(STEVEN SY'S POV)
He wasn't a fan of group meals.
Too much noise. Loud utensils. People talking over each other. It always felt like static in his head.
But today, the noise wasn't the problem.
Today, the problem was Michelle.
Or more specifically—
The way she kept smiling even when Jasmine took a jab at her.
The way her eyes dimmed a little with every "joke."
The way Anthony avoided eye contact like it was a life-threatening condition.
Steven didn't like it.
He didn't like watching it.
He didn't like that it bothered him.
He stabbed a piece of chicken too hard.
Lara nudged his arm. "You okay? You're zoning out."
He nodded. "Just thinking."
"That's dangerous," Vince said from across the table. "Steven thinking means pain for the rest of us."
Steven didn't react.
Except—
His eyes slid, only for a moment, to the girl beside Vince.
Michelle.
Her hair fell gently over her shoulder as she studied the menu.
She bit her lip in thought, brow furrowed slightly.
