My Prince Charming is a Girl

Glances Across the Cafeteria

Chapter 7: Glances Across the Cafeteria

Cassie balanced her tray carefully, weaving through the bustling cafeteria. The chatter of students filled the air: laughter, gossip, the shuffle of sneakers on tiled floors. She found her usual corner and slid into the seat next to Jada and Malik.

“Looks like you survived another day,” Jada said, nudging her.

Cassie managed a small smile. “Barely. Lyra’s… well, she’s intense.”

Malik chuckled softly. “That’s Lyra. But you handled her. The project was perfect. Honestly, I think she’s impressed.”

Cassie exhaled, glancing at the long tables. That’s when she noticed him—Ethan, a boy from her economics class. His dark hair fell slightly over his eyes as he approached, tray in hand.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, flashing a small, easy smile.

“Uh… sure,” Cassie said, trying to keep her pulse steady.

Ethan slid into the seat opposite her. “You’ve been working hard, huh? I saw you at the library yesterday. You and Lyra… I didn’t mean to intrude, but… it’s impressive.”

Cassie felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Th-thank you. We’re done with the project now, finally.”

“Good,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “I was hoping to… talk with you, maybe get to know you outside of all that school stress?”

Cassie’s stomach fluttered. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention, not from someone so confident and kind. “I… I’d like that,” she admitted quietly.

Across the cafeteria, Lyra leaned against a railing above the lunchroom, arms crossed, amber eyes narrowed. She watched them with a strange mixture of curiosity and… something else she refused to name. A faint ache of jealousy flickered when Ethan laughed at one of Cassie’s shy jokes.

It’s nothing, Lyra told herself firmly. I don’t like her. I just… enjoy teasing her. That’s all.

Cassie and Ethan continued talking. He asked about her favorite subjects, the project, even the cafés she sometimes worked at. She laughed nervously, adjusting her bag. The conversation felt effortless, warm, a stark contrast to the tension she felt around Lyra.

Lyra’s jaw tightened. Focus, Lyra, she told herself. It’s just teasing. Nothing else.

Ethan leaned closer. “You’re really smart, Cassie. And… funny, too. I think you’re amazing, honestly.”

Cassie felt her cheeks flush. She looked down, fumbling with her sandwich. “Thank you… that means a lot.”

Lyra’s eyes lingered, amber gaze sharp. She felt that familiar sting of… protectiveness? Or something closer to it. She quickly shook her head. No. Just teasing. That’s all. Don’t get attached.

Across the table, Ethan noticed her hesitation. “You don’t get compliments often?” he asked gently.

Cassie shook her head. “Not… not really.”

Lyra’s fingers twitched at the railing, the faintest shadow of a scowl crossing her face. She didn’t want to admit it—but seeing Cassie laugh, relax, and enjoy someone else’s attention made her chest tighten.

Finally, the lunch bell rang. Students began filing back to classes, chatter fading. Ethan smiled, sliding his tray aside. “I’ll see you later then. Maybe we can… talk again?”

Cassie nodded, trying to hide her nervous excitement. “Yeah… I’d like that.”

As she stood, Lyra descended the railing with graceful precision, appearing behind Cassie. Her voice was calm, teasing. “Well, looks like someone’s making friends. Just… don’t forget who helped you survive that project, okay?”

Cassie turned, startled. “I… I won’t.”

Lyra smirked, amber eyes flicking back toward where Ethan had gone. “Good. Keep that in mind.”

She brushed past, deliberately close enough for Cassie to feel the faint brush of her arm. Cassie’s pulse quickened.

I’m just teasing her, Lyra repeated silently as she walked away, jaw tight, heart insisting otherwise. That’s all.

Cassie exhaled, a mixture of relief and lingering tension. She had survived the project, impressed Lyra, made a connection with Ethan, and somehow felt the unspoken weight of Lyra’s presence lingering behind her.