Wren's eyes widened as Darnell appeared from the crowd, a tray of snacks in his hand. She was mid-chew, her cheeks puffed out with food, and her eyes gleamed with interest as she took in the sight of the new treats. Darnell's smile was warm and amused as he took a seat beside her, the seat that had been reserved for Ashley. Wren's smile was brief and didn't quite reach her eyes, but she couldn't hide the excitement in her voice as she greeted Darnell.
"Hey," Darnell said, his voice low and smooth, as he gestured to the snacks. "I brought these for you." Wren's eyes locked onto the food, her gaze hungry and intense. She gulped unconsciously, her throat working as she swallowed the food in her mouth. Darnell's smirk grew wider as he watched her reaction, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
As he observed Wren's enthusiasm, Darnell couldn't help but think about how different she was from the girls in his class. While they were often preoccupied with discussions about boys, fashion, and social status, Wren's love for food was refreshingly genuine. He had never met a girl who loved food as much as Wren did, and it was captivating to see her so carefree and joyful.
Wren's eyes darted back to Darnell, her expression suspicious. "This looks expensive," she said, her voice cautious. Darnell chuckled, the sound low and husky. "To me it isn't," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And since I'm your backer, you shouldn't worry." Wren's gaze lingered on the snacks, her fingers twitching with desire. She wasn't a freeloader, but the temptation was strong.
Darnell watched her, his eyes never leaving her face. He was fascinated by her reaction, the way her eyes lit up with excitement, the way her face softened with pleasure. As he watched Wren, Darnell found himself drawn to her unique energy. He enjoyed watching her savor each bite, her eyes lighting up with pleasure. It was a stark contrast to the girls in his class, who often seemed more interested in showcasing their wealth or status.
The snacks were a colorful array of sweet and savory treats, each one more enticing than the last. Wren's eyes widened as she took in the selection, and she couldn't help but dig in, the flavors and textures exploding in her mouth. Darnell handed her the tray, and Wren took it hesitantly, her eyes darting back and forth between the snacks and Darnell's face.
As she took the tray, Wren's fingers brushed against Darnell's, and she felt a spark of electricity run through her body. She pulled her hand back quickly, her face flushing with embarrassment. Darnell's eyes met hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then Wren looked away, her eyes fixed on the snacks, and Darnell's gaze followed hers.
Darnell's gaze lingered on Wren's face, her cheeks puffed out with food, and her eyes shining with excitement. He smiled to himself, appreciating the simplicity and joy she found in something as mundane as snacks. In that moment, Wren seemed like a breath of fresh air, unencumbered by the social pressures and expectations that often defined his classmates.