"You scared the shit out of me, Elowen!" Calista whispered, pressing a hand to her chest.
Elowen smirked. "I scared you? I should be the one scared. You disappeared last night like some fugitive."
Calista rolled her eyes. "Drama queen."
"Don't change the topic," Elowen leaned in, squinting suspiciously. "Where were you last night?"
Calista pretended to take notes. "I'll tell you later."
Elowen huffed. "Fine. But if you don't, I'll make something up and tell everyone instead."
Calista's pen paused mid-air. "...You wouldn't."
Elowen grinned. "Try me."
Lunch Break – College Canteen
Elowen dragged Calista to their usual table, slamming her hands on the surface. "Now, TALK!"
Calista sighed, poking her food. "I was in a hotel last night, trying to solve a case. But I failed... and ended up stuck with some random guy."
Elowen's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!" she shouted, making half the cafeteria turn their heads.
Calista panicked, gesturing for her to lower her voice. "Shh! Are you trying to announce it to the whole damn college?"
Elowen awkwardly smiled at the onlookers before whispering, "Okay, tell me more. Who was this guy?"
Calista sighed dramatically. "His name is Leander." Her fists clenched. "And he's the biggest as.shole I've ever met!"
Elowen smirked. "Oh? He left that much of an impression?"
"Shut up. And you know what?" Calista leaned in, furious. "That bas.tard stole my first kiss!"
Elowen froze. Then, out of nowhere—
She burst into laughter.
"You—You let some random guy steal your first kiss?!" she cackled. "Oh my God, this is GOLD!"
"It wasn't my choice!" Calista snapped, cheeks burning. "I was ambushed!"
Elowen wiped away a fake tear. "Wow. I can't wait for your boyfriend to hear about this. What if Cassion breaks up with you?"
Calista groaned. "Are you my best friend or my enemy?"
Elowen smirked. "Best friend, obviously. That's why I'm dying to know his reaction!"
Right on cue, Cassion appeared behind Calista.
"Calista, my babe!" He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I'm mad at you."
Calista stiffened. "Huh?"
Cassion pouted dramatically. "Let's break up."
Calista choked on air. "Wait! I can explain!"
Cassion narrowed his eyes. "Explain what exactly?"
Realizing her mistake, Calista gulped. "N-Nothing! My tongue slipped!"
"Right…" Cassion still looked suspicious, but quickly brushed it off. "Anyway, babe, can you lend me some cash?"
Calista frowned. "But I gave you $200 yesterday."
"I used it," he said casually. "I'm treating my friends today, and I don't have any money left."
Elowen grabbed Calista's arm immediately. "Don't give him a single cent." She glared at Cassion. "And you—why don't you get a job and treat your friends with your own money?"
Cassion scoffed. "It's called being a good girlfriend, Elowen. Something you wouldn't understand."
Elowen's hands balled into fists. "Oh, I understand perfectly. You're a lazy, money-sucking leech who thinks relationships are an ATM service."
Calista sighed, frustrated. "Cassion, why do you always ask for money? I mean, I don't mind helping, but—"
"But what, babe?" Cassion cut her off. "You're my girlfriend. That's your job."
Elowen lost it. "Your job? Oh, please. Relationships aren't based on wallet transactions, you entitled brat!"
Cassion ignored her and looked at Calista again. "So, are you giving me the money or not?"
Before Calista could answer—
The bell rang.
"Let's go, Calista." Elowen grabbed her hand and pulled her away.
"Calista!" Cassion called out. "If you don't give me the money, I'm breaking up with you!"
Elowen turned around, furious. "You fuc.ker! Don't you dare step into this college again!"
Cassion kicked a chair, his face twisting in anger. "That bit.ch—"
A voice suddenly cut through the tension.
"Don't you dare touch her."
Cassion froze.
"She's mine."