Shifting Dynamics

The second semester had barely begun, yet everything already felt different. It wasn't a drastic change—more like a subtle shift, an underlying current that Victoria couldn't ignore.

Somewhere along the way, the once easygoing, close-knit friend group had split into smaller subgroups.

Damon was suddenly around all the time. It wasn't unusual for him to be near her during classes, but now he was showing up at the library, sitting with them during meals, and even joining their weekend outings.

Grayson, on the other hand, was around less.

Victoria noticed it first when she sent him a meme and, for the first time, didn't get an immediate response. Then it was his absence from their usual post-class study sessions. Eventually, she realized that he had started spending most of his time with Kimber, Mylo, and Harry.

Kimber noticed it too.

"He's avoiding you," she stated one afternoon while they were getting coffee.

Victoria frowned. "No, he's not."

Kimber gave her a knowing look. "Tori, you don't have to pretend you don't see it."

Victoria sighed. "He said he's okay with everything."

Kimber arched a brow. "And you believed him?"

Victoria hesitated, then admitted, "I wanted to."

Kimber stirred her drink thoughtfully. "I think he's keeping his distance because he doesn't know how to deal with it. Seeing you and Damon together isn't easy for him."

Victoria frowned. "But we're not together."

Kimber gave her a pointed look. "Tell that to Damon."

Victoria was in the library, sitting at her usual spot by the window, when Damon appeared.

"Sunshine," he greeted, sliding into the seat across from her.

Victoria raised a brow. "You know, you don't even pretend to be surprised to see me here anymore."

Damon smirked. "That's because I expect it now."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "What are you doing here?"

He leaned back. "Just felt like annoying you."

"Mission accomplished."

Damon chuckled, then eyed her book. "What are you reading?"

She closed it slightly so he could see the cover.

Damon hummed. "You and your romance novels."

Victoria tilted her head. "What's wrong with romance?"

"Nothing," he admitted. "I just prefer the real thing."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she ignored it. "And yet, you spend more time teasing me than actually trying to experience it."

Damon smirked. "Oh, I experience plenty, Sunshine."

Victoria rolled her eyes.

Before she could respond, Aspen appeared, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Guys! I have news!"

Victoria and Damon exchanged glances before Victoria asked, "What's up?"

Aspen grinned. "I have a boyfriend."

Victoria's eyes widened. "Wait, what?!"

Damon raised an eyebrow. "That was fast."

Aspen huffed. "It wasn't fast! We've been talking for a while now. His name is Aryan, he's Indian, and he's Gorgeous."

Victoria smiled. "That's amazing, Aspen. I'm happy for you."

Damon smirked. "Should we expect a double date invite?"

Aspen wiggled her eyebrows. "Depends. Are you two—"

"No," Victoria cut in.

Damon just chuckled.

Aspen grinned. "Whatever you say."

Aspen wasn't the only one with an update. That night, while they were all gathered in the common room, Aria made an announcement.

"I'm in a talking stage."

Kimber perked up. "With who?"

"Kaiden," Aria said with a shy smile.

Victoria grinned. "That's amazing! Tell us everything."

Aria beamed. "We met over break, and we've been texting ever since. He's really sweet, and I think I like him."

Aspen clapped. "Triple date incoming!"

Aria laughed. "Let me at least meet him properly first."

Kimber smirked. "Sounds like things are getting interesting."

Victoria was happy for them, but it also made her realize that while everyone else was moving forward, she was still stuck between two people.

One thing that had become increasingly clear was that Grayson and Kimber had grown closer. They shared inside jokes, sat together during group hangouts, and walked across campus deep in conversation.

Victoria didn't know why it bothered her.

"They've been close lately," Aspen commented one day.

Victoria shrugged. "Yeah."

Aspen gave her a look. "And?"

"And what?"

Aspen smirked. "You sure you're okay with that?"

Victoria frowned. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Aspen leaned back. "No reason."

Victoria sighed. "Aspen, I don't—"

"I know," Aspen interrupted. "But watching them together is getting to you, isn't it?"

Victoria didn't answer.

Aspen grinned. "That's all the answer I need."

Later that evening, Victoria ran into Grayson near their dorms.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hey," he replied, adjusting his glasses.

She hesitated before saying, "You've been busy."

Grayson nodded. "Yeah. Hanging out with Kimber, Mylo, and Harry a lot."

Victoria frowned. "Because of Damon?"

Grayson glanced at her. "Would it matter if it was?"

Victoria sighed. "Grayson…"

He stopped walking, turning to face her. "What do you want me to say, Tori?"

"I don't know."

Grayson exhaled. "I told you. I'm not going to push you. But I can't pretend it doesn't affect me."

Victoria looked down. "I don't want things to be weird."

Grayson's voice softened. "Me neither."

But the silence that followed said otherwise.

Just as Victoria was about to go to bed that night, her phone buzzed.

Damon: Midnight walk?

She hesitated before replying.

Victoria: Why?

Damon: Because you need it.

Curious, she grabbed a hoodie and stepped outside. Damon was waiting, hands in his pockets, a smirk on his face.

"You always know when something's on my mind," she muttered.

Damon chuckled. "You're easy to read, Sunshine."

She sighed. "Everything's changing."

"It's called college," he teased.

She shot him a look. "You know what I mean."

Damon was quiet for a moment before saying, "Grayson, huh?"

Victoria hesitated before nodding.

Damon smirked, but it wasn't mocking. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know."

Damon stopped walking and turned to face her. "Then figure it out, Sunshine. Before someone else makes the choice for you."

His words lingered long after she returned to her dorm.