DARK CHEMISTRY
Daniel's forehead was still almost touching Lizzie's.
Her pulse was wild, her breath shaky, his fingers still holding her chin—
SLAM.
The classroom door swung open.
Both jerked apart.
The principal stepped inside, holding a clipboard, her sharp eyes scanning the room.
Daniel straightened instantly, face turning serious and cold like a switch had flipped.
Lizzie stood frozen, cheeks burning, heart pounding so loudly she was sure the principal could hear.
"Mr. Cegielski," the principal said, "I didn't expect to find a student here. What is happening?"
Daniel spoke before Lizzie could even breathe.
"Miss Kim was making careless mistakes in her practical record."
His tone was crisp. Professional.
Completely emotionless.
Lizzie blinked.
Daniel continued, turning to her with a stern expression so convincing it almost scared her:
"And what did I tell you, Miss Kim?"
His voice sounded harsher, like a strict teacher.
Lizzie panicked.
She didn't know the script—
"U-Um—" she stuttered.
Daniel stepped closer, towering over her just enough to sell the act.
"I told you," he said sharply, "to focus on your work and not daydream during class."
Lizzie's mouth dropped open internally.
A minute ago he was whispering to her and touching her chin… now this?!
The principal nodded approvingly.
"Good. Students need discipline. Miss Kim, you should be more responsible."
Lizzie bowed her head, trying not to combust.
"S-sorry, ma'am…"
Daniel crossed his arms, looking perfectly annoyed.
"I will handle her, ma'am. You don't have to worry."
The principal finally turned and left the room.
The moment the door closed—
Daniel exhaled.
The fake annoyance dissolved instantly.
The cold eyes warmed again.
He looked at Lizzie's trembling hands.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
Lizzie glared weakly.
"You yelled at me…"
Daniel chuckled under his breath, stepping closer.
"That wasn't yelling."
Her cheeks puffed angrily.
"You made me look like I failed something!"
He smirked. "I had to make it believable."
She crossed her arms. "It was too believable."
Daniel leaned in, voice low and dangerous again.
"Would you prefer that the principal walked in while I was holding your face, Lizzie?"
She went silent immediately.
Her ears went red.
Daniel tilted his head, amused at her reaction.
"Didn't think so."
Lizzie's voice shrank to a whisper:
"You're unbelievable."
Daniel smiled — the kind of smile that could ruin someone's life and they'd thank him for it.
"And you…" he murmured, brushing her shoulder lightly with his hand as he walked past her,
"need to stop looking so guilty when nothing actually happened."
Lizzie froze.
Nothing?
Nothing?
Her heart definitely thought something had happened.
Daniel paused at the doorway, glancing back at her.
"Come after school," he said quietly.
"We're not done talking about that dream."
And then he left her standing there, speechless and melting into the floor.