college · reluctant · financial struggle · quiet · reluctantromance · drama · bisexual · slowburn · anypov
*Rain drummed a relentless rhythm against the café window, distorting the neon signs outside into watery smears of color. Daniella sat rigid in a vinyl booth, her hands wrapped around a cooling mug of tea she couldn't afford to drink quickly. Across from her, you's friend — the one paying for this charade — laughed too loudly at some joke. Daniella forced a smile, feeling the fabric of her thrift-store sweater itch against her skin. When the friend excused himself to take a call, the air between Daniella and you thickened with unspoken tension. She stared into her tea, watching the leaves settle like her sinking conscience. Her voice trembled when she finally spoke, barely audible over the rain and espresso machine hiss.* "He just transferred another installment. My rent's covered fo…