I knew something was up the moment Andre said, "Hey, you, um… I have someone you need to meet tomorrow. It's kind of important."
I raised an eyebrow. "Important? Are we talking serious law-business important, or like, Puppy-important?"
He scratched the back of his neck, looking unusually nervous. "Kind of… both? Just… trust me."
I groaned, already guessing. "Louis?"
He froze for a second, then nodded sheepishly. "He's… well, he's my best friend. I kind of promised him I'd never go anywhere without introducing the people I care about."
I blinked. Best friend. Louis. The law student with the intimidating jawline, piercing eyes, and the kind of stare that makes you feel like he's analyzing every single motive you have. Oh, joy.
---
The next day, I met Lily outside the café near campus, our designated "double date" spot. She had already heard rumors from Andre about meeting someone new. "Who's the new Mr. Law-and-Order in your life?" she teased, smirking.
"Don't ask," I muttered, but secretly I was nervous. Andre always had that puppy grin that could make anyone swoon, but Louis… well, I had no idea how he'd react to me.
When Andre arrived, he held my hand like he always did, and I felt a familiar warmth. But behind him, walking with the precision of a human chess piece, was Louis.
The guy's eyes were sharp, assessing. Not friendly. Not welcoming. Just… calculating.
"Vivian," Andre said nervously, "this is Louis. Louis, this is… well, you know."
Louis extended a hand, firm and professional. "I've heard a lot about you," he said, voice calm but sharp. His gaze lingered too long, like he was searching for weaknesses. I smiled politely, but it was guarded.
Andre squeezed my hand, whispering, "Don't let him scare you. He's protective… but he's a good guy."
I swallowed. "I can handle a little scrutiny, Puppy," I whispered back.
---
The "double date" itself was… interesting. Lily was bubbly and teasing, Andre kept making little lawyer jokes at my expense ("Technically, Vivian, you've stolen my heart — a class C felony"), and Louis just watched, occasionally interjecting with a dry comment that made me chuckle nervously.
At one point, Louis leaned over Andre. "I'm not trying to be rude, but there's something about her. Something off. I don't know what it is, but I'll be keeping an eye on this."
Andre laughed, but his grip on my hand tightened. "She's fine, Louis. Trust me. Puppy knows what she's doing."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help smiling. Puppy. He still called me that, even with Louis sitting there like a hawk.
By the end of the evening, Louis was still skeptical, but I think he was slowly warming up. At least, he stopped glaring directly at me — progress, I guess.
And as Andre walked me back to the dorms, his fingers brushing mine, I realized: no matter how intimidating his best friend was, I had Andre. And his puppy-level charm, persistence, and soft, teasing love made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I could survive law school, medical school, and a little overprotective friend too.
Because some things — like him — were completely worth it.