SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL, J.HUGHES

SIXTY FIVE

"You're not even supposed to be here," I mutter, carefully placing this weird-ass vase I found at some sketchy garage sale. Seriously, it's like the creepiest thing ever, but also kinda cool? Sam's like, 100% convinced it's haunted or some crap. But I told her—garage sales are where you find the real gems, okay? Unique pieces only.

Nico's in the corner, pushing a broom around like he knows what he's doing. I mean... since when do men even clean? Especially not Nico. It's honestly hilarious watching him try to look helpful.

Sam's snickering next to me, probably thinking the same thing. These two are totally vibing, and I hate how much I love it. Ugh.

"I already know what it's gonna look like," Nico says, acting like he's got this whole interior design thing down. Bro, please.

Like, dude, we're literally paid to make this place look insane, and you won't even let us do our thing? It's been, what, six months? And every time he shows up at the office, it's just an excuse to hang out. First it was coffees, then pastries... now he's bringing whole pizzas. Took me a minute, but yeah, the guy's crushing on Sam.

And she's into it, too. Told me the other day he's awkward as hell when he flirts, but that's what she likes about him. She's been through enough douchebags, so I guess the whole "adorably clumsy" thing is working for him.

"So, what are you doing later?" he asks, eyes locked on Sam.

Sam doesn't even look up from the mood board she's messing with. "Probably not you." She smirks, but I can see she's totally enjoying the attention.

Nico fakes a dramatic gasp, hand on his chest like he's been wounded. "Ouch, straight to the heart."

Sam finally glances up at him, eyebrow raised. "You're lucky I don't fire you for being an annoying distraction." She's teasing, but her eyes are doing that thing—you know, where someone's smiling even when they're trying to act all serious? Yeah, that.

I can't help but butt in. "Please fire him. Maybe then we'll actually get something done around here."

Nico shoots me a mock glare. "Hey, I'm helping. You'd miss me if I was gone."

"Sure, let's go with that," I deadpan. But I'm grinning, because he's such a goof and I lowkey ship them. Hard.

"So, you're free tonight then?" Nico tries again, leaning against the counter like he's some kind of cool guy.

Sam rolls her eyes but laughs. "Depends. Are you actually gonna ask me out or just keep fishing for an invitation?"

Nico rubs the back of his neck, suddenly looking all flustered. "Uh, well, I mean... I could. If you want. I know this, uh, place."

Sam stands up and faces him fully, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Wow, smooth. So, what's this 'place' then? Hope it's better than the pizza joint you keep bringing us food from."

Nico's face lights up. "Oh, no, it's way better. It's this little spot I go to sometimes... you know, lowkey. Great food, chill vibes. You'd love it."

"Lowkey, huh?" Sam's leaning in a bit now, totally playing with him. "You trying to impress me, or are you just scared of being seen in public with me?"

Nico's face goes pink. "Vat? No! It's not like zat! I—"

"Oh my god, relax," Sam laughs, patting his arm. "I'm just teasing you."

He looks over at me, desperate for backup, but I just throw him a look that says, dude, this is all you. He's on his own.

Nico swallows, trying to pull it together. "Let's go out. Tonight. Seven. And I'll pick you up. No more lowkey crap."