I don't think I've ever seen Lily this dramatic. And trust me, I've seen a lot. Today, she actually stomped into the cafeteria, slammed her tray down, and glared at me like I personally insulted her.
"What's wrong now?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
"You," she said flatly, arms crossed. "You and… that Puppy of yours."
I almost choked on my smoothie. "Excuse me?"
"You know exactly what I mean! All those little notes, the grinning at you in the library, holding your hand when I wanted to walk with you—"
I laughed, because really, what else could I do? "Lily, it's not like he's allergic to friendship. You're still my best friend, remember?"
She huffed. "I know, I know! But still…" She pointed at Andre, who had just walked past our table with his tray, waving politely at her. His grin was effortless, charming, the kind that made anyone forgive him instantly.
I couldn't help myself. "Puppy," I whispered under my breath, smirking.
He turned, mock-offended. "I heard that."
"I did not," I said, pretending to be indignant.
"Oh, you did. And I demand full credit for making you blush," he said, leaning close. His eyes sparkled mischievously, and suddenly my annoyance at Lily melted.
---
The rest of the lunch passed with Lily teasing, me blushing, and Andre making tiny lawyer jokes under his breath. "Technically, Lily, I have no legal obligation to be this cute," he whispered, leaning against me while I flipped through my anatomy notes.
"I'm filing a complaint," Lily muttered, though I could tell she was trying not to laugh.
"You'll need a good defense," Andre replied with a wink. "I'm very persuasive."
---
After lunch, Lily pulled me aside. "I don't know why he has you so wrapped around his finger," she admitted quietly, eyes narrowing playfully. "I'm not sure I like it, but… okay, fine. Just don't forget me when he's around, alright?"
I smiled. "Never. You're my ride-or-die, Lily. Andre's just… my little puppy."
She groaned at the nickname, but I could tell she secretly approved.
Andre, meanwhile, seemed to know exactly what he was doing. Later that afternoon, as we walked back to the medical building, he whispered,
"You're lucky Lily's cute, otherwise I'd have to fight her for your attention."
I rolled my eyes, but my heart skipped. "Oh, I'm sure your puppy charms could take her down."
He smirked. "Challenge accepted."
---
By the end of the day, I realized something: university life wasn't just about classes or textbooks. It was about these little moments, the laughter, the teasing, the warmth, and even Lily's tiny jealous fits. With Andre, life felt sweeter, softer, and somehow… completely mine, even if I still had walls and shadows lingering inside.
And somehow, I didn't mind letting him sneak in anyway.