Unexpected Encounters

Elara sat in the crowded stadium, her heartbeat still unsteady from the way Damien had looked at her. It was the kind of look that made her feel exposed, as if he could see through her confusion and uncertainty. And yet, she couldn't bring herself to look away first. When he had finally turned, smirking as if he knew exactly what he was doing to her, she felt her face flush with frustration.

Mira leaned closer, waving a hand in front of Elara's face. "Earth to Elara. Are you even watching the game?"

Elara snapped out of her daze and focused back on the field. "Yeah, yeah, I am."

Mira gave her a knowing look. "No, you're not. You're completely spaced out. What happened?"

Elara debated whether to say anything. But knowing Mira, she wouldn't drop it. "It's nothing, just… Damien's here."

Mira raised an eyebrow, following Elara's gaze. "Oho, so that's why you look like you've just seen a ghost."

"I do not look like I've seen a ghost," Elara huffed.

Mira snorted. "Oh please. You're all stiff and tense, and you've barely looked at Alec ever since you saw Damien."

Elara groaned. "Can you not analyze me like I'm some case study?"

"I'm just saying," Mira said, smirking. "You've got Alec literally showing off for you, and you're staring at Damien."

Elara rubbed her temples. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

Mira grinned. "Nothing's wrong with you. You're just starting to realize that having choices is very complicated."

Before Elara could argue, the crowd erupted into cheers as the game ended. Alec's team had won. Mira stood up, stretching. "Come on, let's go congratulate him."

Elara hesitated but eventually followed. As they made their way down to the field, Alec was already jogging toward them, still in his jersey, sweat dripping down his face. He ran a hand through his hair before stopping right in front of them, his eyes locked onto Elara.

"You made it," he said, slightly breathless but grinning.

Elara nodded. "Told you I would."

Alec's grin widened. "I was starting to think you'd bail."

Mira clapped him on the shoulder. "As if I'd let her."

Alec chuckled, then turned his full attention back to Elara. "Did you have fun?"

Elara smiled. "Actually, yeah. It was… exciting."

Alec looked pleased. "Good. Because I was kind of hoping we could do something after this."

Elara blinked. "Like what?"

Alec hesitated for a second before rubbing the back of his neck. "I was thinking we could grab some food. Just the two of us."

Mira immediately stepped back. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. I'll just… see myself out." She wiggled her fingers at Elara and disappeared into the crowd, leaving her alone with Alec.

Elara swallowed. "You mean… like a date?"

Alec shrugged, his expression easygoing. "If you want to call it that."

Elara felt her heart race. A part of her wanted to say yes. Alec was charming, confident, and undeniably attractive. But then, her mind flickered back to Damien's knowing smirk earlier. And suddenly, she wasn't sure what she was feeling anymore.

She bit her lip. "I… I don't know."

Alec's expression didn't falter. "That's okay. We can just go as friends. No pressure."

Elara hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Okay."

Alec smiled, his confidence unwavering. "Great. I'll grab my stuff, meet you outside?"

She nodded again, and as he jogged back toward his team, she let out a long exhale. This was fine. It was just food. Just a casual hangout. Right?

Or at least, that's what she told herself.

Outside the stadium, the cool night air helped calm her nerves a little. She checked her phone while waiting for Alec, only to find a message waiting for her.

Damien: That was cute. But you and I both know he's not the one you're thinking about.

Elara stared at the screen, heat rushing to her face. She quickly typed back a reply.

Elara: I have no idea what you're talking about.

His response was immediate.

Damien: Sure you don't. Have fun on your 'not a date'.

She groaned, stuffing her phone back into her pocket. Why did he always have to get under her skin like that?

"Elara?"

She turned just as Alec approached, now changed into casual clothes, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever.

"Ready?" he asked, offering her a smile.

Elara forced herself to push Damien's words out of her mind. She had agreed to this. She wanted to enjoy herself.

So she smiled back. "Yeah. Let's go."