Number Seven

010

The next few days after the coffee date felt like a whirlwind. Sophia couldn't help but smile whenever she thought about Mason. They had talked so easily, laughed together, and felt like they'd known each other for ages—even though their connection had only just begun. It was like a breath of fresh air.

But as much as she wanted to focus on him, there was one thing she couldn't escape: school. The pressure of her business courses was piling up, and with her recent trip to Spain and spending time with Mason, she was finding it harder to keep everything in balance.

Sophia was sitting at the kitchen counter, surrounded by open textbooks and notes, trying to absorb everything. She rubbed her temples, her stress mounting. "I can't even focus," she muttered under her breath.

Just as she was about to push her books away in frustration, her phone buzzed on the counter. She rushed over, hoping for a distraction. It was a message from Mason.

Mason Mount: "Hey, beautiful. I was thinking, when can I see you again? How about we go for a walk in the park next time, and maybe dinner afterward?"

Sophia's face lit up. She quickly typed a reply, trying to focus on the excitement rather than the stress.

Sophia Beckham: "That sounds perfect. I'd love to. How about Saturday afternoon?"

She bit her lip, checking her schedule. Luckily, her weekend was clear, and she had nothing planned—except for spending time with Mason.

Before she could put the phone down, she added another message, feeling a little bolder now.

Sophia Beckham: "Just don't get caught staring at me too much this time, alright?"

She chuckled at herself. That was bold, but it felt good to be playful. She hit send and put the phone down on the counter.

Her phone buzzed almost immediately, and she snatched it back up.

Mason Mount: "Haha, I'll try my best. But no promises. You're hard to look away from. Saturday it is! Looking forward to it. And I'll try not to make it awkward this time."

Sophia laughed out loud. Mason always seemed to know exactly how to make her smile. She quickly typed out a reply, a playful hint in her tone.

Sophia Beckham: "No need to worry about making it awkward. You're already a pro at making me laugh."

Her fingers hovered over the screen, and she added one more quick message.

Sophia Beckham: "And by the way, I'm still waiting for that second date kiss. It's gotta happen sooner or later."

Before she had the chance to second guess herself, she sent it and put the phone in her pocket. Her heart was racing, but it felt good to take the leap.

A few minutes later, Mason's reply appeared on her screen.

Mason Mount: "You're killing me, you know that? Saturday's going to be amazing. Can't wait to see you again. Seriously, it's gonna be perfect."

Sophia couldn't help but smile at his message. She quickly typed back.

Sophia Beckham: "It's going to be great. See you then, Mason. I'm looking forward to it."

Just as she hit send, she saw a message from Romeo.

"Did Mason text you yet?" Romeo's message read.

Sophia raised an eyebrow, knowing her twin was always up-to-date on everything in her life.