Brooklyn stood in front of her mirror, tugging at the sleeves of her cardigan. Amanda perched on the bed, arms crossed, watching her like a hawk.
"You don't have to go," Amanda said for the tenth time.
Brooklyn sighed. "I know. But if I cancel now, it'll just… make things worse. Maybe if I go, I can clear the air."
Amanda raised a brow. "Or maybe you'll just dig yourself in deeper."
Brooklyn ignored the warning. Her phone buzzed, announcing Mani's arrival. She grabbed her bag, gave Amanda a weak smile, and slipped out.
Mani was waiting at the dorm entrance, sharp in a button-down shirt that made him look older, more polished. He held out a hand, his smile dazzling.
"You look amazing," he said warmly.
"Thanks," Brooklyn murmured, avoiding his hand but falling into step beside him.
He led her to a small Italian restaurant just off campus. The low lighting and soft music gave the place an intimate feel. Mani had clearly gone out of his way to impress her—he'd reserved a table in the corner, complete with candles and fresh flowers.
Brooklyn sat down, trying to steady her nerves.
"This is… nice," she said.
"Only the best for you," Mani replied smoothly. "You deserve more than cheap campus food and crowded cafés."
He ordered confidently for both of them, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I've been thinking about you a lot, Brooklyn."
Her stomach tightened. "Mani…"
"No, listen," he insisted. "I know I can come on strong, but I need you to understand—this isn't just a crush. I see something real between us. Something worth fighting for."
Brooklyn's throat went dry. His intensity was overwhelming, suffocating even. She reached for her water glass, buying herself a moment.
"You barely know me," she said softly.
Mani shook his head. "I know enough. I know you're not like everyone else on this campus. You're kind. You're focused. You're different. And I can give you something Bryant never will."
Her fork froze halfway to her mouth. "Bryant?"
Mani leaned closer, his voice low and sharp. "He's trouble, Brooklyn. Charming, yes. But he'll never take you seriously. He's all games, all surface. I'm not going to stand by and watch him drag you into his mess."
Brooklyn's chest tightened. She hated the way Mani's words twisted things, painting Bryant as a villain.
"Bryant isn't like that," she said firmly.
Mani's jaw ticked. "You think you know him, but you don't. Not the way I do."
Their food arrived, breaking the tension for a moment, but Brooklyn's appetite was gone. She pushed pasta around her plate, her mind racing.
Mani reached across the table, his hand brushing hers. "I'm not asking for forever. Just… give me a chance. One real chance to show you what we could be."
Brooklyn looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. And she found it—but laced with something else. Obsession.
Her heart pounded. She pulled her hand back gently, her voice steady but quiet. "Mani… I appreciate what you've done, but I can't give you what you're asking for."
For a split second, his expression cracked—hurt, anger, disbelief flickering across his face. But then he smiled again, too quickly. "You don't have to decide tonight. Just… think about it."
Brooklyn forced a nod, but inside, her decision was already clear.
As Mani walked her back to the dorm later, talking animatedly about plans, she tuned him out.
Because all she could think about was Bryant.