CHAPTER 31: NOT SO SUBTLE

Emmie's quiet fascination with James Kamau hadn't gone unnoticed—at least not by his friend group. Over the past few weeks, it seemed like she was always nearby. Whether it was lingering at the edge of the bleachers during football practice, sitting a few tables away in the cafeteria, or passing by their usual hangout spot near the student union, her presence had become a regular occurrence. It wasn't intentional—at least, that's what Emmie told herself. But her curiosity about James had a way of pulling her into his orbit, even when she tried to keep her distance.

"She's there again," Micha said one afternoon, her tone laced with amusement as she nodded in Emmie's direction. They were sitting at their usual table outside the library, James casually leaning back in his chair while Zade and Alison scrolled through their phones.

James glanced up from his drink, following Micha's gaze to where Emmie sat under a tree, a book open on her lap. She wasn't looking at them, but there was an air of awareness about her, like she knew they were watching.

"Who is she?" Alison asked, tilting her head as she studied Emmie. "I see her everywhere lately. It's kind of… weird."

"She's that quiet girl," Zade said, finally looking up. "What's her name? Ellie? Emily?"

"Emmie," Kyro corrected without thinking, and all eyes turned to him.

Micha raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Oh, so you've noticed her too?"

Kyro shrugged, trying to play it cool. "She's just… around. It's hard not to notice when someone's always nearby."

"Do you think she's following us?" Alison asked, her tone somewhere between curiosity and suspicion.

"Maybe she has a crush on one of us," Zade suggested with a smirk. "Probably James. Girls always go for the star quarterback."

James rolled his eyes. "Don't start, Zade."

But even as he dismissed the comment, James couldn't help but think about it. There was something different about Emmie. She wasn't like the other girls who tried to get his attention with flashy outfits and overly loud laughter. She was quiet, almost unassuming, and yet… there was something intriguing about her. The way she always seemed lost in thought, the way her eyes lingered just a second longer when she looked his way—it was hard not to wonder what was going on in her mind. Perhaps he could play with her. Being with him was a privilege. He could break some good girls' heart, just to teach them a lesson.

"Well, whoever she is, she's not doing a great job of being subtle," Micha said, her tone light but teasing. "She might as well walk over and introduce herself at this point."

James glanced back at Emmie, who was now flipping a page in her book. She still wasn't looking at them, but there was a tension in her posture that made him think she knew exactly what they were talking about.

"Leave her alone," he said finally, his voice firmer than he intended. "She's not hurting anyone. I might want to play with her though."

Micha and Alison exchanged a look but didn't push further.

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The group lounged in their usual spot outside the library, after lunch, a lazy afternoon sun casting long shadows across the courtyard. James leaned back in his chair, tossing a football from hand to hand, while Micha and Alison scrolled through their phones. Zade, ever the joker, was cracking jokes that kept Micha giggling. Alison, however, was unusually quiet, her gaze darting to James every so often as if willing him to notice her.

"So, James," Zade drawled, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face. "What's the plan with your little shadow? You know, the quiet one who's always lurking around."

James caught the ball mid-toss and frowned. "Who?" he asked, though he knew exactly who Zade was talking about.

"Don't play dumb," Micha chimed in, her grin matching Zade's. "Emmie. The girl who's basically made stalking you her full-time job."

James shrugged, feigning indifference. "She's just… there. Not like I can control where she decides to be."

"Oh, come on," Zade said, leaning forward with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "You're telling me you don't think she's a little bit into you? The way she looks at you? Dude, she's practically begging for your attention."

Micha laughed, and even Alison's lips twitched in a reluctant smile. "Maybe you should give her what she wants," Micha teased. "You know, throw the poor girl a bone."

James rolled his eyes but smirked. "Maybe I will. Who knows? Could be fun."

Zade's grin widened. "Fun? Please. If you don't want the job, I'll take it. I'll play with her a little longer after you're done." He held up his hand, and James slapped it in a high five, their laughter echoing across the courtyard.

Alison's jaw tightened, her grip on her phone so tight her knuckles turned white. "You guys are disgusting," she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through their laughter.

Zade raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, Alison. Don't tell me you're suddenly the morality police."

"No, it's just pathetic," she shot back, her eyes flashing. "Mocking some girl who's done nothing to you? And for what? To inflate your egos? Grow up."

James frowned, the amusement draining from his face. "Relax, Alison. It's just a joke."

"Yeah, well, maybe it's not so funny to everyone," Alison muttered, crossing her arms and looking away.

Micha's gaze flicked between Alison and James, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Someone's touchy," she murmured under her breath, earning a glare from Alison.

James sighed and stood, tucking the football under his arm. "Alright, I'm out. Practice starts in twenty. Don't spend too much time obsessing over my 'shadow,' okay?"

Zade chuckled. "No promises."

As James walked away, Alison watched him go, a mix of frustration and longing etched on her face. Micha leaned closer to Zade, whispering something that made him laugh, but Alison didn't join in. Her gaze shifted toward where Emmie usually sat, her expression darkening.

"She doesn't belong here," Alison muttered under her breath, her voice low but venomous.

"What was that?" Micha asked, her tone light but curious.

"Nothing," Alison said quickly, plastering on a tight smile. But inside, the resentment churned. Emmie wasn't just a weird girl following James around. She was a threat, and Alison wasn't about to let her win—not without a fight.