Pairings Poppy x MC
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After three hours of talking with the police, they finally get my statement, and I'm dismissed. My body is shaking, and I can't think of anything else besides a bottle of wine and my bed.
"If you have more to testify, please don't hesitate to call us," the officer says, handing me her card with a faint smile before leaving me alone.
Who would I even call? Zoe said she'd be busy studying, which means her phone's on mute. The thought leaves me feeling even more hopeless. Sighing, I walk toward my dorm, glancing around to make sure I'm alone.
Benji is getting expelled and sued for harassment and assault, but I can still feel his hands on my shoulders, the creepy smile on his face, and—of course—I'll never forget how I whooped his ass. Everything happened so fast. I knew he was infatuated with me, but I never thought things would escalate so quickly.
I finally reach my dorm, and my phone buzzes. Of course, it's The T. Drama is the last thing I want right now, so I turn off my phone and head straight for the wine bottle. I pour myself a glass, but is it even enough? Who am I kidding? I grab the whole bottle and sink into the couch.
Exhaustion hits me all at once, and my muscles relax completely. Who would've thought beating his crusty ass could be so draining? I close my eyes, but my mind keeps dragging me back to the horror I felt when I saw that damn shrine.
The way he smiled and talked about us, as if we were even a couple. The way he thought it was okay to do this, claiming it was "true love." The memory makes me want to vomit. And that smell... I will never forget it.
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I silently thank God the police arrived in time. What if I hadn't found the courage to defend myself? His oily, hairy ass could have done unspeakable things to me. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought, but a knock at the door pulls me back to reality.
Thinking it's Zoe, I open the door, ready to collapse into her hug. Instead, I see… Poppy?
"I called you 20 times! Why didn't you answer, you jerk?!" she says, shoving me lightly.
"Wow, wow, wow! What the hell are you doing?" My brain can't process this, but I see the concern in her eyes.
"I read The T and I…" The sentence dies on her lips, as if she can't accept how much she worries about me.
I roll my eyes, feeling weak and helpless. "Look, Poppy, if you're here to kick me while I'm down, that's so low of you."
"That's not—"
"No, Poppy. I've had a very rough night, and honestly? Screw first place. If dealing with stalkers ready to sexually assault me is what it takes to bring you down, I give up."
I grip the doorframe for support, my body ready to collapse. Her expression changes to one I've never seen before. Her eyes sparkle under the dim light. Are those… tears?
"I wanted to make sure you were okay," she says, looking away. Since when is the Queen of this university shy?
I let her inside and slump onto the couch, feeling all the weight leave my body.
"I knew Benji was an asshole, but I never thought he would… I don't…" She trails off, her eyes scanning me.
"I knew he liked me, but not like… God, no." The memory of that rotten shrine makes me shiver. My eyes start to water, and I look away. Why would I let her see me like this?
She stands up and sits beside me. Her facial expressions betray how much she cares, but why? Wasn't she the one who wanted to ruin my life? I can't dwell on her sudden affection because I feel her soft hands on mine.
"He didn't hurt you, did he? Because if he did, I'll make sure he rots in jail," she says, her anger unmistakable.
"Why are you doing this? I thought you hated me." Her hands pull back, and her face falls, almost like I've offended her. Am I wrong? Since I arrived on campus, she's made it her personal mission to make my life miserable.
"It's my fault. Things went too far." She looks away again. Is it my imagination, or does this sound like a love confession? I swallow hard, unsure how to respond.
"I lost control. I admit it. And—mind you—I never say this, but… my family is… I…" She sighs, and I take her hand, giving it a small pat.
"You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. And honestly? Benji was weird regardless. But for what it's worth, I'm sorry too."
Before she can reply, I stand up to find my bag. In it is everything I've collected that could ruin her life. Holding it now, I realize how messed up it all is.
"Here. Take these." I hand her every piece of evidence I'd kept against her. She looks confused at first.
"I kept them as a form of protection, but now… just take them. I don't think this enemies thing is worth ruining your life." I shrug.
Her eyes soften as she examines the contents. Tears form in her eyes.
"No one's ever done this for me. Trust me, if anyone else had these, I'd already be destroyed." Her gaze turns distant, lost in thought, and I instinctively lean in.
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer. She freezes at first but then begins to rub my back gently.
"I'm so sorry you went through that," she whispers, her breath warm against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
In response, I grip her shirt, and the tears I've been holding back finally spill over. At first, I feel embarrassed, but her whispered words of encouragement wash that away. Who would've thought Poppy would be the first to comfort me? Her soft side is so precious, and I wish the world could see what a diamond she truly is.
When I finally calm down, I pull away, laughing softly. Did I just cry on her expensive shirt?
"What's so funny?" she asks, rolling her eyes, but she smiles shyly.
"I'm sorry. I probably ruined your shirt."
"Shirts can be replaced, Bea. You can't," she says, her gaze flickering to my lips. Did she really just say something so romantic?
I think she realizes it too because she gasps. Before she can say anything, I lean in, and our lips meet. The moment our tongues touch, all her icy walls melt away. I thought she'd pull back, but instead, she pulls me closer, savoring everything I give her.
When we finally part, she sighs happily.
"Did we really just do that?" I ask, grinning.
"If I knew you were such a good kisser, I'd have kept my enemies way closer," she teases, winking.
We both laugh, and for the first time in a while, I feel safe.
Her fingers trace along my hand. "I want to erase his touch," she whispers, kissing my wrist, my shoulder, then my neck.
Her kindness overwhelms me, but for tonight, I let it. Her perfume fills my senses as her kisses gently reassure me, melting my worries away.
"Will you hold me?" I whisper. She opens her arms without hesitation.
"Who knew Poppy Min-Sinclair was a big spoon?"
"Oh, shut up," she mutters, holding me close. Her heartbeat and even breathing lull me to sleep.
Before I drift off, I hear her whisper, "I won't let anyone hurt you again."
She thinks I didn't hear her, but I did. Smiling to myself like a fool, I let the events of today slip away as I bask in the warmth Poppy provides.