CHAPTER 41: From the Sidelines

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Chapter 41: From the Sidelines

Marcus

"I'm telling you," Marcus said, tossing popcorn into his mouth, "Calvin is so gone."

Lina rolled her eyes. "He's not gone. He's emotionally invested."

"Same thing when it's Calvin."

They sat on the dorm couch, watching old footage from the psych exhibition. Marcus paused the video at the part where Calvin subtly shifted closer to Daisy.

"See that?" he said, grinning. "Body language doesn't lie."

Lina leaned back, arms crossed. "Daisy's harder to read. She's like a locked journal. Pretty, but... pages sealed."

He glanced at her. "Maybe she's just waiting for someone worth unlocking it for."

"Hmm," Lina murmured, but her tone was thoughtful.

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Lina

She hadn't told anyone, but she noticed the little things. The way Daisy looked over her shoulder when walking alone. The way her laugh sounded different when Calvin was near—like it startled her.

"She's scared," Lina said softly.

Marcus looked at her. "Of him?"

"No," she said. "Of what she feels with him."

He nodded slowly. "That's fair. Real feelings don't come with instructions."

Lina's voice dipped. "Nope. Just consequences."

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