Limitless. ✔

CHAPTER THREE: he's observant.

Freya's POV

I tapped my phone's screen awake, greeted by the familiar sight of my Spotify app. A smile found its way to my lips as the melody of "How Does a Moment Last Forever" from Beauty and the Beast filled the room. It was Tayler's favorite song, the one he dreamed of for our first dance at our wedding—correction, his wedding to Thalia. Despite the bittersweet reminder, I found solace in listening to it daily, a comforting ritual both at dawn and dusk.

Thalia shot me an impatient glance as I looked her way, clearly expecting a response. "Freya?"

I grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Thalia, I got a bit distracted," I admitted, silencing my phone. "Could you repeat that, please?"

We sat in Cafe Zeppelin, the bustling coffee bar near campus, a favorite haunt for students to study and tackle assignments. I swirled my iced tea, eager to catch up on what Thalia had been saying.

Thalia held my gaze for a beat before her eyes flickered downward. "You believe that..." She lifted her gaze again, a delicate flush tinting her cheeks, lending her an air of vulnerability. "You truly think it's more than just a crush?"

A smile tugged at my lips. "I do. It's quite likely. Tayler has harbored feelings for you for quite some time."

The conversation was beginning to unsettle me. There was that unspoken rule in the girl code about not crushing on the same guy. 

"I must admit, he had me feeling all giddy," Thalia chuckled, attempting to shield her blushing cheeks behind her fingers.

I cleared my throat. "Oh, cutie. You're blushing!"

"Stop it," Thalia laughed, swatting my arm. "Anyway, Tayler and I are heading to The Red&Blue tonight. You should join us."

I shook my head. "Nah, I think Tayler wants some one-on-one time with you."

I wasn't keen on being the third wheel. It would feel awkward like a lone pepperoni mistakenly placed on a vegetarian pizza.

"Babe, you've got to come. It's the hottest spot in town, the Friday night go-to. I'm sure Tayler won't mind," Thalia urged, clasping my hands.

I shook my head adamantly. "Nope, I'm heading home. I have papers to grade."

"What the heck," Thalia scowled, frustration evident. "You've got until Wednesday to finish that. Don't you want to have some fun?"

"I will have fun," I insisted, brandishing my book, 'Reminders of Him' by Colleen Hoover. "This book will keep me entertained. Or have me bawling my eyes out, who knows? That's the beauty of reading."

Thalia snatched the book and playfully smacked me with it. "You boring stick-in-the-mud."

I chuckled and gave her a playful shove. Thalia swiftly gathered her belongings, slinging her bag over her shoulder before leaning in to plant a kiss on my hair. "I've got to head to work now. Catch up with you later, hun."

"Enjoy yourself and stay out of trouble! Love you," I called after her retreating figure.

Thalia laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced back over her shoulder. "Oh, I'll definitely try. Love you too!"

Placing my phone on the table, I slipped on my AirPods. Engulfed in the melody, I shut my eyes for a fleeting moment. A smile graced my lips as the lyrics filled my ears, conjuring visions of us swaying to the music on the dancefloor. His arms wrapped around my waist, mine around his neck. Lost in his emerald gaze, our bodies pressed together, igniting a fiery sensation under my skin. As the song neared its end, his face drew nearer, his lips hovering tantalizingly close to mine...