A few days passed after Zevian registered for Founders' Week.By the time Auremont University's annual celebration officially began, the campus barely resembled its usual self.Banners hung across the main walkways. Student organizations occupied rows of decorated booths, music echoed from temporary stages, and competitions were being held across nearly every department.Alumni, families, and invited guests moved throughout the campus.Even the athletics field was packed.Zevian looked down at himself.Running shoes.Shorts.Auremont athletic shirt.Then he looked at Miles."Why are you staring?"Miles rubbed his chin."You look professional.""I'm wearing shorts.""Professional shorts."Zevian ignored him.Elara laughed beside them."Still regretting agreeing?""Ask me after lunch.""You haven't even run yet.""Planning ahead."Miles nodded approvingly."That's the spirit."Seraphina, standing nearby, looked toward the track."You should worry about finishing the race first."Zevian

"Absolutely not."Zevian didn't even bother looking at the Music Showcase poster again.Miles followed him."Brother, think about it.""No.""You've already conquered sports and academics.""I ran once and answered questions.""Exactly! Complete the set!""I'm not collecting achievements."Miles clicked his tongue."That's unfortunate."Zevian stopped.Something about Fatty's tone was wrong.Far too calm.He slowly turned.Miles smiled."What?""What did you do?""Nothing.""Miles.""I don't appreciate these baseless accusations.""What did you do?"Miles took one step backward."I may have..."Another step."...submitted your name."Silence.Zevian stared at him.Miles smiled nervously."You signed me up?""Technically, I filled out a form.""With my name.""That is generally how registration works."Zevian took a step forward.Miles immediately ran."FATTY!""I BELIEVED IN YOU!""You wanted to watch me embarrass myself!"Miles sprinted around a Founders' Week booth."Both can be tru

Founders' Week ended with considerably more attention on Zevian Rook than he wanted.The closing ceremony was held the following afternoon.Zevian stood with several other students while Auremont announced the week's results.First place in the hundred-meter sprint.First place for his Academic Challenge team, along with individual recognition for the Challenge Round.And a special performance recognition from the Music Showcase.There were certificates.Prize money.Applause.Far too much applause.By the time Zevian stepped off the stage, Coach Brennan was already waiting."Rook.""No."The coach stopped."I haven't said anything.""Athletics team?""...Yes.""No."Coach Brennan looked personally offended.Professor Laurent approached next."Have you reconsidered joining one of our music ensembles?""No.""You haven't even heard the schedule.""That's why I'm still happy."Professor Laurent laughed.Then Selene appeared.Zevian immediately checked his phone.His Academic Challenge p

"I like you."Seraphina stared at herself in the mirror.Silence.Her expression twisted."No."She tried again."Zevian, I like you."Another pause."Fuck."This was ridiculous.She had spent nineteen days deliberately approaching Zevian Rook.She had flirted with him.Bought him dinner.Taken him to an amusement park.Clung to his arm.Tried making him jealous.Yet three simple words suddenly refused to cooperate.Tell him you like him.Vivienne made it sound easy.Technically, it was only another Love Box strategy.Confess first.Start dating.Give Zevian a reason to believe she was serious.Then make him fall deeply enough to confess before Day Thirty.Simple."I like you."Seraphina closed her eyes."That sounded terrible.""I thought it sounded convincing."Her eyes snapped open.Lyra was standing at the doorway.Silence.Lyra slowly smiled.Seraphina pointed toward the hallway."Leave.""I didn't say anything.""Your face did.""I was supporting you.""Out.""Should I give you

"Zevian, I..."Seraphina's voice stopped.Zevian waited.No teasing.No irritating smile.He had asked her a simple question."Do you actually like me?"Yesterday, she would have hidden behind another maybe.Weeks ago, she had given him a very clear no.Today...Seraphina was tired of lying."Yes."Zevian's expression changed slightly.Seraphina swallowed."I like you."There.She said it.Three words.The same three words she'd spent the entire morning rehearsing yesterday.This time, there was no mirror.No Vivienne.No Love Box girls waiting nearby.Only Zevian.And for some reason, saying it to him felt considerably more frightening than anything she'd done during the game.Zevian studied her."You're sure this time?"Seraphina's pride immediately protested."What do you mean, this time?""You told me a very clear no before.""...""And yesterday you said maybe."Seraphina looked away."I changed my mind.""Twice?""Do you want me to take it back?""No."Her eyes returned to him.