It happened during lunch.
Autumn was sitting under the big oak tree near the field, sketchbook open on her lap.
She liked the quiet there.
Most people stayed near the cafeteria.
Unfortunately, someone new decided to join her.
"Hey."
She looked up.
A boy from her math class.
Evan Carter.
"Hi."
He sat down beside her without asking.
"What are you drawing?"
"Nothing finished yet."
"Can I see?"
She hesitated, then turned the page slightly.
Evan whistled.
"That's really good."
"Thanks."
He leaned a little closer.
"You should draw me sometime."
Autumn smiled politely.
"I don't usually take requests."
"Come on," he said with a grin. "I'll model." She chuckled.
Across the courtyard, Luca stopped walking.
Because he had just noticed something.
Autumn.
Laughing.
With another guy.
Something tight twisted in his chest.
Mason followed his gaze.
"Uh oh," he muttered.
"What?"
"You've got the look."
"What look?"
"The jealous one."
Luca didn't respond.
He just kept staring at the boy sitting a little too close to Autumn.
His jaw tightened. "Who is that?"