Phoebe's POV
Charlies let out an exaggerated groan. "Mr. Calvin, you're completely selling me out!"
Chad huffed dismissively. "Better I say something now than get torn apart later!"
I watched the pair argue in front of Harold, their theatrical squabbling clearly meant to deflect attention. Suppressing my amusement, I caught Harold's eye, letting a playful gleam show. "Look, Harold, I'm perfectly fine. Can we just let this go?"
Reading the mischievous spark in my expression, Harold's features relaxed into a smile, his eyes warming. "Fair enough."
Charlies spun around immediately, his face flooding with relief. "You're amazing, Harold! Seriously!"
I couldn't contain my laughter any longer and let out a quick chuckle.
Still beaming, Charlies turned my way. "Thanks for having my back, Phoebe! I totally owe you—let me buy you something good to eat later?"
I brushed off his offer with a casual gesture. "Don't worry about it."
