“You’re still slow,” he teased, nudging my arm. “Did you really think you could get rid of me that easily?”
I blinked. “You—what—”
Brent laughed, shaking his head. “Surprise, Betts. I transferred.”
The words hit me like a physical force. Transferred. Here. Permanently.
"But... your research? Your expedition?" I stammered.
"Finished early," he shrugged, but there was something in his eyes – something determined.
A rush of emotions slammed into me. Shock. Disbelief. Confusion.
And finally—happiness.
Before I could think, before I could stop myself— I threw myself into his arms. Brent caught me effortlessly, his laughter vibrating through his chest as he lifted me slightly off the ground.
“Whoa, easy there,” he murmured, his arms tightening around me. “People might start thinking you actually missed me.”
I let out a choked laugh, my arms tightening around his neck.
“I did, you idiot,” I mumbled against his shoulder. “I missed you so much.”
He squeezed me once before setting me back down, his hands lingering briefly at my waist before he stepped back.
Sasha raised a brow, sipping her drink. “So… this is the Brent?”
Brent chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Guilty.”
Lucy smirked. “Damn, Betty, you didn’t tell us your best friend was, like… a walking romance novel.”
I groaned, covering my face as Brent laughed.
Carlos leaned back, crossing his arms. “So, what’s the deal, man? You just decided to up and transfer here?”
Brent shrugged, grinning. “Something like that.”
“Just like that?” Lucy narrowed her eyes. “No warning? No heads-up?”
Brent’s gaze flickered to me. Something unreadable passed through his expression. And for a second, I wondered if he had done it for me.
But then—he smirked. “What can I say? I like keeping people on their toes.”
My mouth went dry. Around us, I could feel my friends exchanging looks, could practically hear their minds working overtime.
"Join us?" Lucy offered, sliding over to make room.
* * *
"Alright, so let’s start with the essentials," I said, grinning as I led Brent across campus. "Cafeteria food is terrible, so avoid anything that looks remotely questionable. The library is the best spot to study, but good luck finding a seat during finals week. Oh, and if you ever get lost, just look for the giant oak tree near the quad—it’s the unofficial meeting spot for basically everyone."
"Damn, Betts,” Brent chuckled, shaking his head. "You sound like a campus tour guide."
I nudged him playfully. "Just making sure you don’t embarrass yourself on your first day."
He grinned. "You mean like that time you got lost on our first day of high school and ended up in the janitor’s closet?"
I groaned. "You promised never to bring that up."
"Yeah, well, I lie sometimes."
A few afternoons later, I was in the middle of cheer practice when a familiar voice called out from the sidelines.
"Hey, Captain! Thought you might need a boost."
I turned and saw Brent walking toward us, holding up a bag filled with small bottles of energy drinks.
My team immediately perked up.
"You brought us gifts?" Sasha gasped dramatically. "Betty, can we keep him, please?"
"You really didn’t have to," I told Brent, though I couldn’t help but smile.
"Nah, I did," he said, grinning. "Figured you guys could use some support. Besides, someone’s gotta make sure you don’t pass out from exhaustion."
Sasha wiggled her eyebrows. "We officially love you now, Brent."
Carlos patted his shoulder. "You’re one of us, man."
Brent laughed, throwing an arm around me. "Guess I’m in the squad now, huh?"
"Your friend is something else," Lucy said later, bumping my shoulder playfully. "Much better than..."
She trailed off, but I knew what she meant. Better than Marcus.
"It's different," I defended weakly. "Marcus is just busy right now. The senior league games are coming up, and with exams..."
"We know," Sasha cut in gently. "Just... be careful, okay?"
I nodded, though my heart clenched. They didn't understand – couldn't understand – what it was like with Marcus.
How even now, weeks into whatever this was between us, a single look from him could make my whole world tilt on its axis.
The days grew longer, filled with practice and studying and trying to keep my head above water.
Marcus was increasingly absent, consumed by basketball training and academic responsibilities. Our moments together became precious, stolen things – fingers intertwined under library tables, heated glances across crowded hallways, urgent kisses in empty classrooms.
And some nights... some nights I found myself in his room, my body pressed against his, his hands leaving trails of fire across my skin.
"Stay," Marcus would whisper against my neck, his voice rough with something that sounded almost like need.
And I would, until the first rays of dawn forced us back into reality.
The next day, I'd feel the ghost of his touch on my skin as I sat through classes, as I practiced with the squad, as I laughed at Brent's jokes.
It was like living in two different worlds – one in the light with Brent, safe and steady and sure, and one in the shadows with Marcus, dangerous and desperate and deep.
"You seem distracted lately," Brent observed one afternoon as we walked to class. His hand brushed mine, a gesture so familiar it made my heart ache.
"Just tired," I lied, ignoring the way my skin still tingled from Marcus's kisses the night before.
Brent studied my face, concern etched in his features. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? Even... him."
I forced a smile. "I know."
But I didn't talk to him about Marcus. I couldn't. How could I explain what it felt like to be caught between two versions of myself? The Betty who fit so perfectly into Brent's world of easy friendship and simple joy, and the Betty who came alive under Marcus's touch, who craved the chaos he brought to her life?
And always, always, there was Stacey lurking in the background. I saw the way she watched us – Marcus and me, Brent and me. Her eyes calculated, her smile sharp. She was waiting for something, planning something. I could feel it.