Chapter 5: Accidents Aren’t Always Accidents

Ever since the nightmare incident, Emmy had developed a terrible habit.

Checking on Bonnie.

She told herself it wasn’t a big deal. Just a quick glance in the morning to see if Bonnie looked okay.

Just a small action—like ordering Bonnie’s usual drink without thinking.

Just a tiny thing—like making extra food and casually leaving some on Bonnie’s desk.

It wasn’t care. It wasn’t affection.

It was just…habit.

Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

Until one afternoon, Bonnie leaned back in her chair, holding the iced coffee Emmy had accidentally bought.

Bonnie twirled the straw between her fingers. “You always get my order right.”

Emmy froze.

Bonnie’s eyes gleamed. “Should I be touched?”

Emmy snatched the coffee back. “That was a mistake.”

Bonnie laughed. “Sure it was.”

Emmy’s ears burned.

Why was Bonnie so annoying?

Who Said I Was Defending You?

During a study session, someone from their class—a guy Emmy never liked—started mocking Bonnie’s work.

“She always acts like she’s smarter than everyone,” the guy scoffed.

Emmy, who had been half-listening, suddenly stiffened.

Bonnie laughed it off, but Emmy’s jaw clenched.

Then, before she could stop herself, she said coldly, “At least she doesn’t talk nonsense like you.”

The room went silent.

Bonnie turned, amused. “Thipanan, was that… you defending me?”

Emmy rolled her eyes. “No. I just hate stupid people.”

Bonnie smirked. “That’s the same thing.”

Emmy picked up her pen. “Shut up.”

But as she tried to focus, she could feel Bonnie’s gaze on her.

And somehow? That felt more dangerous than anything.

One night, Emmy came back from class exhausted.

She grabbed a random shirt from her drawer, put it on, and collapsed onto her bed.

Only when Bonnie walked in did Emmy realize her mistake.

Because it wasn’t her shirt.

It was Bonnie’s.

Bonnie raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t know you liked stealing my clothes.”

Emmy’s face heated. “It was the first thing I grabbed.”

Bonnie walked closer, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You know, you could’ve just asked.”

“I don’t want it.”

Bonnie leaned in, voice soft but smug. “Then take it off.”

Emmy’s breath hitched.

Bonnie laughed at her reaction and walked away, leaving Emmy frustrated, confused, and very, very aware of the fact that her heart was beating way too fast.

Bonnie had a habit of flirting with everyone.

It never used to bother Emmy.

Until today.

Bonnie was laughing with someone—someone way too close.

Emmy wasn’t watching.

She was just noticing.

But when Bonnie playfully touched the other person’s arm, Emmy felt something ugly twist in her stomach.

She wasn’t jealous.

Not at all.

Yet, when Bonnie finally walked over, Emmy snapped.

“You’re so desperate for attention, it’s pathetic.”

Bonnie’s smile faltered.

For the first time, Emmy saw a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes.

Then, Bonnie smirked. But this time, it didn’t reach her eyes.

“If you don’t like me, why do you care?”

Emmy had no answer.

And that scared her more than anything.

That night, Emmy couldn’t sleep.

Bonnie’s words kept repeating in her head.

“If you don’t like me, why do you care?”

Emmy stared at the ceiling.

Maybe…

Maybe she never really hated Bonnie.

Maybe hate was just easier than admitting the truth.

And maybe…

She wasn’t ready to face what that truth meant.

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