Betty’s POV
I found Marcus sitting on the edge of a planter near the campus parking lot, his gaze fixed on the ground, his knuckles raw and bruised, faint traces of blood smeared across his skin..
"Fighting walls now?" I said, my voice coming out weaker than I intended.
He glanced up at me, his dark eyes heavy with exhaustion. "It’s more satisfying than fighting with him," he muttered, his tone flat.
I sat beside him, careful not to brush against his arm. "Why’d you quit the team?"
He let out a long sigh. "Because it was never for me. It was always for him. And I’m done living his life."
"I think you made the right call." I searched for his gaze but he avoided mine. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Careful, Betty," he said. "I might start thinking you’re in love with me."
My heart jumped on that but I decided to play it cool. "Don’t push it." I rolled my eyes, but there was no real bite to my words.
We sat in silence for a moment, the buzz of distant conversations and passing cars filling the air. Marcus flexed his bruised hand, wincing slightly.
"You should put ice on that," I said, nodding at his hand.
"Wow, Doctor. Should I schedule a follow-up appointment too?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow.
I smirked. "Maybe I’ll just bill you for my unsolicited advice."
Marcus chuckled softly, glancing at his hand. "You’re lucky the wall got the worst of it. If I’d been hitting Brent instead, you’d probably be playing nurse right now."
"You couldn’t take Brent," I shot back, unable to resist.
His head snapped toward me, his expression mock-offended. "You think Brent could take me? That’s rich, Betty."
"Maybe if I were there to cheer him on," I teased, grinning.
Marcus leaned closer, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. "You’d root for him over me?"
"Without a doubt," I said, lifting my chin.
He shook his head, letting out a low laugh. "You’re cruel."
"Honest," I corrected, though I couldn’t help but laugh a little myself.
Marcus leaned back, his gaze drifting to the sky. "You’re lucky I’m too tired to win this argument right now."
"Win?" I said, smirking. "You’d never stand a chance."
"See, this is why I keep you around, Betty," he replied, his smirk returning. "You keep my ego in check."
I nudged him lightly with my shoulder.
"Don’t get used to it," I muttered, but I didn’t move away. Neither did he.