Ayla

I hadn’t even finished processing Rhett’s words when my eyes landed on the one person I really didn’t want to see right now: Hana Nakamura.

She walked into the cafeteria with effortless grace, carrying a tray with a salad, a cappuccino, and that friendly smile that seemed to charm everyone in a ten-foot radius. Even the way she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear looked like something out of a luxury perfume commercial.

And for some reason, I kept watching. Maybe because her steps were headed straight toward River’s table. Of course River noticed her. He shifted in his seat, making room for her like a perfect gentleman.

They exchanged smiles, a few words, and then Hana laughed—soft and delicate, like the sound of crystal glasses clinking.

Something burned in my chest. I hated it. I hated that it bothered me. And I hated even more that I didn’t know why I cared so much.

“Hmm… looks like someone’s jealous,” a familiar voice teased, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Reid. My cousin, currently leaning on his hand across the table with that annoyingly smug grin.

“What?” I frowned, trying to sound clueless.

“Your face changed, bella cugina. From calm to storm just because River’s laughing with another girl.” He leaned in, dropping his voice dramatically. “Just confess already, Ayla.”

I scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t care what he does.”

“Oh, really?” Reid arched a brow and pointed at me. “Because your eyes are basically trying to set Hana’s salad on fire.”

I pressed my lips together, forcing myself to stay calm. “I said I don’t care.”

“Sure. And I’m secretly the Pope,” he muttered with a chuckle.

He didn’t stop teasing, not for a second. Until I’d had enough. “Drop it, Reid.” I stood up, grabbed my bag, and walked out without looking back. I needed air.

**

The architecture lecture hall was nearly empty when I arrived. Just two students chatting in the corner and a TA fiddling with the projector. I climbed to the very back row and claimed a seat far from everyone. Maybe up here I could finally breathe.

Or so I thought.

A few minutes later, two girls walked in and sat across the aisle. At first, I didn’t pay attention to their whispering. Then I heard my name.

“…I heard River got punched because of her.”

“For real? Poor River…”

“She’s pretty, but if she’s starting fights—”

My hands curled into fists under the desk. My tongue tasted bitter. I wanted to get up and leave, but before I could, another voice cut in.

“Wow. Instant River Callahan fan club, huh?”

I glanced over. A girl had slid into the seat next to me, giving the two gossips a lazy look. They clammed up, pretending to be oh-so-interested in their notes.

“Don’t listen to them,” the girl said, turning to me with a laid-back smile. “I’m Billy.”

“Billy?” I repeated, thrown off.

“Yeah. Short for Bilqis, but nobody wants to bother saying it.” She shrugged like it was no big deal.

She had short, choppy pixie hair with red tips, an oversized hoodie, ripped jeans, no makeup, and an expression that screamed, I don’t care about anyone’s opinion.

“You taking architecture too?” I asked after a beat.

“Nah. Computer science. Needed an extra credit class,” she said, already opening her laptop.

I nodded, then fell silent again.

Not long after, River walked in. My whole body tensed. He scanned the room, looking around like he was searching for someone—and my heart whispered, Please not me… even though the thought of him ignoring me made me feel like a hypocrite.

And then I saw it—the bandage on his forehead. Guilt stabbed me all over again.

Of course, he headed straight for me. Every step closer made my chest tighter. Please don’t sit here. Please— He sat. Right next to me.

“Hey,” he said softly.

I didn’t look at him. Didn’t answer.

“Ayla,” he tried again, his voice gentler this time.

Still nothing. I stared at my phone like it had the secrets of the universe.

He didn’t give up. “Did you like the flowers?”

That made me glance up before I could stop myself. “…Flowers?”

“The ones I sent to the hospital. Picked them out myself.” His tone was low, sincere. His eyes held something that made all my defenses wobble.

“…I liked them,” I admitted quietly, barely more than a whisper.

River smiled faintly. “Good.”

I bit my lip. “How’s your head?”

“Better. Thanks for asking,” he said, watching me like he could see through every wall I was trying to build.

Before I could answer, Dr. Wyatt strode in, and the room fell silent. River didn’t say another word—well, except for a few soft comments about the lecture slides now and then.

Me? I stayed frozen, pretending to focus.

When class ended, I grabbed my bag fast. But River’s voice stopped me.

“Why are you acting like this?”

I hesitated, heart pounding. “…Because I need to keep my distance from you.”

Silence. Then he nodded, face unreadable. “Okay.”

And he walked out. No arguments. No questions. Just… gone.

The door closed, and something cracked inside me. God, I was so stupid. Why didn’t I just say I was busy? Or make up any excuse instead of blurting that out?

“Nice going, Ayla. Real smooth.”

My mood tanked. I asked to be excused and headed straight for the bathroom.

I splashed water on my face, trying to pull myself together. That’s when Hana Nakamura walked in.

“Oh, hi!” she said with that sweet smile. “Do you need a tissue? Or some lip balm?” She held one out like a peace offering.

“No, thanks,” I muttered curtly, barely glancing at her.

I stormed out, grumbling under my breath, “Che giornata di merda…”

And I froze.

Because River was standing right outside the bathroom door. Waiting.

I stopped dead, breath catching in my throat. “River… what are you doing here?” I asked quietly.

He held my gaze, his blue eyes serious. “We need to talk, Ayla.”