“She’s circling you,” Aubrey sings. “Like a shark.”
Theo shudders. “She knows my class schedule.”
“That’s kind of iconic,” Aubrey says.
“That’s a restraining order with perfume,” Theo mutters.
“But she’s gorgeous,” Aubrey insists.
“And completely not my speed.”
Aubrey stops. “Hold on.Not your speed?”
Theo hesitates, then tries to glide past it. “I’m just…not interested.”
“In Isabelle?” Aubrey’s eyes sparkle. “Or in general?”
Theo’s gaze flicks to mine—one second, checking if I’m okay—then back to Aubrey, resigned. “In general.”
Aubrey’s teasing softens into real curiosity. “Okay. That’s fair.”
“It’s not some tragic thing,” Theo adds quickly. “I just don’t—” He gestures vaguely. “—want the whole situation.”
Aubrey slows. “So you don’t date.”
“I’ve tried,” Theo admits. “Different kinds of people. Different setups. I kept waiting for the part where it clicks.”
“And?” Aubrey asks, quieter now.
Theo shrugs, but it’s a little too careful. “And it didn’t.”
Kieran’s cheeks redden slightly. He pretends to study his bandaged knuckles.
Aubrey leans in, scandalized. “Theo. Isabelle has been trying to get in your pants for a year.”
“Tell me about it,” he sighs, deflated.
I laugh, unexpected, sudden, and real. Theo still feels likesage-green.
And now I know that’s not what I want.
Kieran’s expression blooms warm and golden. The look he gives me is quiet and aching, like he’d do anything to keep me laughing.
Theo stands. “Anyway. Text if you need notes. Or if Kieran fails labs. I’ve got to run to swim practice.”
Kieran glowers. “I’m literally right here, dude.”
“Exactly the problem,” Theo says cheerfully before closing the door behind him.
Kieran turns back to me, expression soft and unguarded. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I think I needed to hear that. To know it wasn’t...me.”
Silence settles between us. Not uncomfortable. Just...present.
“What do I do now?” I ask finally. “Do I go to the police?”
“The hospital documented everything. If you want to press charges, you can,” Aubrey says carefully. “For what it’s worth, I think you should.”
