that! What if you get in trouble again?!" I exclaimed. He shrugged. Ok, I'll admit, that was stupid of me to say. Probably should have thought out my response more better than that. 

"For what? Coming to a tutoring session after school with you? I'd like to see them try, I can just say I need one too" he scoffed. I sighed and smiled up at him before getting up to hug him. Daniel wrapped his arms around me in return and rest his head on top of mine. 

"You don't have to but thank you" I mumbled against his chest.

"Anything for you" Daniel whispered. 

Neither of us made a move to pull away. We stayed in each other's embrace until I heard a high pitched squeal. We were quick to separate from each other and look towards the source of the sound to see Ruby and Kylee. Kylee was looking at us in absolute shock. I can imagine she must be since I never told her anything, only Ruby. I didn't know whether her reaction would be good or bad but it made me nervous. She was still my friend and I didn't want to lose one over a guy on my second week at a new school. 

"It's not what it looks like" Daniel and I said with panic in unison.

"You were embracing lovingly!" Ruby squealed.

"It wasn't lovingly" I corrected her.

"It was a friendly embrace" Daniel finished.

"Pfft yeah, 'friendly' you say" Ruby mumbled while rolling her eyes.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked. 

I was lucky that Evelyn wasn't here. She felt sick because yesterday she was out in the rain. Evelyn had gone out to a friends place and took the bus there. Since services had stopped by the time she left, she was stuck with no ride. When she tried to ask Daniel for a lift home, he flat out said no so she walked home in the rain. It probably should have been annoyed that he left her to find her own way home but it didn't faze me. As much as I love Evelyn like family, I'm not surprised by what happened. Another reason why Evelyn needs to try and get along with Daniel, so she doesn't have to worry about him treating her this way and rejecting her requests.

"It was my fault, I got suspicious when I saw you two head outside, especially with Daniel's arm around your waist" Kylee explained. 

"I'm sorry for not saying anything about us hanging out, I didn't know how you'd react" I apologised. Kylee tilted her head and smiled.

"Trust me, it's fine, I'm not Evelyn, I don't care who you're friends with" she shrugged. Internally I sighed with relief. It felt good to have her know and that she didn't disapprove or freak out.

"Thank you, I'm so glad, wait you won't tell Evelyn about this right? Please don't, you know how she'll react" I pleaded. 

"She would nag about it, more than she usually bitches about me now" Daniel grumbled. I remained silent, not bothering to correct him because he was unfortunately right. I know my best friend more than anyone, at least, I like to think I do but it's starting to feel like she was hiding things from me but I couldn't tell for sure. I brushed off that thought from my head. There's no way she would lie to my face unless it was something personal.

"Don't worry Harmony, I know how Evelyn is when it comes to Daniel so I won't say anything" Kylee reassured me. That was a relief. Out of everyone, I'm more scared of Evelyn's reaction, especially after the way she acted after knowing that Daniel would drop me off that day she freaked out in rage at him. She wouldn't handle it very well, that's for sure. No doubt about that one. 

"Thank you, you're a lifesaver" I beamed. Kylee nodded before turning to Daniel and narrowing her eyes. 

"I may be ok with this but if you hurt or upset her, you'll have to deal with me you little shit, got it?" she sneered at him. His eyes widened before he glanced at me then back at me.

"Same here! You hurt her and I'll join Kylee in beating you up!" Ruby exclaimed, raising her fists as if ready to fight. I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from laughing. She was trying to be intimidating but she didn't look it. She looked like as if a bunny were trying to fight. Though I'm sure if she was angry enough, she could hurt someone. 

"Shit ok, understood," Daniel said, raising his hands in surrender. I chuckled.  

"Don't worry, they won't do anything" I reassured Daniel, resting my hand on his arm.

"Yes we will" Ruby and Kylee said in unison. I rolled my eyes as Daniel put his arm around my shoulder to pull me closer to his side causing a blush to appear on my cheeks. Kylee gave me a knowing look. I turned away. And again, I'm not subtle with my feelings if she already suspects my feelings for him. What is wrong with me and being obvious? I've got to work on it.

"Hey I wanted to ask, what did that bastard want?" Ruby asked. Daniel and Kylee chuckled whereas I just shook my head. Mr Turner wasn't her favourite after he kept picking on her for talking in class and threatened to send her detention. 

"He insisted that I needed tutoring so now every Monday and Friday's I'm stuck having to stay after school to study with him, starting from next Monday" I explained. "But Daniel will be joining me in suffering during each lesson."

"Oh you poor thing, getting to study with a hot guy like Mr Turner" she pouted mockingly at me. I glared at her while she smirked. 

"I thought you hated him," I said. She shrugged.

"I do but that doesn't mean I can't find him attractive" she pointed out. Well, I guess now I know what she thinks of him. Half dislikes and half likes. 

"I don't think that bastard is any hotter than me" Daniel interjected. Ruby scoffed while rolling her eyes.

"You sure are" I chuckled.

We soon decided to go our separate ways after that. I left with Kylee and Ruby to go sit under the bleachers as usual while Daniel left to go hang out with his friends, Ivy, Ace and Lukas. I hate to admit it but it was kind of peaceful without Evelyn here to rant about Daniel after just seeing him across the hall or something. I know that he's had to put up with her much longer than I have but worse. I just listen to her rant while trying to reassure her that I won't 'fall under his spell' while he gets insults thrown at him and rumours spread about him. She'll also occasionally throw things at him if she's extra furious and her temper starts to get to her.

The rest of the day flew by until it was time to go home. Today was going to be different. I invited Daniel over to my house instead of going to our spot so we could go somewhere else for a change. It should be interesting yet nervewracking to have him in my house alone together since my mother won't be home. When I got outside, my lips curved up at the sight of Daniel waiting for me by his truck. My nerves instantly washed away.

Once we got to mine, I immediately headed for the kitchen. I grabbed an apple before propping myself on the counter. Daniel leaned against the bench in front of me. I was going to take another bite until he took it from me. I glared and crossed my arms while he smirked and ate the rest of my apple. My stomach had been rumbling ever since lunch ended. Ruby had taken half my lunch this time since she had none. I've got to stop sharing my food. 

"How dare you eat my apple, rude, you owe me" I accused jokingly. He threw his head back and laughed. He then chucked the rubbish into the bin and walked back over to me to rest his hands on the counter, trapping me between his arms. My eyes widened when he leaned forward. I could feel his minty breath against my skin. My heart pounded in my chest. 

"W-What are you doing?" I nervously asked. Daniel remained silent. He surprised me when he reached his hand out to tuck a strand of loose hair behind my ear. I looked down to avoid his piercing eyes.

"Did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you look?" he asked, shocking me. 

"No actually" I admitted, feeling a little flustered.

"Well you are" Daniel whispered before resting our foreheads against each other and closed our eyes.

None of us moved. We remained like that, listening to each other even breathing. I had to snap myself out of the trance I was in and force myself to pull back. Probably too much for two people who are just friends. Though I'm not complaining but I can't keep doing this, having hope, only for later to have them crushed. I may be against what Evelyn thinks and says but it still worries me that I'll fall too hard until the point I get hurt. It would be all my fault and then Evelyn would be correct, which would make her gloat over it for sure. 

I rubbed my right arm with a nervous smile while Daniel grinned. He helped me down from the counter before we headed up to my room. I was lucky I didn't have to babysit today though tomorrow I'm going to. He made himself comfortable by lying down on my bed. I rolled my eyes and sat on the edge. Daniel unexpectantly wrapping his arms around my waist and pulled me back to lie down and face him causing a small scream to escape my lips. I glared while my cheeks turned scarlet. Daniel's eyes danced with amusement.

"Was that really necessary? You almost gave me a heart attack" I complained. My heart was starting to race again at how close we were. I should back away but I didn't. My body didn't listen to my head. 

"Sorry sweetheart, I just wanted you closer" he smirked.

I bit the inside of my cheek so I wouldn't smile yet again. I'm pretty sure at this point my cheeks are going to start hurting by either biting the inside of them or by smiling too much. When my phone buzzed in my pocket, I took it out to read the message from Evelyn. It wasn't important, just the usual that she met a guy named Fletcher, probably someone she likes or already is 'dating' though there wasn't much details in the message. She wanted me to meet him but I wasn't interested in being the third wheel, which has happened before. It was terribly uncomfortable. But I can't ditch her since in the past two weeks, we've barely hung out and we live on the same street as each other. Nonetheless, she was still my best friend so I agreed. 

I messaged Evelyn back, asking for more details. I was hoping to bring Kylee and Ruby along with me so that it won't be awkward and uncomfortable. I've never met of Evelyn's boyfriends or I guess the guys she hooks up with mainly after her first two because of the distance and because it's never good to have only three people and being the one left out but not wanting to interrupt. She's never been into any of the guys she's been with so it's a relief I barely met any of them. When she used to visit, Evelyn would ask about my love life, wanting to know if I liked anyone at my old school though I kept telling her no. I had my reasons, though I just never told her because she would tell me to give them a chance but I have and they always prove others right by showing their true intentions, they never hid it. 

"Who messaged you?" Daniel asked, staring at me with curious eyes.

"Evelyn" I replied as I put my phone back in my pocket.

"Uh I see, the bitch messaged you" he scoffed. I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned. 

"Why do you two hate each other so much? I mean other than the fact that you blackmailed her" I questioned instead of scolding him for what he called Evelyn. 

"She's always despised me since the day she transferred to our school, she even tried to get me expelled but that only backfired and got her in trouble once Ivy stepped in to help me convince the principal of my innocence" Daniel explained. 

"Wait what? She tried to have you expelled?" I asked with wide eyes. Daniel only nodded to confirm. I knew she hated him but not to the point where she would try to purposely ruin his reputation and life. Even if there was a reason, it doesn't give her the right to do that to anyone. "Is that why you blackmailed her before?"

"That's the main reason, yes" he nodded. "I'm guessing she never told you any of that?" Daniel asked with a raised brow. 

"Unfortunately no but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she keeps things hidden from me, I mean I do the same" I shrugged. 

It's not great that I keep secrets from her and same for her. I know I trust her to some extent but there are things I can't let her know in fear of judgement. There were times where I'd think I'm going to tell her either the reason I moved that still plays in my head when I'm alone or why after she moved, she never went back to my house, only met at my grandmother's house to stay at hers. I went from confident to closed off and having trust issues during the point after she left though it wasn't her fault. I struggled with many things before I came here but I didn't want to put my problems on her. It was always best to keep them to myself or to the only person that knew and my mother and grandmother. 

"You don't seem like the person to hide anything" he confessed. 

"Well just like everyone else, I have my secrets that I just can't tell anyone, at least not yet" I mumbled. 

"Are you ok?" he asked with a frown.

"I'm fine, really" I reassured him.

"Well ok then, if you're sure," Daniel said hesitantly. It was cute to see how much he seemed worried for me. I may not be all fine but I have enough support to keep myself from spiralling.

"I'm sure, now stop worrying about me when there's no need to be."

"Ok fine, whatever the princess wants" he joked. I laughed and shook my head slightly against the pillow.

My laughter was then halted by the knock on the door. My mother shouldn't be home, not yet, it was too early. She would have messaged me. Unless they sent her home but then that would be worrying as to why. I got out of bed to open the door. My eyes widened at the sight of a perfectly healthy Evelyn in front of me who was giving me a toothy grin. I shot a quick glance towards the stairs. She was not supposed to be here! Why was she here!? She told me she was sick this morning, this is not sick. 

"Surprise! I'm here to spend time with my best friend!" Evelyn exclaimed.

"Evelyn! Og my god, hey! This is a surprise! Wow! Um weren't you sick today?" I questioned. My voice had gone high pitched. 

"I lied to get out of going to school today" Evelyn shrugged. She then walked past me, inside. I noticed that she was about to go upstairs but I was quick to block her path before she could set foot of those steps. I can not let her see Daniel and have her freak out and assume things. Evelyn frowned and tilted her head.

"How about we watch some movies in the living room instead since it's better" I suggested.

"Ok, well then I'll make some popcorn for us" she complied. I sighed with relief once she was out of sight before spinning around and running upstairs, back into my room. Daniel was still lying on my bed, facing the ceiling with his eyes closed as if he were sleeping but I didn't have time for that. Evelyn would surely at some point walk into my room and see him if I left him here.

"Daniel, you got to go" I rushed out. Daniel opened his eyes and sat up to look at me in confusion.

"Why?" he asked.

"Evelyn is here!" I whisper shouted.

"Fuck" he cursed under his breath. He quickly got up and headed towards the doors of my balcony as I followed. 

"I'm so sorry you have to go out like this" I apologised with a frown. His lips twitched up to the side in a half-smile. 

"Don't worry I understand, I'll see you tomorrow" he reassured me.

"Ok, I look forward to it as always" I beamed. 

"Harmony! What the hell are you doing up there that's taking so long!?" Evelyn shouted. Her voice rang throughout the house. She was louder than she thought. 

"Uh just changing my clothes! I'll be down in a minute!" I replied. 

"She always has to ruin the moment" Daniel grumbled. 

"Listen, I'll see you tomorrow but right now you have to go, I'll message you later," I said. 

"Alright, I'll see you, tomorrow sweetheart," he said before giving me a mini salute.

Daniel went onto my balcony to climb down. I smiled and waved at him as he drove off. I then ran back inside to change quickly so that Evelyn wouldn't get suspicious and start asking questions. I just hope she didn't see Daniel drive off or else I'm screwed. I went downstairs after to see Evelyn already sitting on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and two cans of soft drink on the coffee table. She had already set up Netflix for us to watch the movie 'Pride and Prejudice'. I preferred the book over the movie in this case but I'll still watch and enjoy it.

Evelyn didn't mention anything about Daniel, which was a relief. It means she didn't see anything. And she mustn't have had anything to say about him today. It was a nice break from the 'usual'. We finally got to enjoy a night without any mention of Daniel in a negative or scolding way for once since I moved. Thank god.