Chapter 4: Pursuing David

Elara's POV

Today is Wednesday and we're going to do our Physical Education subject and we're gonna play basketball.

I stood at the sidelines, watching in awe as David dominated the basketball court. His movements were fluid and precise, and he seemed to be in his element. I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for him - he was an incredible player.

When the game finally ended, I grabbed a bottle of water from the nearby cooler and walked over to David, who was sweating profusely. "Hey, David, great game!" I said, holding out the bottle of water. "You must be thirsty after that."

But to my surprise, David didn't even acknowledge me. He didn't take the water bottle or even look at me. Instead, he scanned the sidelines and spotted another girl, Emily, who was holding out a bottle of water with a bright smile on her face.

David walked over to Emily and took the bottle from her, giving her a nod of thanks as he unscrewed the cap and took a long drink. I felt a pang of disappointment and embarrassment, wondering why he had ignored me like that. Hadn't he even noticed me trying to be nice to him?

I watched as David finished his water and handed the empty bottle back to Emily, who was still smiling at him. It was clear that David had a certain connection with Emily, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

Emily Aragon - the campus beauty queen with a reputation that preceded her. Everyone knew her name, and she reveled in the attention. With her stunning looks and razor-sharp wit, she ruled the social hierarchy of our school like a monarch. But beneath her polished facade, Emily was a force to be reckoned with - a master manipulator who used her charm and influence to get what she wanted, no matter the cost.

As the daughter of a prominent and influential family, Emily's status on campus was cemented. People either fawned over her or feared her, and I had unfortunately fallen into the latter category. She delighted in making my life miserable, and her sharp tongue could cut down even the most confident person. But what really grated on me was the way she seemed to have David's attention, and how she effortlessly wrapped him around her finger.

Despite her cruel behavior, Emily was the kind of person who always managed to come out on top, leaving a trail of bruised egos and hurt feelings in her wake. And I had become her latest target.

As David walked away with Emily, she caught my eye and smirked, her expression dripping with condescension. "Poor, Elara, I saw you trying to give David water after the game," she said, her voice loud enough for others to hear. "But he clearly didn't want anything to do with you."

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment as Emily continued to mock me. "I mean, it's not like you're his type or anything. You're just...not really noticeable, I guess."

Some of the other students nearby snickered, and I felt a surge of humiliation. Emily seemed to take pleasure in making me feel small, and I wondered what I had ever done to her.

But Emily wasn't done yet. She started making snide comments about my clothes, my hair, and even my interests. "You really think you're into the same things as David? Please, you're just a wannabe," she sneered.

I tried to ignore her, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of being belittled. David, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to the whole exchange, too caught up in his own conversation with his teammates to notice what was going on.

I felt a pang of frustration and hurt, wondering why Emily had to be so cruel.

Just as Emily's taunts were starting to get to me, Daniel appeared out of nowhere and stepped in, his expression calm but firm. "Hey, Emily, that's enough," he said, his voice low but authoritative.

Emily looked taken aback by Daniel's intervention, but she quickly regained her composure. "Mind your own business, Daniel," she snapped.

But Daniel didn't back down. "I'm making it my business," he said, his eyes locked on Emily. "Elara doesn't deserve to be treated like that. You're being really hurtful, and it's not okay."

Emily scoffed, but Daniel's words seemed to strike a chord. She muttered something under her breath and stalked off, leaving me feeling grateful and relieved.

Daniel turned to me and smiled. "Hey, are you okay? I saw what was going on and didn't like it."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thanks, Daniel. I appreciate it."

Daniel nodded and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You're welcome, Elara. I've got your back."

In that moment, I felt like Daniel was more than just a classmate - he was a true friend. And I was grateful to have him on my side.

As we walked back to the classroom, Daniel and I chatted casually about the upcoming school event. I was grateful for his kindness and support earlier, and I appreciated having him as a friend.

When we got back to the classroom, David was already seated, looking focused on the lesson ahead. Daniel and I took our seats, and the teacher began the lesson.

I felt relieved that the confrontation with Emily was over, and I was glad that Daniel had stood up for me. I glanced over at him, and he smiled back at me, seeming to sense my gratitude.

The rest of the class passed uneventfully, with Daniel and I occasionally exchanging quiet comments or notes. I was just happy to have a friend like him who understood me and was willing to help when I needed it.