A Step Closer

Elara stirred her coffee absentmindedly, watching the steam curl into the air. She wasn't sure why she had come here, to Damien's usual café, but something about their last conversation lingered in her mind. Maybe she needed clarity, or maybe, for the first time, she wanted to understand what she really wanted.

Across from her, Damien leaned back in his chair, observing her with an unreadable expression. "You're thinking too much again."

Elara blinked and glanced up. "Huh?"

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "That little furrow between your eyebrows. It only shows up when you're overthinking."

She huffed, stirring her coffee more aggressively. "I do not overthink."

"You do," Damien said smoothly, taking a sip of his drink. "So, what's going on in that brilliant mind of yours?"

She hesitated, fingers tightening around her cup. Should she tell him? No—she barely understood her own feelings. Instead, she went for something safer. "I guess I just… I don't know what I want."

Damien tilted his head slightly, his sharp eyes watching her intently. "You sure about that?"

His words sent a small shiver down her spine. Did she? Was she sure about anything?

Before she could reply, a familiar voice cut through the air. "Elara?"

Her breath hitched as she turned to see Alec standing near their table, eyebrows slightly raised in curiosity. His gaze flickered between her and Damien.

Elara forced a smile. "Oh, hey, Alec. What are you doing here?"

Alec shrugged, slipping his hands into his jacket pockets. "Just grabbing some coffee before heading to the gym." His eyes lingered on Damien for a second before returning to her. "Didn't know you hung out here."

"She doesn't," Damien answered for her, his voice cool but casual. "She just came looking for answers."

Alec raised an eyebrow. "And you're the one providing them?"

Damien smirked. "I try."

Elara sighed. "Can you both not do this?"

Alec let out a chuckle. "Relax, I was just passing by." He glanced at her, his expression softer now. "You coming to the game this weekend?"

She hesitated. "Uh… I wasn't planning on it."

Alec crossed his arms, mock offense in his tone. "Skipping my game? And here I thought we were friends."

Elara rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'll come."

"Good." Alec grinned, then nodded toward Damien before turning to leave. "See you around, Elara."

She watched him go, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Damien tapped his fingers against the table, drawing her attention back.

"Interesting," he murmured.

"What?" she asked, confused.

He tilted his head slightly. "You didn't hesitate when you turned Nathan down. But Alec?"

She frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

He shrugged. "Nothing. Just an observation."

Elara let out a slow breath, rubbing her temples. This was exactly why she didn't want to think too hard about this. Every interaction, every conversation, felt like another thread she couldn't untangle.

Damien's gaze softened slightly. "Hey."

She looked up.

"You don't have to figure everything out right now." His voice was quieter now, steadier. "Just do what makes you happy."

Elara bit her lip, nodding slowly. Maybe he was right.

For now, all she could do was take one step at a time.

The weekend arrived faster than Elara expected, and soon she found herself sitting in the crowded stadium, the roar of the crowd filling her ears. Mira was beside her, munching on popcorn.

"I still can't believe you agreed to come," Mira teased, nudging her playfully. "You never come to these games."

Elara sighed. "Alec guilt-tripped me."

Mira smirked. "Alec, huh? Not Nathan? Not Damien?"

Elara groaned. "Mira, please."

Mira laughed but didn't push further. The game started, and Elara found herself actually enjoying it more than she expected. Alec was fast, precise, and completely in his element on the field. She could see why people admired him.

At halftime, Alec jogged toward the stands, pulling off his helmet. His hair was damp with sweat, but his grin was unmistakable as he waved toward her.

Mira elbowed her. "Oh, he's definitely showing off."

Elara ignored her and waved back, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all.

But as her gaze flickered toward the other side of the stadium, she froze.

Damien was there.

And he was watching her.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, everything else faded. The crowd, the noise, even the game itself.

Then, he smirked, lifted his cup of coffee in a silent toast, and turned away.

Elara's heart pounded in her chest.

What the hell was happening to her?