He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

(Daisy’s POV)

Somehow, the boy who has been ruining my life was also the reason I got to keep it.

I wish I was exaggerating but I was not.

I kept walking down the hallway now, my steps steady, my thoughts… not so much. Because ever since that day- since the sniper, the gunshots, the very casual way DeLuca decided violence was just another Tuesday, I haven’t been able to un-hear what he said to

“You’re attached to me.”

At the time, it sounded like a statement. Now it feels like a condition. Because the problem isn’t just that he’s in my life anymore. It’s that now, for the first time, I might need him to be.

Which is… deeply upsetting.

I used to want him gone. Gone from my space, my routine, my already barely stable existence. Now the idea of him leaving feels less like relief and more like bad timing and planning.

So yes. That’s where I am.

Walking through school, carrying my books, and thinking about how my safety now depends on a boy who looks like he sees nothing wrong with trying not to die each day.

I turned a corner- and immediately collided into someone. My books slipped from my hands, scattering across the floor.

“Watch where you’re going!” the girl snapped, stepping back like there was a field around me that pushed her away. She looked down at me, recognition flashing across her face.

“Oh. Of course. The crack-me girl doesn’t have eyes now too.”

I just stared at her and said nothing. She rolled hers and walked off while I stayed there for a second, then crouched and started picking up my books.

It was annoying. Because honestly? Things like this barely registered anymore.

It’s strange what becomes background noise when it happens often enough. Or when a bigger problem introduces itself.

I stood up, adjusted my grip, and continued walking like nothing had happened. Because nothing had. Not really.

Just another day in my life.

Earlier this morning, DeLuca had dropped me off like usual. The moment he stepped out of the car, the atmosphere shifted as usual; people gathering, voices rising, attention snapping toward him like magnets finding their center.

And just like that, he was gone, swallowed by interest, admiration and questions all which he didn’t seem too receptive towards.

Nonetheless, he was followed, and I didn’t stick around to watch; obviously, since it was not my scene. Less attention on me, less

visibility, less everything. Which I appreciated.

But now, hours later, I was heading to meet this attention magnet.

He had texted some minutes ago, asking me to come help him with something- some academic task he couldn’t be bothered to

figure out on his own; which, apparently, is my job now.

Personal assistant.

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