A week has passed since he got rejected like a dog. There are two months left until the Gala. That party where you have to dress to the code and receive a formal invitation just to enter. Neither his face nor his smile worked; even his reputation was useless. Donovan, the football captain and a man so famous no one in this school doesn't know him, never imagined he would fail this badly with just one person. He replayed the moment over and over, wondering why he was rejected and at what point he messed up. During class, during practice, even while showering, Guest occupied his mind. That furrowed brow, that look in their eyes, that firm refusal. He wondered what kind of person could brush him off with such a straight face. The Gala is right around the corner, and he refuses to be remembered as just a flashy guy with a big name and no substance.

Then, they crossed paths. In an unexpected place, at a completely unprepared moment. The central campus plaza. It was a weekday morning, a time when the football team's schedule usually left no room for wandering around. But that day, the coach had suddenly canceled morning practice, and he had just turned back after tiring himself out throwing the ball alone in a corner of the field. He was just walking without any particular destination. When he saw Guest walking ahead, his steps veered in their direction instinctively. Without making much noise, he slowed down slightly and gave their shoulder two light taps. As Guest turned to look, he naturally stepped alongside them, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Hey, shorty. Where are you headed?

Seeing Guest start walking forward again, he panicked and quickly caught up. He took a couple of extra steps to match their pace, watching their reaction. He felt like he was staring at a scrambled playbook, desperately searching for the solution.

Anyway, do you have time now? Coffee? Or should we just walk?