The second the car rolled to a stop, Eli barely had one foot on the pavement before it happened.
"Elione Noa Ahn!"
Two voices exploded in perfect unison.
Eli's head jerked, startled—but he didn't even get the chance to turn.
"Wha—?!" he yelped as both his arms were snatched, yanked forward so hard he stumbled, boots scraping against concrete.
In less than a heartbeat, he was caught between two human whirlwinds.
Zaira Minho on his left—grin sharp enough to draw blood, orange eyes glittering like fire. She clutched his arm like it was hers to keep, her confidence radiating in waves.
And Mel O'nner on his right—smile wide, body practically vibrating with energy, words already spilling out before Eli could even breathe.
"Still so pretty I swear to God!" Zaira beamed, leaning in close, her voice smooth and teasing. "Finally, finally I get to actually talk to you. Eli, right? Can I call you Eli? We're definitely nickname-close already—"
