Afternoon sunlight slanted across Elm Street as the group dispersed. Vivian sprinted toward Steamy Pot Soup Shack—a cramped storefront fogged by simmering broths. Roxy's requested chicken-barley stew ("NO RADISHES!") demanded urgency.
Inside, steam coiled around chattering students. Vivian wove through bodies, shouting her order over the din. Whispers trailed her:
"That's Vaughn! The girl who whistled at Stone!"
"Think Sterling knows she's stalking his rival?"
Her gaze snagged on a corner booth. Adrian Stone sat flanked by Simon Kent and Finn Shaw, spooning broth with monastic focus. Before reason intervened, Vivian slid into the empty seat beside him.
Adrian's posture didn't alter—back rigid as a cello string, fingers steady on his spoon. Finn choked on his soda while Simon's glasses slipped down his nose.
"Fancy seeing Apollo slumming it," Vivian chirped, resting her chin on laced fingers.
Finn: (Wiping cola off chin) "Wildcat! Stalking's illegal in this state!"
Vivian: "Public venue, Shaw. Free seating!" She nudged Adrian's elbow. "Right, Stone?"
Adrian: (Ignores her, sips broth)
Simon: "Debate prep ran late. We're on a schedule."
Vivian: (Leaning closer) "Mint aftershave? Fits the ice-prince vibe."
Adrian's throat moved as he swallowed. Vivian cataloged the sharp jawline, the faint pulse beneath translucent skin. His lashes—unfairly thick for a guy—lowered as he blotted his lips.
Adrian: "You're blocking my exit."
The words fell like icicles. Vivian's grin widened. "Make me move."
In one fluid motion, Adrian shoved the adjacent table sideways, creating an escape route. Laughter erupted as he strode past without glancing back.
Finn: (Howling) "Stone: 1, Wildcat: 0!"
Bryce Sterling leaned against the pool hall's neon sign, watching Dylan and Zane bicker.
Dylan: "She ditched us for Stone! Again!"
Zane: "And you're surprised because...?"
Bryce's knuckles whitened around his cue case. Vivian's doll-like plumpness—usually a weapon deployed against him—had been aimed at Adrian. He'd seen it through the soup shack's steamy window: her cheeks dimpled in challenge, eyes tracking Adrian's throat like a jewel thief.
Inside, Zane racked balls with surgical precision. "She's playing with napalm, Sterling."
Bryce chalked his cue. "Let her burn."
Dylan snorted. "Says Mr. Human Fire Extinguisher." A dangerous stillness settled over Bryce's features, and Dylan hastily added, "Karting Canyon Run later? New nitro boosts unlocked."
Vivian: (Returning with stew) "Mission accomplished! Extra barley, no demon roots!"
Roxy: (Wrapped in blankets) "Bless you, Vixen. Dylan didn't bully you?"
Vivian: "Bully me? Please. I saw Stone though—"
Roxy: (Groaning) "Not this again! His frigid majesty almost made you cry!"
Vivian: "He spoke! Said I blocked his exit!" She mimicked Adrian's baritone. "Sexy, right?"
Roxy: "Sexy? More like Arctic-wind personality disorder!"
Vivian flopped onto Roxy's bunk. "His throat, Roxy. When he swallowed? I felt things."
"Feel this." Roxy tossed a pillow at her. "Sterling's gonna snap if you keep this up."
Vivian caught the pillow, burying her grin in its fluff. Let him snap, she thought. Storms were thrilling.
At Steamy Pot, the owner bellowed: "Chicken-barley! NO RADISHES!"
Vivian claimed the container, still warm from Adrian's proximity. Outside, she spotted him halfway down the block—a dark silhouette against amber-lit maples. Simon gestured animatedly while Finn shadow-boxed the air. Adrian walked apart, hands jammed in blazer pockets, head bowed as if carrying Eldenwood's expectations.
Vivian's fingers tightened around the takeout. That solitary posture... Was it arrogance? Or armor?
A black town car glided to the curb. A uniformed chauffeur emerged, opening the rear door. Adrian slid inside without acknowledging his friends. The window tint swallowed him whole.
Different galaxies indeed, Bryce's voice echoed in her mind.
Vivian lifted her chin. Galaxies collided all the time—creating new stars.
Pool Hall Scene
Dylan: "Sterling! Your shot!"
Bryce: (Smashes cue ball) "Stripes corner pocket. All of 'em."
Zane: (Watching balls ricochet) "Showoff."
Dylan: "He's pissed! Vaughn's with Stone right now!"
Bryce: (Slams final ball) "Done." He tossed cash on the felt. "Canyon Run. Double or nothing I lap you twice."
Dylan: "You're on! Hey—where you going?"
Bryce: (Grabbing keys) "To remind a wildcat who feeds her."