(Michelle Lui's POV)
Camille and I headed toward the cafeteria courtyard — the one with hanging vines and circular stone tables — because it was the only place where professors didn't hover like vultures hunting for unsubmitted assignments.
My phone buzzed as we walked.
Once.
Twice.
Then a third time.
Camille raised an eyebrow without even looking.
"Someone is VERY persistent."
"It's probably spam."
"It's Steven."
"It might be—"
"Michelle," she deadpanned.
I gave up.
I checked the screen.
Steven Sy:
You don't have to say yes.
Just wondering if you were free.
No pressure.
I stared.
Camille stared at me staring.
"Girl."
"What?"
"He is giving you soft boy energy."
"…He's not doing anything."
"That's the point. He doesn't need to."
I shoved my phone back in my bag before gravity sucked me into another spiral.
--
(At the Cafeteria Courtyard)
We found seats beneath a huge oak tree. Camille unpacked her bento, humming happily, while I tried to act normal.
Tried.
