Brooklyn walked into the campus café the next day, hoping for nothing more than a quiet coffee before class. The last thing she expected was for half the room to turn toward her.
At the center of it all was Mani.
He stood near the counter with a bouquet of red roses in hand, flashing his trademark confident smile.
"Brooklyn," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "These are for you."
The room buzzed with whispers instantly.
Is he serious?
Mani and Brooklyn?
Didn't she hang out with Bryant?
Brooklyn froze, heat rising to her cheeks as Mani strode forward and placed the bouquet in her hands.
"You deserve to be seen," he said smoothly. "Not hidden in whispers and shadows. I'm not afraid to show the world how I feel about you."
Her heart raced, every pair of eyes in the café drilling into her. She glanced around nervously—only to catch sight of Bryant at the far end of the room, his jaw tight, his eyes burning as he watched.
Brooklyn swallowed hard. "Mani, this is… a lot."
He leaned closer, his voice softer now. "I meant what I said, Brooklyn. I don't play games. I want you to know where I stand."
She clutched the roses awkwardly, unsure whether to smile, scold him, or run out the door.
Before she could decide, Bryant stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. The noise silenced the café as every head turned his way.
He didn't say a word. He just gave Brooklyn one long, unreadable look—then walked out.
The door slammed behind him, leaving Brooklyn's chest aching with a mix of guilt and confusion.
And for the first time, she realized this wasn't just about feelings anymore.
It was about choices.