Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 285

“I’m fine,” Shanley said, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he saw the girl’s concern.

“Oh.” Juniper’s suspended heart slowly settled back into place now that she’d confirmed he wasn’t newly injured.

“Hey, sis,” Melvin called out from the side, his brow furrowed in a pout. “Aren’t you focusing on the wrong person? Your brother’s hurt, too.”

Juniper glanced at Melvin's sullen face, then opened her backpack and pulled out a small bottle of ointment. “This stuff works really well. A couple of days and you’ll be fine.”

Melvin was bruised, but Shanley had held back, so it was mostly just swelling. Shanley’s injuries were different. Her brothers had gone all out, leaving his cheek swollen and his lip split. He’d nearly been disfigured.

“Thanks, sis,” Melvin said, taking the bottle, a smile breaking through his gloom. She gave it only to him, not to Shanley. That had to mean her brother was more important.

“We can discuss the racing club later,” Melvin said. “You must be tired after class. Why don’t you come home with us for now?”

Home? At his words, Juniper’s brow, which had just relaxed, furrowed once more. She looked at Shanley, her cheeks puffing out in silent, obvious anger. Did he agree to this?

“Your brothers said they want to take you home to live with them,” Shanley said, deftly passing the buck.

“That’s right,” Melvin added earnestly. “Before, it was because Jimmie was too busy with work to take care of you. But I have time. I can look after you.”

Juniper remained silent, her expression unhappy.

“Come on. We’ll have an assistant pick up your luggage later,” Melvin said, confidently reaching for his sister’s hand, only for her to pull away.

“Juniper…” Melvin’s hand froze mid-air. He stared at her, hurt. What did this mean? Between Shanley and her two brothers, she had chosen Shanley?

“Just give me some more time,” Juniper mumbled, her voice low. “I’m used to my current routine. Living with you guys would mean getting used to something new all over again. I don’t adapt well to change, and if I don’t rest well, my performance suffers. And if my performance suffers, it’ll affect my exams.”

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