The approaching voices grew louder, finally waking Eli from his comfortable nap beneath the tree. He groggily opened his eyes and found himself looking straight at Evan Mercer, who was standing on the wooden walkway with a friend beside him.
What a coincidence.
Evan's eyes were still red and swollen, and tears had not completely dried on his cheeks. His friend, who had apparently been trying to comfort him, immediately shot Eli an unfriendly look.
"What are you doing here?"
Eli could easily guess what this was about. Evan liked Adrian, so naturally, he would be upset about the sudden appearance of another counselor. However, Eli had neither the patience nor the energy to explain himself to someone who had already decided he was a rival. He pushed himself away from the tree and prepared to leave the beach without answering.
"Stop!"
