Champagne Problems

E L E V E N

Riley laughs. "Oh, believe me, it won't take long anymore."

"What won't take long anymore?" Daphné's voice interrupts as she walks up to them. Her curious gaze fixes on Riley, waiting for an answer.

Riley quickly clears his throat, hiding a smirk. "Finding a room on campus," he says, holding up the key to their new dorm. "We just got one."

Daphné's eyes brighten as she breaks into a smile. "That's great! I'm actually looking for one too. Chantal's helping me out. Have you seen her around?"

Yves steps in before Riley can answer. "She said she needed something from her car," he says, but a slight frown creases Daphné's brow.

"Strange... she didn't mention that to me," Daphné says, glancing toward the direction of the parking lot.

"She seemed in a hurry," Yves adds, now looking at the ground, clearly uncomfortable.

Sensing the slight awkwardness, Riley changes the subject. "So, have you made a decision on what you'll be studying yet?" he asks, his tone light but his eyes serious, trying to gauge her mood.

Daphné's smile fades slightly, and she gives a small shake of her head. "Not yet," she says quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Riley places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you'll figure it out," he says softly, his gaze locking with hers. The comfort in his words feels genuine, and it lingers between them for a moment, the silence stretching on just a bit too long.

Her heart flutters unexpectedly. There's something about the way Riley looks at her, something disarming. But before she can respond, Jérome steps in, clearing his throat loudly.

"Sorry to interrupt," Jérome says with an exaggerated grin. "But me, Yves, and Riley need to practice with the band. Right, Riley?"

Riley drops his hand from Daphné's shoulder, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, band practice," he mutters, breaking eye contact.

Daphné's playful smile returns as she teases, "I'd love to come and watch sometime. It's been a while since I saw you guys perform."

Riley smirks. "Your grandfather would never let that happen," he says, sticking his tongue out.

Daphné steps closer, standing on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear, "I sneak out of my window sometimes. Remember?"

Riley chuckles at her daring confession. "Maybe I'll have to tell your grandfather about that," he teases, his voice low and filled with amusement.

She puts a finger to her lips, making the shh sound again, her blue eyes sparkling mischievously.

"See you tomorrow, then?" Riley asks, giving her a mock salute as he takes a step back.

"Wait!" Daphné calls after them as they begin walking away. "What's your band called again?"

"Divergent," Riley replies with a wink, his smirk still in place.

As they walk past the Grand Château, Yves can't help but glance back toward the dorm, where a group of college girls is handing out flyers and chatting animatedly. Their laughter rings in the air, and the sight of them in their stylish outfits feels like a glimpse of the life he's waiting for. One more year, and he'd finally be a part of it.

"Too bad, Yves. You've still got a whole year to go before you can officially join the fun," Jérome teases, reading his friend's thoughts.

Yves sighs dramatically. "I know, but just look at them..." His gaze lingers on the girls, all seemingly carefree and enjoying the moment.