Page 88 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

I stumble back, causing his hands to fall away, and force a smile. “I’m good, thanks.”

He keeps his eyes on me for a few seconds, and I can’t seem to remove mine from his, either. He opens his mouth to say something, but a girl rushes over to him. “Can I take a selfie with you, Declan?”

He grins. “Sure.”

After she snaps the photo, she rolls up her sleeve. “And can I have your autograph?”

“Of course. Uh…I need a marker.”

The girl’s face falls. “I don’t have a marker. But here’s a pen.” She holds it out.

“Okay, but a marker works better.”

“I have a marker.” I reach into my backpack for my pencil case and hand it to him. “My mom always says that when it comes to school supplies, it’s always best to be prepared.”

Declan smiles. “Smart woman. Kara Barrington called her a genius in one of her articles.”

“She doesn’t like the label, but yeah, we all think she is. My sister is, too.”

“Nice.” He uncaps the marker and asks the girl, “Is that Kathryn with a K or a C?”

After he signs her arm, she squeals and rushes back to her friends, showing it off. Luckily, no more kids beg for selfies or autographs, though many still linger around because Declan is here.

“Looks like they’re not mowing you down anymore,” I say.

He sighs in relief as he leans back against the locker. “Yeah, I think things are starting to die down. Anyone who wanted my autograph has already gotten one, and the same goes for selfies.”

“Finally, indeed.”

We stand in silence.

I hike my backpack up my shoulder. Declan shoves his hands into his pockets.

“Oh! I forgot my algebra textbook.” I open my locker and rummage around for it.

“What are your plans after school?” he asks.

“I’m hanging out at Ji-Ho’s.”

“Ji-Ho’s…that’s the restaurant your parents own, right?”

“My grandparents,” I correct as I move things aside in my locker. “Where the heck did it go?”

“Cool, I love Korean food. Is this it?” He reaches over me, stepping very close, and plucks out my algebra textbook, handing it to me.

“Th-thanks.” I unzip my backpack and shove the textbook inside. “By the way, you haven’t tasted Korean food until you’ve sampled my halmeoni’s japchae. It’s seriously out of this world.” Japchae is stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables. It’s my family’s favorite.

He’s once again about to say something, but two guys from the football team come over and grab his attention. They start talking sports.

“I’ll see you,” I tell Declan.

Maybe it’s just me, but I think something shifts in his eyes. Maybe disappointment? He puts on a smile and says, “See ya tomorrow, Mia.”

I make it a few steps before stopping and spinning around. More kids have joined the football players and there’s a small crowd now. Well, so much for things dying down. Although, they don’t seem as obsessed as they used to be.

For some reason, he looks lonely surrounded by all those kids. Even though he’s smiling that charming smile of his. Slowly, they disperse, waving at him or slapping his hands. Now he looks even lonelier. He turns toward the exit of the building.

Before my brain knows what my legs are doing, I run to catch up to him. “Do you want to hang out with me at Ji-Ho’s?”

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