The Duck That Bit Back

Sherry smirked. "Kenneth is pretty great, isn't he? A lot of girls like him. Do you?"

I shook my head quickly, playing the shy card. "How could I even compare? Besides, I think Kenneth only has eyes for you."

Bullseye. Her smirk turned smug.

Of course, she knew Kenneth liked her. She just wasn't ready to settle down.

At the upcoming sports meet, she was supposed to carry the banner but "twisted" her ankle on her skirt. Some star sports guy carried her to the infirmary, and Kenneth, jealous out of his mind, ended up confessing to me that same day.

Not this time.

The morning of the event, I got ahead of her by spraining my own ankle first.

Even with the pain, I limped over to deliver her makeup bag like a dutiful lackey.

She didn't even blink at my foot, just snapped, "You're so slow! If your foot's hurt, suck it up. What if we're late for the procession?"

I lowered my head, mumbling apologies like the perfect pushover.

Then, right on cue, the same sports guy from before stepped up. "Hey, are you okay? I can take you to the infirmary."

I blushed, waving him off. "I'm fine, really," I said, but my foot had other plans, and I stumbled.

He didn't hesitate—just scooped me up like it was nothing.

That's when I felt it. A sharp gaze burning into me. I looked up saw Kenneth.

Sherry beamed upon seeing him. "Kenneth! Don't I look gorgeous today?"

He didn't even glance at her. "Get down," he said to me. "I'll carry you."

Sherry's smile dropped so fast it was almost funny. "Kenneth! I'm about to lead the procession soon. What are you doing?"

I jumped in quickly. "Kenneth, it's fine. This guy can help me. I don't want to mess up Sherry's big moment."

At the infirmary, the school nurse checked out my foot. "Serious sprain. Stay off it for a while."

I thanked the sports guy and finally caught his name: Riley Lowe.

He was about to leave but hesitated at the door, rubbing the back of his neck before stepping back. "Uh... can you add me as a friend? If you ever need help, just message me."

I blinked, thrown by the flush creeping up his ears, but nodded.

Not long after, word got out that Sherry had fallen, too. Kenneth brought her in himself.

She swept into the room, her long gown trailing behind her. Kenneth, of course, played the role of her perfect knight.

Riley came back with an ice pack for me, only to freeze when he saw them.

Sherry let out a dramatic wail. The nurse calmly said she needed a cold compress right away.

Without missing a beat, Sherry jabbed a finger at Riley. "Give me that ice pack."

I played the timid role. "It's fine. Let Sherry have it first. I'll grab another one later."

Riley's jaw tightened, but he handed it over. "I'll walk you back later and get you a new one."

Kenneth cut in, his expression cold. "Seriously, Alyssa? Can't you do anything on your own? Always making people run around for you."

Then, out of nowhere, he snatched the ice pack from Sherry and knelt, pressing it lightly against my swollen ankle.

Sherry's eyes practically popped out of her head. "I haven't even used that yet! How could you just give it to her?"

Kenneth didn't even blink at her. His gaze locked on me. "Alyssa, you like me, right? Let's date."

I kept my surprise just believable enough, masking the sharp glint in my eye. He didn't like me—this was all about Sherry.

I let my voice wobble, playing the part. "I-I never said that."

Then I was out of there.

...

The second I walked in the dorm, I knew one thing for sure—Sherry's vibe toward me had done a total 180.

"So, you've hooked Kenneth, huh?" she sneered. "You must be so proud. With him, you're all set to rise to the top."

I shook my head. "It's not like that."

Her tone sharpened. "Oh, cut the act. You can't not like him. Girls like you are all the same. Desperate to climb the ladder. But do you even deserve it? Even if Kenneth liked you, his family would never approve."

Sure, Sherry. Keep talking. This was only step one. I wasn't after just his affection.