During lunch break, Rina sat at her desk, thinking deeply. She watched Luna laughing and chatting with those girls again, and her heart pinched painfully.
'So you like being friendly with everyone, huh?' Rina thought, crossing her arms. 'You think you're the only one who can be popular? Fine. Two can play at this game.'
A mischievous plan formed in her mind. A small smile appeared on Rina's lips—a dangerous, determined smile.
'I'm going to make you jealous, Luna. See how you like it.'
After lunch, the atmosphere in the classroom changed.
It started when Mark, the top student from the other class, walked into their room holding some papers. He walked straight towards Rina's desk.
"Hey Rina," Mark said with a friendly smile. "Congratulations on being Top 1! You really deserved it. I was wondering if we could compare notes on the next topic?"
Usually, Rina would just say "Sure" politely and keep it formal.
But today...
Rina looked up, and instead of her usual serious face, she gave Mark a soft, sweet smile. Her cheeks had a slight blush, and she even tucked her hair behind her ear shyly.
"Ah, thank you Mark," Rina said, her voice softer and sweeter than usual. "Of course! I would love that. You're really smart too, you know?"
Luna, who was drinking water at the back, nearly choked.
'W-WHAT?!'
Mark looked happy. "Really? Thanks! Oh, I bought some strawberry milk, want one?"
"Yes please!" Rina accepted it happily, even giggled a little. "You're so kind~"
GULP.
Luna put down her cup. Her eyes narrowed. The air around her suddenly dropped in temperature.
'Strawberry milk? She accepted it? And she's smiling like that?! Since when does she giggle?!'
But Rina wasn't done yet.
During the afternoon break, Rina deliberately walked around the classroom. When she passed by the group of boys, she stopped to talk. She laughed at their jokes—actually laughed! She even asked Jake, the basketball player, about his practice.
"Wow, that sounds tough, Jake. You must be really strong," Rina said, looking up at him with admiration.
"Ahaha, it's nothing! Thanks Rina!" Jake blushed.
Luna was sitting at her desk, legs crossed, watching everything with a blank face. But inside, her mind was screaming:
'STRONG? He's not strong! I can lift two desks easily! What is happening?! Why is she talking to everyone but me?!'
Rina was doing it on purpose. Every time she laughed, every time she looked at someone else, she would secretly glance at Luna from the corner of her eye.
'Hah! Look at that face!' Rina thought triumphantly. 'You look mad! Good! That's exactly how I felt this morning!'
The final blow came when Rina was walking towards the door to go home. Mark caught up to her.
"Hey Rina, do you want me to walk you home? It's getting late," Mark offered politely.
Rina looked at Mark, then slowly turned her head to look behind her.
There was Luna. Standing by the hallway, holding her bag, looking like a dark storm cloud was hovering over her head. Her eyes were sharp, staring daggers at Mark.
Rina felt a rush of satisfaction. But she also felt her heart flutter seeing Luna so jealous.
She turned back to Mark and smiled.
"That would be lovely, Mark. Thank—"
SUDDENLY.
A hand grabbed Rina's wrist firmly and pulled her back.
Before anyone could react, Rina was pulled flush against a warm chest. Luna had stepped in between her and Mark, towering over them with her arms crossed, looking down at Mark with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
It was a cold, dangerous smile.
"Sorry buddy," Luna said, her voice calm but threatening. "But Rina is busy today."
Mark looked confused and a little scared. "Huh? But she said—"
"I said she's busy," Luna interrupted, not breaking eye contact. "She has... important things to do. With me. So run along now."
Mark swallowed hard and nodded. "O-Okay! See you tomorrow Rina!" He ran away quickly.
Now it was just the two of them in the hallway.
Luna didn't let go of Rina's wrist. She turned to look at her, her expression unreadable.
"You..." Luna started, her voice low. "You were having fun, weren't you?"
Rina tried to act innocent, pulling her wrist back but Luna wouldn't let go.
"What are you talking about?" Rina huffed, looking away. "I was just being friendly. Unlike some people who flirt with every girl they see."
Luna stepped closer, cornering Rina against the wall. She leaned down, their faces inches apart.
"So that's what this is?" Luna raised an eyebrow. "Revenge?"
Rina's heart was beating like crazy, but she tried to stay strong. "So what if it is? You looked so happy with those girls this morning! It's annoying!"
Luna stared at her for a second, then suddenly... she laughed. A low, relieved laugh.
"You are so cute when you're jealous, Rina," Luna whispered, her eyes softening. "But do you have any idea how dangerous it is to make me jealous?"
Rina looked up, cheeks red. "W-What do you mean?"
Luna leaned in even closer, her lips almost touching Rina's ear.
"It makes me want to claim you right here so everyone knows who you belong to," Luna murmured. "It makes me want to tell them that your smile, your laughter, and your milk... are all mine only."
Rina's knees went weak. She grabbed onto Luna's shirt for support.
"L-Luna..."
"Was my revenge good enough?" Rina whispered shyly.
Luna smirked, holding her face gently.
"Oh, it was perfect," Luna said. "But now... you have to pay the price, Miss Top 1."
To be continued in chapter 10>>>(ಡωಡ)