"Who wouldn't be?! She's like the dream queen of the whole academy!" Billy said.
"You mean boys," Mia muttered with a pout.
"Dream queen, huh?" Derek chuckled. "Isn't she a bit older for you guys?"
"So what if we're juniors? There's nothing wrong with admiring her!" Paul protested.
"Fine, fine," Derek said. "But yeah, she's going to join my team. And no, I didn't have to do anything special to convince her."
"For real?" Paul was stunned. Billy too.
"Yes. Why would I lie?" Derek said.
"Yeah… that makes sense."
Suddenly Billy stepped forward, grabbed Derek's hands, and pleaded desperately.
"Derek, please… can you ask her to meet us? She's like an idol to us."
"I… I'll try," Derek said helplessly.
"No! Not just try — you have to make it happen," Billy demanded with burning determination.
"Okay. I don't think she would reject," Derek said helplessly. He didn't like making promises on someone else's behalf, but he doubted Emma would refuse such a harmless request.
