𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬

13

"Hey Alina," Damian says, taking a seat next to me. I can feel a light blush creeping up my cheeks—how could it not? He's so incredibly handsome. "Hi Damian," I manage to say, trying my best not to sound nervous. He flashes one of his charming grins, his chocolate eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement.

"You're so nervous, I'm starting to think you like me or something," he teases, his tone cheeky and playful. Just as I'm about to respond, Virginia slides into the seat on my other side, brushing past Damian. "Sorry," she says, glancing at him.

"It's alright, darling," he replies smoothly, causing her cheeks to flush a deep red. Their conversation continues in hushed tones, and I can't help but think that Damian just has a naturally flirty personality. I try to focus on the professor's lecture, but my attention is pulled back when I hear Damian speak again.

"You guys should try to make it out to my game next week on Monday. It's our season opener," he announces.

I give him a puzzled look. "What game?"

"Basketball," he explains, and an idea starts to form in my mind. Maybe if I show up cheering for Damian, it will drive Teddy crazy. If he's planning on making my school year miserable, I can make sure his basketball season is just as unpleasant.

"We'll make it," I assure Damian, giving him a confident nod. He looks between us, a satisfied smile playing on his lips, before nodding back.

᯾

Virginia and I walk out of class as the professor ties up the lecture. The corridor is bustling with students, their conversations blending into a low hum around us. "Alina, he's so hot," Virginia says, fanning herself dramatically. "The way he speaks just sends shudders down my body."

I adjust my backpack on my shoulders, feeling the weight of my books pressing down. I raise an amused brow at her. "Trying to steal my man, aren't we?"

She denies it immediately, her eyes wide. "Oh, of course not! If you like him, I'll totally back off."

I give her a reassuring smile, trying to mask the uncertainty I feel. "It's fine. I don't even know if I'm ready for a relationship," I admit honestly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Virginia wraps her arm around my shoulder, her touch warm and comforting. "Well, let's go meet Catalina and Dixi for lunch," she says, her tone light and cheerful. She steers us toward the cafeteria, the promise of a break from the intensity of the morning's class lifting my spirits.

Catalina and Dixi texted me earlier, letting me know that they're already there and waiting for us. As we step into the dining hall, the familiar buzz of conversations and clinking cutlery fills the air. The place is packed, as usual, with students crammed into every available seat. My eyes scan the room, and that's when I spot Teddy.

He's sitting at a table surrounded by his teammates. The boys are deep in conversation, their voices a low rumble. Each one of them is sporting something that screams basketball—jerseys, sweatbands, and athletic shoes. They all exude an air of confidence, their muscular frames and tall statures making them stand out even in the crowded hall. It's almost impossible not to notice them, their presence commanding attention effortlessly.

Quinn is trying to blend in with the group, but it's clear he's uncomfortable. His cat-like eyes dart around nervously, shifting between his teammates, as if he's looking for an escape. Just then, Damian walks over to the table and gives Teddy a bro hug. From that simple gesture, it's obvious they're close. The thought of playing around with Teddy's limits fills me with a wicked sense of excitement—it's going to be so much fun to push his buttons and see how far I can go.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Dixi waving enthusiastically. I weave my way through the crowded dining hall to her table, with Virginia trailing right behind me. Taking a seat next to Dixi, I notice Virginia settling in beside Catalina, exchanging cheerful hellos. Leaning in close, Dixi whispers conspiratorially in my ear, "It was so obvious watching you eye-freaking Teddy."

I scoff, rolling my eyes. "Please, I'm just figuring out how to make his life miserable," I respond, my voice laced with honesty. Dixi raises an eyebrow at me, giving me a look that speaks volumes, just as Catalina starts up a lively conversation. But my mind is elsewhere, distracted, as Kimberly and Summer saunter into the dining hall with their new entourage. The room practically buzzes with their arrival. Lena, ever the center of attention, makes her way to Teddy's table, planting a kiss on his cheek. The basketball team watches her every move, eyes hungry with interest. She waves to Quinn, who merely rolls his eyes in response—clearly, they don't share a close sibling bond.

"Right, Alina?" Virginia's voice cuts through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. "What did you say?" I ask, slightly dazed.

Virginia sighs, clearly exasperated. "We got invited to the basketball game by Damian over there," she explains, pointing across the room. Dixi and Catalina follow her gaze, their curiosity piqued. I feel a sudden, overwhelming urge to escape.

"I need to go, gotta study before my chemistry exam," I lie, standing up abruptly.

"Oh, okay," Dixi says, a hint of disappointment in her voice as the girls wave goodbye to me. I make my way out of the dining hall, my pace quickening. Of course, just my luck, I see Lena perched comfortably on Teddy's lap, laughing with Kimberly, Summer, Miranda, Kendall, and Casey. They all eye me up as I pass by, their gazes heavy with judgment. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Teddy watching me too.

His gaze is intense, almost piercing, like he's trying to read my thoughts or see right through me. It's the kind of look that makes your heart race and your palms sweat, even if you don't want to admit it. His eyes, dark and brooding, seem to lock onto mine, holding me captive for a moment longer than I'm comfortable with. I can feel the weight of his stare, a mix of curiosity and something else I can't quite put my finger on. It's as if he's silently challenging me, daring me to break the eye contact first.

Catching my breath as I reach the outside, I made up an excuse to leave the dining hall because I was overwhelmed by all the people and needed a break. I look at my watch—there are about 30 minutes left before chemistry, and around 3 hours until my calculus class with Teddy and Lena. I find a nearby bench and sit down, trying to clear my mind. Closing my eyes for a bit, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. It's Dixi; she's sent me a link to UNC's dance team tryouts, saying we should definitely try out with our dance background.

Memories flood back as I think about being the dance team captain last year during my senior year, with Dixi, Summer, and Kimberly by my side. A mix of nostalgia and sadness hits me, remembering how close we were and all the time we spent practicing. I text her back with a hesitant "we'll see," feeling torn between the past and the present. Before I know it, the bell rings, bringing me back to reality. With a deep breath, I stand up and head to chemistry, trying to shake off the emotions.

𓆞 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

this chapter and the next will really tie the story together, and now we can finally get into it. only 1 more chapter i think before a teddy POV!