Ethan just grins, completely unbothered by my snap. “All right, suit yourself.”
He turns his attention back to Alli, his hand casually resting on the edge of the table, dangerously close to hers. “Offer’s always open, Alli.”
She barely looks up from her notes, offering a polite smile. “Thanks, Ethan. I’ll keep that in mind.”
He leaves, his footsteps sounding out of the classroom, leaving an almost awkward silence hanging between us. I exhale, trying to shake off the irritation that still lingers from his earlier antics. Alli’s gathering her things, her expression neutral, like the whole exchange didn’t even faze her.
And I ground myself. It’s not like Alli and I are anything more than… whatever this is. Lab partners. Friends. Fake girlfriend. Something in between.
“Was he flirting, or was I dreaming? Slap me if it’s a dream.”
Alli’s question catches me unprepared. I glance over at her, trying to read her expression, but she’s still facing her backpack, shoving a notebook inside like the answer to her question doesn’t really matter.
“Are you serious?” I ask, incredulous. “Alli, the guy was practically drooling.”
She rolls her eyes and finally looks up at me. “He was not.”
I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my hair as we walk side by side out of class. “Ethan’s not exactly subtle. The signs were all there.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms. “Right. Because asking someone for coffee to ‘make sure you’re on the same page’ is totally normal lab partner talk.”
She shrugs, a sneaky smile playing on her lips. “Maybe he just really likes coffee. Or he takes his lab work seriously.”
“Or maybe he’s into you,” I say, a little sharper than I intend. I didn’t mean for it to sound like an accusation, but it comes out that way anyway.
Alli looks up at me, and there’s amusement, maybe also curiosity, in her eyes. “You’re acting kind of hot and bothered.”
Because I like you,I think, but the words stay lodged in my throat. Instead, I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Just looking out for you. That’s all.”
She angles her head, studying me. “I can take care of myself, Jared.”
“Yeah, I know. But it doesn’t mean I can’t watch out for you, too.”
Alli gives me a small smile, helping the tension from earlier dissipate. We continue walking throughout campus, the conversation flowing easily again as we end up heading towards University Hall.
“Thought you had plans?” I ask, glancing over at her.
Alli shrugs, hands sliding into her pockets. “I do, but I need some fuel before I turn into Bob the Builder.”
I pause, a puzzled look crossing my face. “Wait, what?”
She smirks, her eyes sparkling. “I’m building my desk later,” she explains, raising her brows for emphasis. “I need all the energy I can get.”
I laugh, shaking my head as we fall into step. “You’re building a desk? That, I’ve got to see.”
She bumps my shoulder lightly with hers. “Hey, I’m more than just a pretty face. I’m very handy, thank you.”
“Right. I’m sure your construction skills are top-notch. You definitely don’t seem like the kind of girl who’d end up with extra screws and a wobbly desk.”
She clutches her chest dramatically. “You wound me. I’ll have you know, I have a foolproof plan. There’s a YouTube video and everything.”
I smirk, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and I can see that familiar red tint on her cheeks.Jared - 1, Ethan - 0.“Well, I’m rooting for you then.”
She holds my gaze steadily, making me clear my throat. “I appreciate the support, Collins.”
I pull open the door to University Hall, holding it just long enough for Alli to step through first. She gives me a quick glance, a faint smile crossing her lips before she walks in. Study Brew hums in the corner, the low buzz of conversations mixing with the hiss of espresso machines. We weave through a few tables, stopping by the counter, lingering off to the side as Alli steps up to the barista to place her order.
