Daniel was casually doing his schoolwork while naturally watching Jessica, and her what we're gonna call "unnecessary guards". Simply because they tried their best to keep her isolated, and as far away from him as they could. Which isn't gonna be the case of course if you've been paying attention so far. The school was having an assembly today, about two students found dead from the school. Dan couldn't help but smile to himself, it had only been a day or two but they already released their identities.

Looking back over to Jessica, one of her "friends" looked pretty off. It was Mason, that bastard. Mason was related to one of those guys Dan killed. Mason was just as douchey as the others, just a lot more annoying. He and his friends sent constant glares over to where Dan was sitting, which was by himself. Not that they knew he was also looking in their direction, just without making it obvious anyway. The announcement for the assembly started and then everyone started exiting their classroom. Dan made sure he left last just to make sur He followed Jessica closely.

To advert more attention and to make it seem like he's busy, Dan had to buy himself headphones. While wearing his headphones he closely and carefully followed her all the way to the auditorium. He sat two rows behind her and to his luck rarely anyone sat in front of him. She sat in between her two friends Ashley and Kaity. Ashley who had a big crush on mason, and followed him like a puppy, hated Dan for no reason. Kaity didn't really care much but she didn't hate him. Someone sat next to Dan. This kid Jayden, a weirdo if Dan would've described him.

  Jayden never really talked to many people but a lot of people know and like him. You'd think he'd be among Jessica's group or close to it but no, he hates them. Not all of them, but most. Dan tolerated Jayden cause he's been of some use, letting him know some of they're weaknesses. Apparently they bullied Jayden's old friend who moved away. Seems like he's almost out for blood, Dan thought. Jayden didn't say anything yet but just sat down and looked over at Dan.

  "You know I've been thinking about this whole thing. And I've noticed something about you..," He started speaking. Dan glanced in his direction. "Finally got your attention? Daniel I have a question about you. And I think I've got you figured out." He said confidently, but almost in a whisper. Dan sat up straight now slightly intrigued. I wonder what he thinks he's figured out about me.., Dan mentally noted. Because there's no way that this guy knows-"I know that you've been stalking Jessica Anderson." He said sternly. Jayden looked into Daniel's slightly shocked eyes.

  "What did you just say to me." Dan was alerted. Not alerted, but also not scared. He's never been called out by someone other then his mom. "Well that doesn't matter Daniel, what matters is that I support your every decision because I wanna be your friend," he said with a smile, "And because I want revenge on Mason, DJ, and Taylor." Daniel looked back over to the group. Jessica was talking and laughing with Kaity and Ashley, while Mason was picking on Taylor with DJ. He looked back over at Jayden. "I don't know what you're talking about." If Dan knew one thing, it was to never let anyone else be right.

   Jayden laughed to himself, and looked at Dan like he was joking. "Dude cmon now, I've got photo proof of you following her home and taking pictures of her. I'm like your number 1 admirer now." He said again like they were best friends. Shit, if this guy has evidence of him stalking Jessica he could easily get this man arrested. "Show me your proof then, this isn't a funny joke" Dan said a bit impatient. "Perfect, I've got a few photos on me as we speak!" Jayden said cheerily.

   He reached in his pocked to pull out his wallet. There he pulled out three photos. One showing Daniel peeking into Jessica's window. Another showing Daniel taking a photo of Jessica through her window. And another was of him watching her walk home. All in perfect quality. "Hey, Jayden right? If you want money I can get money for you, just don't show anyone these" Dan tried to play victim. He might just have to kill this guy next. "Danny! Daniel my friend, I don't care if it's true or not I support your actions, I just need a favor from you. I'll burn these if you comply." He persuaded.

   The assembly was about to start. Daniel had to act fast or else this guy could forever have evidence that can put him behind bars. "Plus I can help you get better quality cameras, like mines. I just need you to hurt Mason for me." He said. Wait that's it? Dan thought. "Is that it?" He was so lost now, which made him a bit mad. All this just for something that simple? He'd do it without anyone blackmailing him to.  For free even. "Yeah, I wanna join you when you do it, I've watched him for a while and every Thursday he goes to a corner store late at night by himself and leaves with alcohol. It's also why he shows up on Fridays looking exhausted." He states.

  
    Daniel thought about it, Jayden would be a better friend then foe. He didn't even sense his presence on the days he took these photos. The principal walked on stage at that moment and the lights flashed to his stand. "Good Morning, ladies gentlemen and staff. I am sure you all know why we are here today, as a sad loss of two of our students has occurred. But before we start if you have any information on this case please inform your local police station." The principal went on to show photos of the boys with each other and their families. Dan was uninterested.

  He looked over in Jessica's direction and noticed she was very uncomfortable looking in her seat. A face of guilt and sadness. "Daniel, it was you right?" Jayden suddenly said. Dan had nothing to hide at this point. "Yeah I guess so." He replied, still having his eyes on Jessica. "Nice kill, my dad is the lead detective for that case. I saw photos of their bodies. Gruesome images." he chuckled to himself. "I could get him off your case, maybe convince a random drunk to admit he did it. Drug him up in cocaine and place some on his person. Say it was out of anger and under heavy alcoholic influence. The casual." He said as if this was an everyday thing.

   
   "Go for it, I don't get caught anyways." Dan said quite offended. To think he'd ever be caught was a joke. "Wanna ditch?" A voice was suddenly heard. It was Kaity, talking to Jessica. "In a little bit, after he finishes his main speech." She referred to the principal in a loud whisper. Jayden must've heard it too, "Think this is our cue to leave?" He offered. Dan nodded his head yes. Anything to be around Jessica. He and Jayden stood up to leave and find a teacher. "Excuse me sir, we have to use the bathroom it's an emergency we might not be able to make it after the assembly." Jayden said with a begging whisper. "Oh of course Jayden, you and your friend hurry on now!" The sweet guy said.

   They exited the auditorium not soon after. "I do have to pee actually, that wasn't much of a joke." Jayden said running to the nearest bathroom. "I'll wait around here I guess" Dan semi yelled. He waited near some lockers by the bathroom, when distant voices could be heard. "It's not your fault Jess, you couldn't have known." What sounded like Kaity said. He could hear them talking from the girls bathroom, which was right down the hall.

"I know I know I just can't help but feel odd and iffy about the timing!" Jessica whined. Dan paused, she was right. Did he possibly mess up? Could this lead back to him though?

"Hey man, what do you think we go out and get some food?" Jayden said drying his hands on his hoodie. Dan groaned, "I thoug-". A door opened, cutting him off. Jessica and Kaity were leaving the bathroom, still talking but less loud. "Well uh, what if you grab the food and I stay...cause of...you know." He suggested.

Jayden looked between the three teenagers in the hallway. "Shit I actually know that girl, HEY KAITY!-" He called for her attention. "Dude!? Stop??" Dan whispered yelled and tried to cover his mouth. Jayden swatted his hand from his face. "Shh let this play out." He winked at Dan. Kaity looked over, studying Jaydens face. It took her a second but she recognized him.

"Ohhh it's you! Hi Jayden!" She said grinning and waving back. She muttered something to Jessica when she say Dan, but nonetheless dragged her over to the guys. "Sooo why're you guys not in the auditorium?" She said squinting at the two of them. Dan was about to speak but Jayden spoke over him. "We're going just skip this whole thing and go get food, wanna come? My treat!" He smiled.

Dan looked over to Jayden, analyzing him. He's got a friendly smile, if I were them, I'd have trouble denying. Plus he said he's buying, but there's no way they'll just accept it- "Sure! Free food is something I can't pass down!" Jessica spoke suddenly. Dan was slightly shocked. Not that it was completely unpredictable, that was just easy to lure them away. Jaydens smile grew, "Wellllll lets go then! I'll drive, but you guys can discuss what you want on the way, just let me know." He said while swinging his arm around Dans shoulder.

He basically forced Dan to walk with them. Kaity and Jess began discussing what they wanted, Kaity looking back at Jayden smiling, but gave Dan a weary look. Dan mentally scoffed, guess people don't even hide it. They left out the side door and snuck into the parking lot.

Before Dan could jump up front, Kaity sprinted to the door. "Sorry, should've been quicker.." She said giving him a side eye, then entering the car. Jessica got in the back on the passengers side, Jayden hopping into the drivers seat afterwards. Dan awkwardly made way to the other side of the car, entering the backseat.

"Okay everyone put your seatbelts on or get the hell out of my car!" Jayden laughed, then deadpanned right after. Everyone had hurried to put their seatbelts on, then he pulled off. When Dan had clicked his belt, he had made awkward eye contact with Jess, quickly looking away from her before she could start conversation. She still had her eyes lingering on him for a while, before finally looking away without saying a word. Jayden looked at Dan through the rear view mirror, he sighed quietly.

      "Hey go to that spot right there! That diner, I love it there!" Kaity shouted while pointing out the window. "Have you guys ever been there? The food is to die for." She boasted. Dan just rolled his eyes, "It's alright..". Kaity looked back at him as they pulled up, "So you've been here? Sweet, now we can actually have something to talk about!" she fake smiled.

      As they entered the diner, a waitress greeted them. "Hello! Welcome to Freeman's Diner, any preference of seating for today?" She said, while leading us into the restaurant. "Window booth seats would be lovely." Jayden answered. As they walked, Dan scanned the area, looking for any potential unwanted guests. He spotted a waiter cleaning a table, a familiar face. I didn't know he was working today? He thought.

     Before he knew it, he was forced into a booth next to a window by Jayden, who obviously had a death wish. He still had questions for him, how did he find out? Why is he helping him so easily? Is this a trap.....of some sort? "Alrighty Danny, help me out here, I trust you've got good taste in food!" The devil himself joked, actually no, that'd be Dan's father.

      "It's about lunch so I'd recommend the mixed grilled cheese with the tomato soup, or you should get a cold sandwich, it's light on your stomach. Or if you wanna go heavier, do a classic cheeseburger with fries as a side. You can order some meals off the dinner menu too if they allow it. But personally I'm sticking with the grilled cheese." Dan explained. The other three teenagers just looked at him.

      "You know....that's the most I ever heard you spoke at one time." Kaity said while opening her menu. "I like how you know about the dinner menu thing, it shows you come here often..." Jess added. "Burger it is then!" Jayden said examining the burgers description.

      Dan looked up from the menu at Jessica, "I do come here often, it's a quiet place. Not many people, besides old people, come here much." He sighed. "And this is, today I mean, is probably the first time you've heard me speak." He directed at Kaity. "Well you didn't have to sound rude about it damn.." she said highly offended. "Maybe this is why no one talks to you at school-" Dan cut her off, "If you prefer me to not speak just say so." Jessica and Jayden looked shocked at the interaction, Daniels never shown such sass before.

     Before they could get rid of the awkward tension, a waiter arrived at the table. "Hello my name is Greg, I'll be your- Oh my god how are you Daniel?!" The waiter said shocked. "I'm gonna assume you want your regular haha, sorry about that. I'll be your waiter for this afternoon and are we ready to start off with drinks? Maybe an appetizer?" He said grabbing his notepad.

      "We can start with just drinks if that's fine?" Jessica said still looking over the menu. "But I'd like to try the vanilla milkshake if you have it." She added on glancing at the drink section. "We do have that! So thats for you, what about the two of you?" He said writing down her order. "I'd like pink lemonade please." Kaity said. "I want whatever drink he's getting!" Jayden smirked, pointing at Dan. "Alrighty, it'll only be a few minutes. I'll be back, hopefully you'll be ready to order then!" Greg said walking to the kitchens window handing a cook the paper.

        And then it was quiet again. "Often." Jayden said suddenly. They looked at him confused, what was he talking about? "You said you come here often, Daniel." He added, looking at the boy next to him. "What do you usually order?" He asked. While they waited for his answer, he didn't speak a word, nor did he look away from out the window. Jayden frowned at his ignorance. After about five minutes of silence, he leaned over close to Dan's ear.

      "Look man, I'm trying here I really am. I managed to get Jessica away from her obsessive friends, and Kaity is just rude to everyone. Meet me in the bathroom, we need to have a chat." He said standing up and heading to the bathroom. Daniel sat there for a minute, debating. He really did not wanna be here with that girl. She was Jessica's friend so he couldn't say anything more rude in front of her. Fuck this. He thought as he stood up and headed to the bathroom.

      This left Jessica and Kaity alone. "He's weird isn't he?" Kaity said once Dan was out of earshot. Jessica shrugged, "He's not so bad....when you talk to him like he's a human." She said trying not to imply to hard. Kaity shook her head in disapproval. "You're just too accepting, plus wasn't it him that the others were talking about that was bothering you last night?" She said a little alarmed now that she thought about it. "Oh my god NO! I invited him out yesterday night." Jessica half lied. I mean they kinda just met up and hung out after school.

Kaity sat there, absolutely speechless. She wanted to hang out with HIM? That's unheard of, literally. "Sorry I just didn't take you as the type to like quiet weirdos like him. Well wait sorry for calling him a weirdo, I'm sure he's great..." Kaity rambled. She didn't know what to think, since when were they friends after all? "Just....stop being so rude please? He's not a creep I promise. I feel safe around him more then most guys. It says a lot about the people we hang around." Jessica sighed heavily. "Where are they? Did you scare him off?"

Meanwhile.

"You've gotta be the most petty man I've met. There's no way you're just gonna sit there and not speak for a whole meal while your crush who's trying to make conversation is right there in front of you. But literally cause she sat on the inside. CMON DANIEL GET IT TOGETHER MAN." Jayden paced as he spoke.

Dan stood there, taking it all in. He finally spoke, "Isn't Kaity one of her best friends? If I piss her off don't you think Jessica will side with her??" Jayden put his hands on his head. Man was stressing rn.

"I'll deal with Kaity, just please at least talk when she's talking to you, and don't fully ignore me I take that personally Mr. Murderer." He said emphasizing his final word. "Wash your hands, make it look believable that we weren't just talking in a bathroom at least?" Dan said when Jayden tried to walk out.

"Right right, sorry." He said backtracking to the sink. "I'm serious man," Jayden said turning the sink on, "do not fuck this up because of Kaity, I may not have fully thought this through but well know if we fucked up and they're gone. Not like they'd get far, I drove after all hah."

They finished washing their hands and exited the bathroom. When they returned, their drinks were on the table. Greg had been chatting with the girls asking what they wanted to eat, recommending stuff and warning them about other things. "But sometimes we allow people to order off the dinner menu during lunch, awesome isn't it?" Greg continued, but unfortunately someone else had already told that information. "Oh uh. Daniel already told us about that!" Jessica said awkwardly.

"Speaking of Daniel..." Kaity pointed at the two buys returning from the bathroom. "We didn't take long did we?" Jayden asked before pushing Dan back into his seat. "Hey Greg did yo-" Dan got cut off. "Yes, whole milk, and chopped up chocolate pieces were put in there, mild on the ice, lots of milk and chocolate as requested. Whipped cream has chocolate drizzle and there's chocolate chios hiding in there somewhere. Perfect Chocolate milkshake for Daniel!" Greg said presenting the drink while spinning and pointing out stuff. "And no cherry of course." He finished.

"Is that what I have too?" Jayden asked examining his and Daniels drinks. "Should be, I just told the chef make two of Daniels regulars." Greg shrugged. "Anyways drinks served, what're we eating people?" He said taking his pen and paper out again. Kaity and Jessica immediately began flipping to the lunch area on the menu. "You already know I guess?" Dan asked. Greg nodded, and turned to Jayden, "You look ready I assume?". Jayden reopened his menu, "Yes can I get the Classic cheeseburger with fries, hold the tomato but add pickles!" He said closing his menu right after. "Nice choice, and for you two?"

Jessica started first. "Can I have a bowl of chicken salad? With a side of bread please." She said reading off the menu. "Can I get the chicken tenders, fries as a side?" Kaity asked. Dan really tried not to roll his eyes at the basic order. Greg finished writing down the orders and speed walked off.

"Well, how's school?" Jayden asked to everyone. "Easy." Dan dryly replied. "It's been something I guess..." Jessica said hesitantly. It has been kinda hectic for her. Two murders on the same day she was last seen with them is kinda insane. Dan felt slightly guilty for what he'd done but, they deserved it. The were harassing her and followed her home. She wasn't exactly safe after that. He did what needed to be done. Who else would've?

Kaity started rambling about something with a guy and someone got cheated on or whatever. It wasn't interesting to anyone besides her yet Jessica and Jayden still listened. Dan kinda drifted away and looked out the window.

Jessica who only made slight comments here and there hadn't exactly been paying full attention had be giving Dan small lingering glances here and there. He had full on went to space though so I guess he wasn't pay attention. Jayden who is the middle ground in all of this, was aware of all three things going on. Soon the food was served, Kaity stopped rambling. "Thank god" Jessica mumbled.

      Dan had fixed his posture when his plate of grilled cheese and freshly made tomato sauce was sat down in front of him. Jayden grinned at his juicy cheeseburger, Kaity doing the same to her chicken tenders. Jessica thanked Greg when he handed her the salad. Kaity and Jayden quickly did the same, Dan just giving him a thumbs up.

       "Not gonna lie guys, I'll continue talking to you guys after I finish this mkay?" Jayden said before putting Mayo and ketchup on his sandwich. Jessica and Kaity looked at each other wearily as he began to demolish his food.

(a/n: he's so real for that.)

"So uh Daniel." Kaity began, pushing her drink around. Dan looked up momentarily at her before returning his attention to his food. "What do you think about the uh, weather? Nice right?" She said pointing out the window. Dan gave a quick glance out the window and back to Kaity, what kind of conversation starter was this. "It's cool." He said before dipping his grilled cheese into the tomato soup.

        This awkward conversation continued for 15 STRAIGHT. Kaity would ask a question, Daniel gave a dry response, it'd get quiet and Kaity would ask another. The cycle repeated itself until Jayden couldn't take it anymore.

     
       "Hey Daniel who was your first kiss?" Jayden said finishing off his food. Dan just finishing chewing before taking a minute to answer. He'd been put on the spot.

      All three of them waited eagerly and impatiently for his answer, especially Jessica who gave him a deep stare as she waited.

     After he made eye contact with all three of them he just groaned in defeat. "No one. I haven't kissed anyone." He sighed.

         Jessica who looked tense before, relaxed. Kaity who was waiting for a name drop, looked disappointed, as well as Jayden. "Damn dude, I was kinda excited to hear who'd actually been able to get close with you like that!" Kaity said before laughing. She shook her head, "I probably should've expected that, you're not bad looking but, you're too antisocial I guess." She said analyzing him more cautiously. Dan was starting to feel uncomfortable as he ate his food.

      She started to really check him out. When you put aside all the rumors and personal biases about him, he's actually kinda attractive. "Have you ever dated anyone?" She suddenly asked. Jessica span on her, giving her a shocked look. This was starting to get highly uncomfortable for Dan.

     "Hey, maybe we should get back before they take roll.." Jessica said pushing around her food. Jayden said nothing, as he drank his milkshake. "You're not wrong. Call the waiter over, I'll be finished this in a second." He said before taking the straw out, and drinking directly from the glass. By the time Greg reached their table after being waved down, Jayden finished his shake.

         He looked around at their plates before saying anything. "How are we feeling? Anything wrong or would you like the bill?" He asked referring to everyone. "I'd say we're ready for the bill, bring it along with to go trays will you?" He asked gently. Greg nodded and walked off.

      "I loved this Daniel Q/A we had honestly, very fun. Sooo it's like after 1 and I'm pretty sure that assembly ended a while ago, probably while we were driving over here. Forgot to mention that." He said all at once. "PLUS school ends in like an hour or so, there's no point in going back, why don't we continue this fun party at my place?" He offered. "Or I'll drop you guys back off if it's too much..." he trialed off. "No, no, we'll go! Right Jess?" Kaity pressed. Jessica just nodded silently, looking at Daniel. They made eye contact, Jessica basically pleading for him to agree. "Might as well..." Dan said taking his hoodie off. "Turn the AC on when we get in your car though."

A/N: see you guys in a year I rushed the hell out of this. 🫡