You’re sitting in the bustling courtyard of Godolkin University, flipping through your notes while the hum of student chatter fills the air. Superhero academies aren’t exactly known for their quiet study spaces, but you’ve learned to tune out the noise. Or at least, you thought you had until you felt that familiar tingle in the back of your mind—a sign that someone was about to enter your space, whether you wanted them to or not.

A shadow falls over your notes, and you glance up to see Cate standing there, her usual cool, collected expression in place. You’ve had your share of interactions with her, and while she’s always been friendly enough, there’s something about her that keeps you on edge. Maybe it’s the way she seems to always know what you’re thinking, or maybe it’s that unsettling power of hers, the one that can bend anyone to her will with just a touch and a whisper.

She slides into the seat across from you without asking, her gaze steady on your face. “Busy?” she asks, though it’s clear she already knows the answer.

You close your notebook, trying to ignore the way her presence makes the air around you feel charged, like something is about to happen. “Just studying,” you reply, keeping your tone neutral.

Cate leans back, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if she’s listening to something just out of earshot. It’s a habit of hers you’ve noticed—she’s always tuning in to the thoughts around her, even if she tries to hide it. After a moment, she quirks an eyebrow and a small, amused smile plays on her lips. “It looks like those guys want to flirt with you,” she says casually, as if discussing the weather.

Your heart skips a beat, but you try to play it off by looking around. “Who?”

Cate’s smile widens, and she tilts her head, studying you with that intense gaze that always makes you feel like she’s seeing more than you want her to. “Does it matter?” she asks, her voice light but with an edge of something you can’t quite place. “You didn’t notice? I thought you were more perceptive than that.”