Tears of the Crescent Moon

CHAPTER 2: Fake Relationship

Next day…

"Hey there, bookworm."

As Ember walked down the hallway to her last subject, she heard a familiar voice, his tone dripping with playful mockery. She glanced around, only to lock eyes with Drake leaning against a locker, he has a mischievous grin on his face.

He immediately grabbed onto her and put his arm around her shoulder. Perhaps driven by irritation and embarrassment, she quickly distanced herself.

"Hey, you're my girlfriend now, we should acted like sweet couples," he said, pulling her forcefully and putting his arm around her again.

Annoyed, Ember stopped walking and glared at Drake. "So, you're serious about yesterday?"

Drake nodded. "I wouldn't waste my time on you if I wasn't serious."

Ember nodded in agreement, stared at Drake for a moment, then handed him the books she was holding. "Is that so? Shouldn't you be acting like a 'gentleman' boyfriend rather than put your heavy arms around me? After all, you're the one who pushed for this deal, remember?" she said with a smirk.

But Drake returned her books as if he has an allergy to it. It's quite heavy because they were like three thick volumes bundled together.

"I'm your fake boyfriend, not your sidekick!" he practically fumed.

"Then, act formally when you're with me. You can't treat me like a display or a doll that can do whatever you want!" she retorted sharply and distanced herself even more…

But to her surprise, Drake suddenly approached her, causing her to step back until she reached the wall. She leaned against it as he whispered to her.

"Tell me, how will they believe us if we don't act like a sweet couple, hmm?" he said.

Ember couldn't deny the slight shiver caused by Drake's warm breath against her ear. Suddenly, an unfamiliar nervousness surged within her chest.

And then, she noticed the passing of a few she-wolves students in the hallway where they were. Only then did she realize why Drake did that.

Their whispers immediately spread while their eyes widening as they looked at the two of them.

Ember's cheeks flushed slightly.

"They're gone.. you can free me now," she whispered while trying to push him.

"Wait, I have a feeling that someone will come," he said, pulling himself closer to her.

Ember wanders her eyes but she can't see or hear someone. She shakes her head upon realizing that Drake was just lying and trying to trick her again.

She tried to push him again and ignore his enticing aroma, she couldn't resist Drake's smell because she can't deny that it's making her feel comfortable with his warmed body around hers. She quickened her pace right away, preventing the new feeling that wanted to rise in her heart.

When she stared at his face, she couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of irritation and curiosity about the confident bad boy who seemed to find amusement in taunting her.

She couldn't understand herself; there was a part of her that was annoyed with the arrogant wolf, yet her body liked it whenever they got close.

Drake just chuckled before moving away from her.

"I like your smell," he added.

She wanted to feel delighted by his words, but she chose to remain composed.

"We're going to be late for our class," she said and began walking ahead.

As soon as she entered the classroom door, all eyes were immediately on her. The whispers and sharp glances from her classmates focused on her once again.

Then, she felt Drake's presence behind her. He even pulled her closer, making their bodies touch.

"Hey guys, I just want to introduce my girlfriend, Ms. Ember Underwood. Starting today, she's mine and no one here can hurt her. The moment I hear about anyone messing with my girlfriend, expect me to be your opponent as well," Drake declared in a serious tone.

Ember almost held her breath as she stood by Drake's side. The way her she-wolves classmates looked at her made her feel like she was being scrutinized. While no one spoke or replied, she could sense judgment and questioning in their eyes.

They saw Aurora approaching, "Oh please, like any of this is real. It's all just for show, right?" she said in a loud and clear voice.

"No," It was Drake, his tone was firm and full of authority. "Ember will be my mate one day so she will start to be my girlfriend from today."

Once again, whispers echoed throughout the entire room. Even Aurora turned pale and completely lost her voice upon hearing Drake's statement.

Ember lightly pinched Drake on the side, but he just grinned and gave her a sly look.

She was surprised when Drake sat behind her that day. She clearly saw the envy in her she-wolves classmates' eyes, especially Aurora.

"You know, you really caught everyone off guard by sitting behind me today." Ember whisper to Drake.

Drake just smirked and smiled.

"Well, I thought I'd give them something to talk about."

"Great! I've been getting curious looks all day!"

Drake couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Just doing my part to keep things interesting. Did you see the way Aurora looked at us when I sat down?"

Ember wanted to laugh but she keep it..

"Yeah, she was definitely not expecting that."

"Wonder what she's thinking?" He asked her.

"Probably plotting some grand strategy to reclaim her territory."

Drake smiled again.

"Good thing I brought my wolf-proof umbrella, just in case."

"Do you think they'll get used to see you sitting behind me?" Ember couldn't help but asked.

"Oh, eventually. But until then, get ready for the dramatic sighs and exaggerated whispers."

Ember let out a deep sigh.

"Yeah, you better be there to protect me in case."

"Sure! But hey, you've got to admit, this is way more exciting than the usual classroom routine." Drake added while grinning.

Ember just shakes her head. Now she has to deal with this boy's unusual game.

"I won't argue with you there. You've managed to turn our seating arrangement into a full-fledged drama."

Drake just let out a sigh and nodded.

"All part of my master plan to make school a bit more entertaining."

Ember's left eyebrow automatically raise upon hearing Drake's respond.

"Well, congrats, mission accomplished, maestro of mischief!"

Nonetheless, Aurora couldn't do anything but feel angry at her. Despite that, Ember felt a sense of joy in witnessing it, as if she had already gotten back at her for the harm she caused her in the cafeteria the other day.

Later in class, Ember's focus was on the professor's lecture, until she noticed Drake shooting paper balls at her again when the professor wasn't looking. She sighed and discreetly brushed them off her desk, determined to ignore his antics. But a whisper from him reached her ears, "You're pretty serious about these lectures, huh?"

Suppressing her exasperation, Ember finally decided to engage.

"I actually enjoy learning," she responded, trying to sound nonchalant but Drake just shakes his head and smirks.

"You'll join me for dinner later at the canteen," he whispered again after a while. There was no hint of questioning in his tone. It seemed like he was giving her an order, and she had no right to refuse.

"What if I don't want to?" She tried to challenge.

"I have no choice but to insist."

She stared at Drake; he appeared serious. Based on what she had learned, there was nothing he wanted that he couldn't get. Being the child of one of the fierce Alphas, he was used to getting his way. She forcefully exhaled, was she someone who could be easily swayed by this demanding wolf's words?

No way… Her defiant mind whispered...

She refocused on what their professor was teaching. She made up her mind. Her decision was firm, and it wouldn't change anymore.

After their afternoon class, Ember breathed a sigh of relief. Drake had left ahead of her. She intentionally lagged behind in the classroom, pretending she had something to finish, so perhaps her "fake" boyfriend had grown impatient.

When she made sure Drake totally left, she headed straight to her dorm and rested. She had planned to return to her mini-laboratory to reattempt her experiment.

She was currently changing into her casual clothes when she heard strong knocks. The knocks were so loud it felt like her door was about to shatter. Despite some irritation, she quickly opened it.

"Who's– D-Drake?!" she exclaimed upon seeing the anger in Drake's eyes. He didn't say anything and entered her dorm without a word…