A Love Unexpected

Chapter 3: The Unexpected Invite

Heart sat at a corner table in Luna & Sol Café, flipping through her notes for the upcoming quiz. Her three best friends-Arielle, Coleen, and Charity-were with her, each engrossed in their own review materials, though they occasionally whispered and giggled over something unrelated to studying.

The café was cozy, its soft lighting creating the perfect atmosphere for a calm study session. Heart sipped on her iced coffee, eyes focused on her notebook, when her phone suddenly buzzed on the table.

She glanced at the screen, and her brows furrowed as she saw the name Ryndell flash across it.

"Who's that?" Charity asked, noticing the slight change in Heart's expression.

Heart hesitated before answering, "Ryndell... he just texted me."

Arielle immediately perked up, her face lighting up with interest. "Ooh, spill! What did the Starplayer say this time?"

Heart sighed, unlocking her phone. "Let me check first..."

She opened the message:

> Hey, Heart. I was wondering if you'd like to grab lunch with me later. I know we have to discuss the Foundation Day stuff, but maybe we can talk over a meal? My treat. What do you say?

Heart blinked, rereading the message as her mind raced. Why was he inviting her to lunch? Sure, they had to work together for the Foundation Day collaboration, but was this really necessary?

Coleen leaned over, trying to peek at the screen. "Lunch invite? Wow, he's really stepping up his game."

Charity chuckled softly. "Maybe he's just trying to be professional... in his own flirtatious way."

Heart rolled her eyes, feeling a mix of confusion and amusement. "He's impossible."

"So, are you going?" Arielle asked, leaning forward with an eager expression.

Heart bit her lip, unsure how to respond. A lunch with Ryndell could either be a complete disaster or... well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. After all, they did need to discuss the collaboration, and it might be a chance to clear the air between them.

"I don't know," Heart mumbled. "Do you think I should?"

Coleen smirked. "Why not? It's just lunch. Besides, you can talk about Foundation Day while enjoying free food. Win-win."

"Exactly," Charity added, nodding. "It's not like he's asking you out on a romantic date."

Heart glanced back at her phone, tapping her fingers nervously on the table. Her friends had a point-it was just lunch. She could keep things strictly business and get through it without any awkwardness. Probably.

With a deep breath, she typed out a reply:

> Sure, lunch sounds fine. But we're keeping it about the project, okay?

She hit send and stared at the screen, half-expecting an immediate response. To her surprise, Ryndell replied almost instantly.

> Deal. I'll pick you up after your quiz. Looking forward to it, sweetheart ;)

Heart groaned aloud, causing her friends to laugh.

"There's that 'sweetheart' again!" Arielle teased.

"I swear, he's impossible!" Heart muttered, putting her phone away and trying to refocus on her notes. But deep down, a part of her couldn't help but feel a tiny flicker of excitement.

Lunch with Ryndell. This was going to be... interesting.

Heart tried to concentrate on her notes, but her mind kept drifting back to the upcoming lunch. What would it be like? Would they talk about the project? Or would he try to flirt with her like he usually did?