(Kane)
The flower shop on the edge of campus smelled like regret and too-sweet perfume.
I stood at the counter like an i***t, staring at rows of roses and lilies while the elderly woman behind the register waited patiently. My hands were still callused from the tape on my stick, my knuckles bruised from last practice. This wasn’t me. I didn’t buy flowers. I didn’t chase after the girl I was supposed to destroy. But here I was, heart hammering like I was facing a breakaway in overtime.
“Something simple,” I muttered finally. “Not too flashy. Maybe… those white ones with the blue accents. She plays for Harrison. Blue and gold. But mostly blue.”
The woman smiled knowingly. “For a special girl?”
I didn’t answer. Just paid cash and took the modest bouquet wrapped in brown paper. Nothing ex
