Page 24 of Incurably Cupid

“Physical touch.”

“Acts of service!”

“Thoughtful gifts,” a girl in the back called while holding up a sparkling ring. The class, especially the girls and some of the guys,oohedappreciatively.

“Make sure they feel valued,” a towering guy built like an NFL linebacker added quietly.

Indie grinned and put a hand over her heart dramatically. “You guys have been paying attention.”

The students chuckled.

She scanned the list on the board. “We’re missing a few things. Anyone have any ideas?”

I shifted slightly in my seat. Indie, somehow attuned to me, noticed immediately. “Yes, the gargoyle in the front,” she said cheekily.

I hesitated, then shrugged. “Active listening—actually hearing what they’re saying and striving to understand their perspective. Also, being present for them in both good times and bad.”

We all watched as Leo added those to the list.

“Excellent. We’re still missing two key aspects. Any takers?”

Silence. No one seemed to know what was missing.

“Let’s see if my co-teacher knows,” Indie said, shifting to face Mordecai. “What do you think, teach?”

She wore a sly expression that made me wary, and I think Mordecai felt the same as he studied the list before narrowing his eyes at her.

“Respecting their boundaries and maintaining consistency.”

“Huh,” she murmured so softly that I suspected only Mordecai and I heard her. “Something to think about.”

Mordecai’s grip on his marker tightened as though he were seriously considering hurling it at her.

Indie turned back to the class. “Let’s break down each point in greater detail...”

As class let out,students bolted for the doors, eager to escape. Lance rolled me closer to Indie and Mordecai, and I waited for Horror to return the markers before speaking.

"That was a great class," I said, genuinely impressed. "It's amazing that you guys learn this kind of thing from such a young age. You must have the best relationship success rate of any paranormal group—maybe even better than shifters."

Mordecai gathered the stack of papers, tapping them into alignment before slipping them into a small briefcase. "We do," he admitted. "But it’s important to remember that just because we know the keys to a healthy relationship, that doesn't make us perfect. Understanding something intellectually doesn’t mean we grasp it emotionally—or that we’re always willing to put in the effort." His voice was even, but his eyes held something raw and wounded.

I hesitated, realizing too late that I’d unintentionally hit a nerve. “I?—”

He shook his head before I could apologize. "It’s okay, Mesmer."

Indie got her things together as well and cleared her throat dramatically to cut through the sudden awkwardness. "I’m dying for a sub, some potato salad, and chips. You guys in?"

Mordecai scoffed, rolling his eyes as if the answer was obvious. "I’m always up for food, and Mesmer is roughly the size of Texas, so I’m going to assume that’s a yes from him too."

I smirked. "Now, Mordecai, speaking for someone else isn’t exactly an act of love. Are you really trying to understand me?"

Mordecai groaned, turning for the exit. "There cannot be two of you giving me grief. I refuse. I’m going to find us a table. Meet you there."

Indie snorted with laughter. "I mean, it was pretty rude! What if he’s sensitive about his weight?"

Mordecai spun back around, shaking a finger at both of us, his scowl deepening. "No! Nope. You two do not get to gang up on me."

Indie skipped along beside Lance and me, grinning as she called after Mordecai’s quickly retreating form. "You still want to be my friend, right, Mordecai?"

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