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“Stop complaining.” I keep my gaze fixed on the entrance, waiting for her arrival.

Why didn’t she come back to observe me at practice?

Every pass, every play, every touchdown, it was like I was putting on a show for her, and I’ve never felt the need to impress anyone before, but with her eyes glued to me, I wanted to be the best version of myself.

She wasn’t there for Jason because, if that were the case, she would have been at the practices before we met, and I definitely would have noticed her.

Jason.

Why him, of all people?

He’s always hovering around her like a fucking guard dog. What’s his deal anyway? He acts like he owns her, like she’s his property or something. It makes my blood boil thinking aboutit. I mean, sure, they’re friends, but that doesn’t give him the right to monopolize her time and attention.

And I’m sure he’d rather go to hell than let her talk to me. We don’t like each other, and we had some fights. He’s so predictable, so… slimy.

Instead of showing the coach he deserved to be on the first team, he tried to buy himself the spot. Maybe that’s what she wants, someone who won’t challenge her, someone who won’t push her out of her comfort zone. Someone who didn’t—Someone who isn’t me.

The way she punched me, damn. She’s not some timid little mouse hiding behind her books and friends. It will take time, given that she unliked the picture. My little princess was stalking me.

“Seriously, though,” Brandon says. “I’m a way better cook than whoever’s running this joint. I should just whip something up for us all later.”

“Sounds good.” I load my plate with a pile of limp lettuce and some mystery meat.

“Got your head in the clouds again? I bet you’re thinking about that girl from practice.” Brandon nudges me.

“Shut up,” I say.

“Look, man, don’t stress yourself out over her. She’s just a girl. If she’s worth your time, things will work out. And if not…” His gaze drifts to a nearby table where a group of girls sit, laughing. “There are plenty of other fish in the sea.”

It’s not that simple. Lil isn’t just any girl. She’s the princess haunting me since childhood, even if she doesn’t remember. At first, I didn’t recognize her, but after observing a whole lot and Connor looking into her, I’m sure.

“Come on.” I walk to an empty table and set down my tray. “Let’s eat this crap.”

Brandon pokes at the mush on his plate. “This is ridiculous, Bash. I liked it better when you dragged us for ice cream the other day.”

“So, when are you going to make your move on Naomi?” I ask.

“Guess I hit a nerve earlier. You getting back at me, bestie?” he asks.

“Maybe.”

“Not everyone is as smooth as you, and Naomi is a hard nut to crack, I’m telling you. Right, Cuz?” Brandon turns to Connor for support, but our quiet friend is lost in his own world, methodically eating his meal without any expression.

My gaze darts up as the doors swing open again.

Finally.

Lil enters the cafeteria with Jason beside her. Her long black hair is gathered into a ponytail today, two strands curling around her face. As always, she’s wearing a plaid skirt highlighting her slim waist and a loose blouse. It looks similar to a school uniform. She stands in line, tucking one lose strand behind her ear, and her full lips curve into a smile at something Jason said.

Their closeness, their familiarity… it grates on my nerves.

Jason piles his tray high with pizza, fries, and a soda while Lil selects a salad and a bottle of water. As they turn to scan the room for a place to sit, Lil’s eyes meet mine from across the room. Her steps falter for a moment, cheeks flushing pink before Jason steers her toward an empty table on the fucking other side of the cafeteria.

I slouch down in my seat with a scowl.

“Didn’t think I would ever see the moment Jason cockblocks you.” Brandon munches on his cookie. Apparently the only eatable thing, considering he touched nothing else on his tray.

Ignoring his teasing, I retrieve my phone and open Jason’s social media profile because hers looks abandoned compared to his. It’s filled with pictures of the two of them—at the library, outside, eating ice cream. If he had turned the camera a bit to the right, I would be in that photo, too.

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