The next morning, Brooklyn was walking across the quad, her books hugged tightly against her chest, when she heard someone call her name.
"Brooklyn!"
She turned to see Mani jogging toward her, his usual confident grin in place. A few students nearby glanced their way — Mani was the type who drew attention wherever he went.
"Hey," she greeted cautiously.
"Heading to class?" he asked, easily falling into step beside her.
She nodded. "Yeah, History seminar."
"Perfect," Mani said smoothly. "After class, let me take you out for lunch. My treat."
Brooklyn blinked. "Lunch?"
"Yeah," he said, flashing those perfect teeth. "There's this new spot off campus — way better than the cafeteria. I figured you could use a break from all the studying."
She hesitated. Lunch with Mani didn't sound bad. He was charming, funny in his own way, and unlike Bryant, he seemed steady, reliable.
But then, without meaning to, her mind flicked back to last night in the library — the look on Bryant's face when he'd said you're more important. Her heart fluttered at the memory, and she hated herself for it.
"I don't know, Mani…" she started.
His smile wavered slightly. "Come on, Brooklyn. Just lunch. No pressure. You deserve some fun, don't you?"
Before she could reply, a familiar voice cut in.
"Brooklyn."
She turned. Bryant was leaning casually against the railing of the steps, his basketball tucked under his arm. He wasn't smiling this time — his eyes were locked on Mani, sharp and unreadable.
"Lecture's about to start," Bryant said, addressing her but never taking his gaze off Mani.
The tension between them was instant, thick enough to choke on. Students nearby slowed their steps, sensing drama.
Brooklyn's heart pounded. She hated being caught between them like this.
"I'll… I'll think about it," she told Mani quickly before brushing past both of them into the building.
Behind her, she could almost feel their stares colliding like sparks in the air.