Eliana didn't like attention. But ever since Mae Carter sat beside her, attention had been unavoidable.
By the next day, whispers followed her in the hallway.
"That's the girl."
"She sat next to him twice now."
"I heard he smiled at her…"
Eliana tugged the sleeves of her hoodie lower and walked faster toward the lecture hall, her curls bouncing down her back. She hated this. She hated how some girls glared at her like she was competition. She hated how her body made her stand out even when she tried to blend in.
"Ellie!" Tolu called, catching up beside her, breathless. "Guess what?"
"No." Eliana smirked without looking.
"Too bad, I'm saying it anyway." Tolu adjusted her backpack. "Mae Carter is single. Officially. His last situationship ended over summer."
Eliana rolled her eyes. "And that concerns me because…?"
"Because he smiled at you again today.
Eliana snorted. "He smiles at everyone. He's the kind of guy who knows how pretty he is."
Tolu laughed. "Okay true. But he doesn't sit with everyone."
In class, Mae was already seated — and he had saved the seat beside him. Eliana paused at the row, heartbeat flickering in her chest.
"I don't bite," he said casually, tilting his head toward the chair.
She didn't move.
"You're… persistent," she said.
"You're… avoiding me," he replied, that same lazy smirk playing on his lips.
Eliana gave in, sliding into the seat beside him. "You're not very subtle."
"I'm not trying to be." His voice dipped a little. "You're interesting."
"No, I'm not." She didn't mean to sound bitter—but it slipped.
"You don't believe you are?" he asked quietly.
She looked at him, eyes guarded. "I believe guys like you talk like this to girls they don't plan on remembering next week."
Mae's smile faltered, just for a second. Then he nodded. "Okay. That's fair."
After class, a sleek black car pulled up beside them as Eliana stepped outside. Mae didn't even flinch when the driver rolled down the window.
"You need a ride?" he asked her.
"No." She backed away instantly. "I walk."
Mae raised a brow. "It's hot. And far."
"Exactly why I need the exercise." She started walking.
Tolu caught up beside her again. "Girl… you're either the boldest girl on this campus or the most broken."
"Maybe both."
That night, while sorting thrift jewelry to post online, Eliana got a call from Tolu.
"I found someone," Tolu said excitedly.
"Someone?" Eliana replied distractedly.
"A guy. For you. He's not rich, but he's stable. His name is Derrick. I think you'll like him."
"I didn't ask for a setup."
"No. But you need one."
"I'm fine."
"You're afraid."
Silence.
"You're right," Eliana whispered. "I don't want to get played again."
"I know. That's why Derrick is perfect. And you can take things slow."
Eliana looked down at the pile of fake silver rings and tangled chains. "Okay. Fine. I'll meet him.
Little did she know…
Derrick wasn't the safe ending.
Mae wasn't the danger she thought.
And her heart?
It was about to make the wrong choice first.