Episode 12 -Eyes In The Crowd
1013 Words
The sound of sneakers squeaking on polished floors, the echo of bouncing basketballs, and the rhythmic chants of cheerleaders filled the campus sports hall as Lily and Amelia walked into the building.
"This is louder than I expected,"Lily said, adjusting her crossbody bag.
Amelia grinned, scanning the crowd. "Come on, it's a practice game, not a library."
Just then, Lily spotted someone familiar on the court. "Oh look--Jayden," she said with a teasing nudge. "Amelia, isn't that your project teammate?"
Amelia rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her. "Stop."
The cheerleaders performed just off the court, pom-poms flashing in the air. Lily noticed one of the girls--it was the same one who had handed them the flyer.
"There she is. "The flyer girl," Lily whispered. "And look at how she's looking at Jayden. Yikes."
Amelia leaned closer, eyes wide. "You think she's into him?"
"Looks like she's ready to spell his name in glitter," Lily said under her breath, and both girls chuckled.
The crowd roared as a player made a dramatic three-point shot. Amelia clapped enthusiastically, turning around in her seat with an excited squeal. "This is actually fun!"
But then she froze. Her expression changed, brows slightly lifted.
"Lily... don't look now, but the guy in the navy hoodie, sitting three rows up, back corner-he's staring at you."
Lily, curious but composed, slowly reached for her water bottle, giving herself an excuse to glance back over her shoulder.
A tall guy with dark hair and a calm, unreadable expression was seated alone, eyes seemingly locked in her direction. Their gazes briefly met before Lily turned forward again.
"Hmm?" she asked, feigning disinterest. He's probably just looking around. Maybe it's his first time here."
Amelia narrowed her eyes. "Mmm... I don't think so. That look wasn't just random."
Lily shrugged. "You're reading into it."
The game ended shortly after, with the team victorious. Cheers erupted, and players huddled before breaking off to chat and hydrate. Jayden spotted them from across the court and jogged over.
"Hey, you came," he said, beaming as he approached.
Before either girl could respond, the cheerleader-the flyer girl-walked up beside him, holding out a bottle of water with a sweet smile. "You played well, Jayden."
Jayden barely looked at her. "Thanks," he said briefly before turning to Amelia and taking the water she was holding instead. "But I already got one."
Lily raised her brows, barely hiding her smirk.
"Good game," Amelia said, trying to sound casual.
"Thanks. "You two should come watch more often," Jayden said, his voice relaxed.
They chatted for a bit, small talk mixing with soft laughter until Lily checked the time. "Amelia, we should head back. Let's grab something to eat on the way."
"Right," Amelia said with a nod.
Jayden gave them a little wave. "See you both around."
As they walked away, Lily leaned closer to Amelia. "He took your water. Look at you, rising in the ranks."
Amelia grinned. "And you still think the hoodie guy was just "looking around?"
Lily laughed, bumping her shoulder slightly. "Let's get that food."
Scene Two: Coincidences & Confessions
Lily stepped into the warm hum of the campus café, the scent of roasted coffee beans greeting her like an old friend. She held her phone to her ear, glancing around the tables.
"Serena, where are you sitting?" she asked, weaving between students, bags, and half-empty mugs.
"I'm near the back, by the window," came Serena's voice. "Wearing a green sweater-waving now."
Lily spotted her and walked over with a soft smile. "Hey"
"Hey, Lily! "Glad you could make it." Serena gestured to the seat across from her, and Lily slid in, settling her tote bag down.
They pulled out their notebooks and project materials, diving into the structure and how to divide tasks fairly.
"I was thinking we could start with an outline--maybe meet twice a week? Serena suggested.
Lily nodded. "That works. I've already jotted up a few ideas for the cultural analysis part."
As Serena leaned forward to glance at Lily's notes, the low jingle of the entrance bell chimed again. Footsteps approached. Lily looked up as a tall, well-dressed guy with defined features and an effortless presence walked toward their table.
Her eyes widened slightly.
It was him. The guy from the practice match, the one who had stared at her from the bleachers.
Before she could react further, Serena looked up and smiled. "Brother!"
He returned the smile, greeting them with a nod.
"Hey. Didn't expect to see you here."
Serena gestured to Lily. "This is Lily, my project partner. Lily, this is my brother - Ezra."
Lily quickly composed herself and offered a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Ezra."
"Likewise," he said, his gaze lingering for just a second longer than necessary. "You are both working hard, I see."
Serena chuckled. "Trying our best. She's sharp, though."
Ezra turned slightly, as if preparing to leave.
"Well, I'll leave you ladies to it. See you soon."
With that, he disappeared into the café crowd. Lily blinked, processing the interaction.
Serena leaned across the table with a smirk. "I told you he was hot."
Lily laughed, shaking her head. "We just met."
"He said, "See you soon," Serena teased, sipping her iced coffee. "I think my brother's into you."
Lily gave a mock-scandalized gasp. "Stop. I'm not even--"
Serena raised an eyebrow, cutting her off. "You into anyone here?"
Lily opened her mouth to respond--when, suddenly, a familiar scent drifted through the air.
Warm, woody sandalwood. Subtly spiced, a clean, rich citrus undertone.
Her breath caught. She didn't need to look up.
She knew that scent.
She turned her head casually, and there he was-Dr Daniel. Walking past, refined in his tailored coat, coffee in one hand, unreadable expression fixed ahead.
A slow smile curved Lily's lips.
"I'm into him," she murmured under her breath, just loud enough for herself.
Serena raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?"
Lily blinked and straightened up, quickly flipping her notebook. "Nothing. Let's focus."
But her mind wasn't on the project anymore.
- Writer
