At last, the bell rang, freeing them into the chaos of lunch. Starfania shot out of the classroom like a bird loose from its cage, desperate to escape. Aeron jogged to catch up, breathless but smiling.

" You were in a hurry," he teased. She chuckled without looking back. " Yeah, I suppose I was."

" Then let's forget that dreadful class over a decent meal," he offered warmly. 

" Sounds perfect," she said, heading toward the cafeteria.

 The cafeteria buzzed with chatter and clattering trays, but Aeron steered them to a quiet corner. As they settled with their food, his eyes lingered on her, softening his expression. " You seemed miles away in class. Everything alright? "

Starfania exhaled heavily. " It's just been…a lot. Becka, Shadow, and everything else. Feels like the whole day's stacked against me."

Aeron reached across, squeezing her hand with steady warmth. " You know I'm here, right? No matter what happens—Becka, anyone—I've got your back."

Her smile was small but genuine. " I know. Thank you, Aeron. I don't know what I'd do without you."

After a while, Starfania stood. " I'm going to grab a cookie. Want one?"

Aeron shook his head with a smile. " I'll pass."

 Cookie in hand, she turned back toward their table—only for her foot to skid on a discarded banana peel. Her breath caught as the floor rushed up to meet her—but firm hands caught her mid-fall, steadying her with ease. The world seemed to slow, like a scene from cliche romance. Blinking up, she found herself staring into Daniel's piercing blue eyes. His smile was warm, effortless. 

" Are you alright?" he asked gently.

Starfania's pulse thundered. Her cheeks warmed with both embarrassment and…something else.

" Yes—thank you. That was quite the save," she managed, voice unsteady. Daniel chuckled easily and lightly. " Glad I could help. But watch out—banana peels are deadlier than they look."

Aeron hurried over, his relief laced with unease.

" That was a close one," he said, glancing between them.

" Yeah—thanks to Daniel," Starfania agreed, her smile lingering too long on him.

"I was more than happy to help her. It was no trouble at all," Daniel replied, his unwavering smile still in place. 

 The moment fractured as Becka stormed over, latching dramatically onto Daniel's arm. 

" Danny Pooz? What happened? Did she harm you?" she gasped, her performance loud enough for the whole cafeteria. Becka's deep worry about Daniel's safety was evident as she examined him for any injuries. With a gentle touch, she moved her arms away from his face and instantly relaxed when she saw he had no injuries. Daniel wore a smile as he comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine. I was simply helping Starfania before she tumbled to the ground."

 Becka's relief at Daniel's safety twisted into disdain the second she looked at Starfania.

"Why are you always so clumsy?" she sneered. Starfania rolled her eyes. " It's not like I planned it."

Daniel stepped in smoothly, his voice calm. " It was just an accident, Becka. No harm done."

 Becka huffed but seemed to relent slightly, still casting a disapproving glance at Starfania.

"Fine, but you should be more careful. I guess," she said, her tone less harsh but still pointed. Aeron's jaw tightened, but he forced his voice into calm. " How about we just move on with the day? Sounds better than turning this into a scene."

Starfania nodded in agreement, grateful for Aeron's support. She felt a mix of different emotions. Daniel's kindness had caught her off-guard, and Becka's jealousy was more intense than ever. 

 Then she quickly averted her gaze, pretending not to hear what Aeron said, and refocused her attention on Daniel. She playfully called him by a nickname, "Danny Poo," and asked if he was still coming. Daniel reassured her, saying, "I will arrive in a short while. Just remain patient and wait for my arrival."

Becka relented with a sugary smile. " Fine. I'll be waiting with our friends, Dany Poo."

She sealed it with a kiss on his cheek, staking her claim. Starfania's stomach turned, though she masked it with silence. Across the table, Aeron felt the same twist—only his came with a sharper sting.