Brooklyn was just leaving the library the next afternoon when a familiar voice called her name.
"Brooklyn!"
She turned to see Mani walking briskly toward her, his usual easy smile firmly in place.
"Hey," she greeted.
"Hey yourself," he said, falling into step beside her. "I was hoping I'd catch you. Got a minute?"
She hesitated. The memory of last night's study session with Bryant lingered — his teasing smile, the way he'd called her cute. She shook the thought away quickly. "Sure. What's up?"
Mani gestured toward the quad. "Let's walk."
They strolled across the grass, the golden evening light casting long shadows. Students lounged in groups, laughter ringing through the air. Mani kept his eyes on her, his tone shifting from playful to serious.
"Brooklyn, I like spending time with you," he began. "And I don't just mean as friends."
Her steps faltered. "Mani…"
"I see the way Bryant hovers around you," Mani continued, his voice tightening. "But you should know, he's not the type to take anyone seriously. He plays. That's who he is."
Brooklyn swallowed. She'd heard those warnings before — from Amanda, from whispers across campus. But after seeing Bryant's effort in their project, after the way he'd looked at her last night, she wasn't sure what to believe anymore.
"Mani—" she tried again, but he stopped walking, turning to face her directly.
"I'm not him, Brooklyn. I don't need games, I don't need attention from every girl on campus. I just need one." His gaze softened, earnest now. "And that's you."
Her heart raced. The intensity in his voice was overwhelming, too much, too soon.
"Mani…" she said gently, "you're a good friend. But I—"
Before she could finish, a voice cut in from behind them.
"Funny. I don't remember anyone asking for your opinion on my life."
Brooklyn whipped around. Bryant stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his eyes locked on Mani with an expression that could slice steel.
The air between them snapped tight, invisible lines drawn in the sand.
Brooklyn's pulse thundered in her ears. She was no longer just caught in a rivalry. She was standing at the center of a storm.