Cecilia followed the stranger’s pointing finger and spotted Calvin’s broad back as he lined up another shot at the coin-pusher machine. Panic fluttered in her chest. She shook her head quickly. “No, no—we’re just friends.”

“Friends?” The girl’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really?”

Cecilia nodded again. “Yes. That’s all.”

The stranger flashed a dazzling smile—so perfect it looked practiced. “Thanks!” she chirped, then spun away before Cecilia could even process the exchange.

Cecilia blinked after her, completely confused. What exactly is she thanking me for?

Without hesitation, the girl marched straight toward Calvin, determination written all over her posture.

That single move set off a chain reaction. Other girls who had overheard the conversation turned, eyes bright with possibility, and began drifting toward Calvin as if pulled by gravity.