Chapter 13: Who is who??
Daniel's POV
Well, I hadn't particularly been drawn to Zory at first.
She honestly felt like a creep, constantly watching me like I was some rare museum artifact she was studying from a distance. Always there. Always observing. I remember thinking—what did she even want from me?
But recently? She hasn't been hovering as much. Maybe she gave up. Or maybe she realized whatever she was looking for wasn't there.
And yet, watching her now, introducing herself in front of the entire class with that weirdly calm confidence... I wondered.
Maybe I misjudged her. Maybe she isn't that bad. Maybe... just maybe.
As her words ended, a subtle clap spread through the classroom—the kind you only hear in royal settings. Respectful. Soft. Reserved.
She rose from her curtsy with practiced grace, scanning the room. When her eyes met mine, I offered a gentle smile. A congratulatory one. Might as well make a new friend—we were going to be stuck in this class together till the end of the semester.
She took her seat two rows behind me, to the left. Quietly. No fuss. The day continued with our usual back-to-back lessons. I didn't stare, but I did glance back now and then. Just to make sure she was doing okay. That she wasn't too lost.
Class break came not long after—just a short 20-minute stretch before lunch. The kind meant for adjusting, not relaxing. I took the chance to walk over to her desk.
Honestly? I was curious now. Maybe a little more than I should be.
There was something about her I couldn't place. A spark of something... familiar.
Also, let's be real—I love meeting my fans.
"Hey, Zory," I said, leaning against her desk. "Nice introduction back there. Your accent and intonation were pretty good."
She gave a soft smile, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Well... it wasn't as easy as it looked. My anxiety almost got the best of me."
Anxiety?
My expression faltered for a split second.
So... she had anxiety? I felt a twist in my chest. Not pity—more like... guilt? I've seen Danielle spiral enough times to know it's no joke. Honestly, I've always been grateful I never had to deal with it myself.
"Oh? You have anxiety too?" I asked, feeling awkward. "Very sorry about that."
She blinked at me.
"Wait... you forgot? I told you I had anxiety, and you told me you had it worse."
Who?
That was all I could say.
And immediately... it clicked.
Oh no.
Oh no, no, no.
What has Danielle been doing behind my back?
Everything rushed into place. Is this why Zory was acting like we had inside jokes? Why she looked at me like we'd had moments? She thought she was talking to me—but it was Danielle. Pretending. Using my identity without telling me.
Now I just looked like a jerk.
I swallowed thickly, trying not to let panic show.
"Ohh... yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember now," I said, nodding way too quickly. "Yesss, I do have anxiety. And so do you. And... mine is worse, yeah."
I was way too awkward. I could feel it, and I knew she could feel it too. I hoped—prayed—she wouldn't call me out.
Mercifully, the class gong rang again.
I muttered something and slipped back to my seat before this awkward mess could spiral further.
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Zory's POV
Was that the closure I wanted?
Because it felt more like a crack forming in the wall I'd just started building.
That interaction with Daniel... it was weird. Not just awkward—weird in a way that screamed off. Like a forgotten lie being repackaged on the spot.
Does he have anxiety or doesn't he? Or insomnia? Or neither? How many lies have I been told?
At this point, I don't even know who's who anymore.
In one single week, I've questioned everything. The person who raised me. The people I trusted. Even myself. I looked Daniel straight in the eyes, hoping for truth... and yet, I couldn't find the same tiny freckles I used to recognize.
My stomach twisted.
Maybe I should just stop overanalyzing everything. Pretend I never noticed anything. Smile. Nod. Be Daniel's classmate and maybe—maybe—his friend?
But it still eats at me.
I barely know who I am right now. So how can I possibly tell who anyone else is?
WHO IS WHO??