Imani’s POV
When I agreed to hangout, I told myself the evening was harmless.
That it was just an opportuniy for me to get to know Ryder better outside classes and the occasional hellos. I convinced myself that it was just Nicolas still trying to make amends and I wanted to show him some grace.
That was the story I repeated in my head as I walked back to my apartment, my keys clutched tightly in my hand, the cool night air brushing against my skin.
The evening had been harmless. Normal. Friendly.
Just people hanging out. Just Ryder being kind. Just Nicolas being… there.
Nothing more.
And yet my heart hadn’t stopped racing since I left. Being in Nicolas’s personal space made me feel like I was seeing another part of him.
Sure Ryder was nice and he was fun to hangout with him, but
