She was laughing again.

And not with him.

Will’s jaw ticked as he leaned back in his chair, balancing it on two legs like it might help hold back the weight in his chest. His aviators masked his stare, but it wouldn’t have mattered — he was never subtle when it came to her.

Not even a little.

“She’s with that guy again,” Damon muttered around a bite of his sandwich.

Will didn’t answer. Just clenched the arms of the chair harder.

Kai followed his line of sight. “That’s the third time this week.”

Michael let out a low chuckle, folding his arms. “You gonna say something or just combust right here in the courtyard?”

Will didn’t even blink.

Across the lawn, she sat on the edge of a picnic bench, legs crossed, chin tipped down slightly as she giggled at something the guy said — some tool in a school blazer two sizes too big for his ego.

The guy reached across her tray, stole a fry. She laughed again. Swatted his hand like she always did to Will.

Will’s stomach flipped.

That used to be mine. He had no idea if the guy was her boyfriend. But he also didn’t ask. Because he didn’t want to hear yes. And he sure as hell couldn’t handle hearing no with that kind of smile on her face.

He tilted his head, flicking the rim of his soda can with his thumb, pretending he wasn’t listening to every sound that drifted over from that damn bench.

She turned her head then. Caught his gaze. Even from across the quad, he felt it—like a slap and a soft touch all at once.

She blinked.

He didn’t smile.

She held his stare for one heartbeat too long… then turned back to her date.

Will's chair dropped flat on all four legs with a crack.

“Guess that’s a no,” Kai murmured.

Will pushed back from the table. “If he puts his arm around her, I swear to God, I’ll break every one of his teeth.”

Michael just smirked. “You could always just tell her how you feel, Grayson.”

Will shot him a look. “And ruin all the fun?”

He didn’t say it, but it sat heavy in his chest anyway.

She’s not mine. But she’s not his either.

At least… not yet.