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— Emma, seriously, I need to talk to you, — he began, trying to keep his voice calm. — I found something... It’s important. For you.
— For me? — Emma raised an eyebrow, as if doubting his words. She didn’t rush to get up; instead, she slowly spun an empty glass in her hands, pretending to consider his suggestion. — And when did you decide that you could determine what’s important to me? And what makes you think you can just barge in here and ruin our evening? Let me guess, another attempt to "save" me and explain who I really am? Oh, Dan, that’s so touching, I could almost—
— Em, enough! — Jessica interrupted sharply, slamming her palm on the table. She looked at Emma with irritation and a hint of anger. — Why are you always such a bitch when he’s around?
Emma blinked in surprise but didn’t respond. Jessica, seeing that she had gotten her attention, continued, pointing at Dan:
— Just look at him! You can see he’s trying! This isn’t the same Dan he used to be. You know how much he’s changed. He’s running after you like a lost puppy, even though he used to be the school’s biggest troublemaker, the guy even teachers were afraid of! Seriously, Em.
Dan lowered his gaze, clearly uncomfortable, though he tried not to show it. Still, he muttered:
— It’s fine, Jess. Don’t… It’s not a big deal. I’m used to it. — His voice was quiet but steady.
Emma frowned. It sounded as if he had truly come to terms with her cutting words. She didn’t want to admit it, but deep down, it unsettled her.
— Fine, — she sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. — Alright, let’s hear it. What’s in your backpack? Go ahead, Mr. Hero. — Emma leaned slightly closer to the table.
Dan glanced around, as if checking to see if anyone was listening. His face grew serious, almost tense.
— Not here, — he repeated, lowering his voice. — This isn’t something to discuss in public.
Emma raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
— Oh, so now we’re in a spy movie? Should I come up with a password too? — She tried to maintain her usual demeanor with him, but her gaze betrayed her interest.
Jessica, watching them, shook her head and sighed.
— Em, maybe we should just listen to what he has to say, huh? — She turned to Dan, her eyes showing a flicker of curiosity. — Are you worried someone’s eavesdropping?
— No, I don’t care about that. I just don’t want anyone to see. — He looked at Emma, as if trying to get past her facade. — Please, just trust me this time. It’s really about… about what you’ve been through.
— A-and what exactly have I been through, Dan? — Emma said with such exaggerated mockery that even Jessica flinched.
Dan took a weary breath, clearly trying not to rise to the bait. His fingers tightened around the straps of his backpack, his gaze shifting as if searching for the right words. Jessica, sitting across from them, frowned, her eyes darting between the two as though trying to gauge the situation.
— Emma, for God’s sake, I’ll leave if you keep this up! — Jessica snapped suddenly, her voice trembling slightly but remaining firm. She stared directly at her friend, her brows furrowed. — Why do you always act like… — she hesitated for a moment before finishing, — ...like the whole world’s against you?
Emma immediately tensed. The smirk on her face faltered slightly, but she tried to keep her composure.
— Isn’t it? — she retorted sharply but quietly. Her arms crossed over her chest, as if shielding herself from the attack. For a brief moment, her expression faltered, revealing inner tension, but she quickly regained her calm. — You know what I’ve been through, Jess. No one can understand that.
— Maybe you should stop acting like the eternal victim? — Jessica challenged, locking eyes with Emma. She paused, noticing how her friend’s expression shifted—confidence and sarcasm briefly giving way to vulnerability. The tension between them hung heavy, and Dan looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated to intervene.
— Look, I’m not trying to hurt you, Em… — Jessica added, her voice softening, though guilt crept in. — It’s just… I’ve told you I don’t like this, and you just brush it off with jokes. — Jessica’s tone grew gentler, but there was still a firmness in her voice. She looked at Emma as if trying to get through to her.
Emma averted her gaze, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of the table. She exhaled quietly, but her head shot up when she noticed Dan shifting uncomfortably, clutching the straps of his backpack and rocking slightly on his feet, as if unsure of what to do. His eyes darted between the two girls before he finally decided to break the silence.
— Listen, if you’re done with your… — Dan paused, choosing his words carefully. — Girl drama, can I say why I’m here?
Emma immediately stiffened, her hands unconsciously curling into fists. Her face shifted from mild irritation to a sharp, almost mocking expression. She straightened up, releasing the empty glass, and locked eyes with Dan.
— Girl drama? — she drawled with a sarcastic smile. — Is that what you call our evening? You know what, Dan, we were having a lovely chat about important things, and then you came along and ruined it. Thanks, Dan. Really. You’re such a hero.
Jessica partially covered her face with her hand, as if bracing for what would come next.
Dan sighed, shaking his head slightly, but held back from snapping back. He cast a quick glance at Jessica, as if seeking support, but she only shrugged, clearly exhausted by their constant squabbles.
— Emma, stop it. This is important, — he said, his voice calm but strained. — We need to talk about all of this... — He trailed off, seemingly reluctant to say it outright.
— About what, Dan? — Emma snapped, her tone sharp. — Are you talking about my “past” or something else? How many times do I have to tell you it’s none of your business? If I ever decide you’ve become my savior, I’ll print you a diploma myself. Just spit it out and be a man.
Dan closed his eyes, pressing his lips together briefly, as if trying to hold back a sharp reply. He opened them again and looked at her with the expression of someone choosing their words very carefully.
— Emma, I didn’t come here to argue with you, — he said evenly, his voice firm but devoid of anger. — This is about…
— About that I am a man? — Emma interrupted with a wide grin, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning forward. She looked at Dan as if she already knew his reaction and was just provoking him.