Dean was walking down the college hallway with that air of confidence that only a guy who knows he’s the best defender in the league can have. Next to him, Garrett was animatedly discussing the strategy for Friday’s game, but Dean merely nodded half-heartedly, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"I’m serious, Heyward," Garrett said, gesturing with his hands. "If we don’t close the gap on the left wing, they’re going to massacre us in the first period. Are you listening, Di Laurentis?"

"Yes, yes—the left wing, death, chaos," Dean replied with a self-satisfied smile. "But right now, I have a much more important target at twelve o’clock."

Dean straightened his back and put on his 'championship-winning face' as soon as he saw her coming. She was walking briskly, headphones on and books clutched to her chest, clearly intent on ignoring his presence.

"Hey!" Dean called out, stepping forward to intercept her. "I was thinking that today there’s a special sparkle in your eyes, probably because you knew you were about to run into..."

He couldn’t finish. Before his first playful remark could escape his lips, she raised her right hand and held it just inches from Dean’s face. With an open, firm palm—like a wall of 'stop'—she continued walking, her hand lingering for an extra second to completely silence him, never once removing her headphones.

Garrett burst into laughter that echoed down the hallway. "Wow, Di Laurentis. I think that 'stop' signal is the best defense I’ve seen all year."

Dean froze for a moment, blinking, yet that minor setback didn’t erase his smile. On the contrary, his eyes sparkled even more intensely. He turned around and began walking backwards, keeping pace with her.

"Okay, message received!" Dean shouted over the noise of the hallway as he pulled two envelopes out of his jacket pocket. "But because I know you secretly adore me, I got you this! VIP passes for tomorrow’s game!"

She didn’t look back, but Dean wasn’t deterred.

"You’re going with Hannah!" he continued, pointing at Garrett with his thumb. "G confirmed that she’ll come pick you up! I’m not taking no for an answer because Hannah already has your ticket!"

Without glancing back, she flipped him the middle finger and melted into the sea of students. Dean returned to Garrett’s side, hands tucked into his pockets, exuding an air of absolute triumph.

"She’s crazy about me," Dean declared.

"Dude, she told you to fuck off without saying a word," Garrett laughed. "Details, G. Just details."