Elliot started walking toward them, his hands in his pockets, a sweet smile on his face. Eyes followed him across the courtyard as if he were some kind of celebrity.
"What do you want, Elliot?" Anna demanded, stepping forward.
"I just want to talk with Ella. What's your problem?" Elliot replied smoothly, ignoring her and keeping his gaze fixed on Ella.
"Are you interested in some coffee, Miss Ella?" he asked, his voice soft, his eyes carrying a charm that felt almost royal.
Ella clutched her bag tightly, summoning the courage to meet his gaze. She wanted to say no-for Anna's sake-but instead...
"Y-yes," she stammered, her cheeks burning red.
Anna's face twisted with confusion and anger, while Lindsey smirked at her, clearly enjoying her frustration.
"Then let's go," Elliot said, gesturing like a proper gentleman.
"We'll follow too," Anna snapped, gripping Ella's hand and pulling her forward like a storm.
They reached a café and sat down. Elliot ordered coffee and some light snacks for the table.
"So, Ella," Elliot said, his voice warm as his dark eyes lingered on her, "how are you fitting into the new town?"
"It's... okay. I-I'm trying my best," Ella replied softly.
"Don't be so stiff, Ella. You can talk however you like. Can't you see this over-energetic monkey sitting beside you?" Elliot teased, smirking at Anna.
"I told you not to call me that, you fucker!" Anna snapped, practically ready to throw her hands at him. Lindsey grabbed her arm before she could move.
Ella's eyes went wide in shock as she looked between them. "You... know each other?"
Elliot chuckled. "She didn't tell you? We're childhood friends. Who do you think gave her the nickname 'Monkey'?"
Anna's face flushed red. "You bastard! It was one time-one time I had to dress up as a monkey!"
"She lost a bet," Elliot said, his grin widening. "Had to wear the costume. She looked so cute, too." He pulled out his phone and casually showed Ella the pictures.
"Why do you still have those?!" Anna roared, loud enough to make the whole café turn their heads.
"Calm down, Monkey," Lindsey teased, clearly enjoying the show.
Anna collapsed into her seat, burying her face in her hands, humiliated.
Elliot's smile softened as he leaned back. "We were good friends, you know, Ella. Me and Anna." His tone carried a faint trace of sadness.
"That's... good," Ella said, her lips twitching as she tried to hide her laughter. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes, tears forming from holding it in.
"You can laugh all you want," Anna muttered, glaring at her.
At that, Ella finally burst into quiet giggles, while Elliot just watched her with a look that was harder to read-something between admiration and curiosity.