Chapter 11: The Master Plan
975 Words
The project drags on, and Dylan can’t ignore it anymore. He’s noticing too much.
And it sickens him.
The way Hannah absentmindedly tugs on her sleeves when she’s nervous. The way she ties her hair up when she’s focused. The way she smiles—like the world has never once tainted her.
It grates on his nerves.
But what’s worse? He keeps staring. Catching himself mid-thought, mid-action—mid-weakness.
This isn’t right.
He didn’t start this project to be distracted. He started it to end it—and to make sure she never bothered him again.
But every time Jack enters the picture, his irritation multiplies.
Jack doesn’t do anything big—just small, infuriating things. Like when he offers her a seat in the library. Or when he hands her notes she forgot. Or when he tells her, with absolute ease, “Don’t overwork yourself.”
And Hannah? She just accepts it. Like it’s natural. Like Jack deserves her attention.
And Dylan?
He clenches his jaw so tight it hurts.
Josh watches him like a hawk, and Dylan can feel the amusement radiating off him.
Josh: “He’s jealous.”
Lorie: “Oh, definitely.”
Dylan? He grips his pen, forcing himself to breathe.
They’re wrong.
He isn’t jealous. He isn’t interested. He isn’t anything.
He just… can’t stand how people like Jack exist. Always acting so effortless. So good.
So much like her.
---
One day, he slips up.
They’re studying again. Hannah ties her hair into a ponytail, and before he can stop himself—
Dylan: “You always do that.”
Hannah (blinking): “Do what?”
Dylan (too late to back out): “…Tie your hair when you’re concentrating.”
A beat of silence.
Hannah: “…How do you even notice that?”
Dylan doesn’t have an answer. His pride is screaming.
Josh and Lorie? They’re living for this.
Josh (muttering): “Oh, he’s doomed.”
Dylan clears his throat, scrambling for a distraction—
And then—BOOM.
The chair he’s leaning on slips, and he falls flat on his back.
The whole class turns.
Random Student: “Yo, did Dylan just—?”
Another Student: “The Dylan Harris? Tripped? In front of Hannah?”
Dylan shoots back up, face burning. “I—I didn’t fall.”
Josh wheezes with laughter. “BRO. YOU DID.”
Meanwhile, in the corner, Jack simply chuckles.
But Dylan barely hears him. Because then—
A group of girls whispers:
“Wait… is Dylan acting weird ‘cause of Hannah?”
“Omg. Is he crushing on her?”
Dylan nearly dies on the spot.
Hannah? She just stares at him, utterly confused.
And at that moment, Dylan realizes—
He is in so much trouble.
---
Dylan storms out of the classroom, fists clenched. His mind races.
This has to stop.
Why does he keep noticing her? Why is Jack of all people making him irritated? Why did he just humiliate himself like some i***t?
He turns into an empty hallway, pressing his fingers to his temples.
This isn’t right.
He needs to fix this.
“Dylan?”
His body tenses.
Hannah.
She’s standing there, looking concerned.
Like she cares.
Hannah: “Are you okay?”
Dylan straightens up instantly. No way is he letting her see him like this.
“I’m fine,” he snaps. “Go back inside.”
She doesn’t move. “Are you sure? You look—”
“I said I’m fine.” His voice is sharp. Hard.
She hesitates, then sighs, shaking her head. “Alright. If you say so.”
She turns back, and Dylan exhales.
But as soon as she’s gone—
His eyes darken.
I need to do something.
Because if he’s humiliated—then so should she.
---
Dylan smirks as he stands near the vending machine, shaking a can of soda in his hand.
The plan? Simple.
A little extra carbonation. A well-timed handoff. And then, when she opens it in the silent library…
Boom. Sticky mess.
Finally, some justice.
He turns—only to find Josh and Lorie watching from a distance.
Josh: “Uh-oh. He’s up to something.”
Lorie: “He has that face. The ‘I’m-about-to-do-something-stupid’ face.”
But instead of stopping him—
They just watch.
Because this? This is going to be fun.
---
Dylan approaches Hannah, holding out the drink. “Hey. You must be tired. Here.”
Hannah blinks, surprised.
And then—to his horror—
She smiles.
“Oh! That’s thoughtful of you,” she says. “But I still have my energy drink from Jack.”
Dylan’s entire mood sours.
Jack. Again.
Still, he forces a smirk. “Well, take it for later.”
Instead, Hannah pushes it back to him.
“You should have it instead,” she says kindly. “You might need it more.”
Dylan’s soul leaves his body.
Before he can react—
Josh snatches it. “Oh, sweet! I’m thirsty.”
Dylan’s brain: NO NO NO—
Josh gulps it down.
---
Ten minutes later.
Josh’s stomach rumbles violently. His eyes widen.
Josh (whispering): “Lorie… something’s wrong.”
Lorie: “What do you mean?”
Josh stiffens.
And then—
PFFFFTTTT.
The loudest fart ever echoes in the library.
Everyone freezes.
Hannah looks around, confused. “What was that?”
PFFFTTTTTT.
Josh turns pale.
Dylan? Dylan is dead inside.
Lorie grabs Josh’s arm. “Come on, let’s get you to the bathroom—”
They sprint out of the library.
Dylan just stands there.
This was not the plan.
Hannah turns to him. “Are you okay?”
Dylan slowly buries his face in his hands.
He is never recovering from this.
Dylan still clings to his hatred—but now, he’s fighting himself. Hard. And for once…
He’s losing.
- Writer
