The Tommen College cafeteria buzzed with the usual after-class chaos — students jostling for tables, trays clattering, laughter bouncing off the high ceilings. The scent of fries and burnt coffee hung thick in the air.

The rugby table was loud, crowded with teammates, Hughie caught her eyes across the noisy rugby table, and for a moment, the chatter around them faded. Lizzie’s smirk was slow and deliberate as she sank her teeth into the apple, juice glistening on her chin like a silent dare - she made no move to wipe it away.

Heat rose in Hughie’s cheeks, his gaze flickering away briefly as he shifted in his seat. Katie’s fingers ruffled his hair teasingly, but Hughie barely noticed — all his focus was locked on Lizzie’s unapologetic grin.