sed mid-step and turned around just in time to see Stacy and Amy jogging toward

eathlessly as they reached her, her words tumbling out qu

le. "I got discharged earl

odding. "Well, we were just heading to t

on," Amy a

light chuckle. "I was actually thinking of ea

red with her hand, motioning for

hter and chatter. The sun streamed in through the wide hallway windows, casting

d settled at a cozy table not too far from the main counter. The scent of warm

in her eyes as she picked up her fork, "it see

d've seen how fast he ran to you when you g

ismissively. "Oh, come on, Stacy. He just h

re saying, "Haven't you heard the la

interested but trying to appear

in toward Almora's phone. "Ju

line flashed in bold letters across the screen: "Lucian Breaks Up with Melanie After Cheat

n was already looking her way, his eyes meeting hers in an inexplicably intense excha

oice pulled her bac

her face, giggling as they bo

ake. "You like Lucian, don

inged with the faintest blush, which was only made more obvious by her typi

eplied, her tone playfully uncon

aid, clearly flustered, "who's

t each other before ans

almost choking on her drink. "No

ht the team together. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't ev

weight of their words. Then, slowly, she smil

forget, you still need two days of rest.

tch us. Coach us even! Since you're the captain and al

head to the basketball court instead. I heard some

slowly. "Seriously? I'm supposed to be taking it easy,

r hands together and flashing puppy eyes

re reluctant than she was. "Fine," she sa

, they found seats on the bleachers along the side, settling in comfortably. The rhythmic thumping of the ball o

nd somehow even more magnetic than before, his dark hair damp with sweat and his muscles flexing a

m,' she chided herself sile

rful voice interr

m with a charming grin plastered across his face. "It's nice t

unimpressed, while St

ending a hand toward them

id, shaking his han

mora said si

," Amy added

"See you later, I've got to get back

muttered, "Once a flirt, always a flirt,

rian is?" Stacy whispered excitedly

Don't let him get in your head

ning to Amy, she added, "Hey, I was thinking why don't

y agreed immediately, cl

able to get a room transfer if I apply now. My current r

," Stacy

k to the pri

h you," Stacy s

guys already?" Amy

Stacy said quickly, playful

a!" Amy called over her sh

the bench, still smiling. The sound of bouncing balls and sneakers

ome to wat