CHAPTER 13

The second Cole's race ended, Fay took off like a bullet, practically flying across the field to reach him. I watched her nearly trip over her own excitement before throwing her arms around him in a quick hug—then immediately stepping back like it never happened.

Cole, catching his breath, gave her an amused smile. "That was fast. I didn't know you could run that quick."

Fay huffed. "I had to! You were amazing! Second place is still so good!"

Cole chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I'll try harder next time."

I shook my head at them and turned back to the medical kit, shifting through the supplies to keep myself occupied. The meet was still ongoing, which meant there were bound to be more injuries.

Unfortunately, I didn't expect my next patient to be this particular idiot.

"Ari."

The voice was enough to make me pause, already filling me with irritation. I looked up and, of course—Mateo.

With a scratch on his arm.

Not a deep cut. Not even a serious wound. Just a pathetic little scrape, barely enough to count as an injury.

I raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Mateo grinned, holding his arm out dramatically. "Couldn't stay away from you, so I figured I'd get injured."

I exhaled sharply. "I highly doubt that."

He plopped himself down beside me, watching as I reluctantly grabbed the antiseptic wipes. "You know, you should be honored," he said, his voice full of mock sincerity. "I don't let just anyone treat my wounds."

I deadpanned. "It's a paper cut, Mateo. You're being so dramatic."

"Hey, I'm injured," he said, flashing a smirk. "You should be more gentle with me."

I pressed the antiseptic wipe against his arm harder than necessary.

Mateo hissed, flinching. "Ow! Damn,you got some anger issues, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "You deserved that."

He chuckled. "That's what I love about you, Calloway. Always got that fire."

I didn't respond, too busy slapping a bandaid on his arm in record time. "There. You're fine. Now leave."

Mateo gave the bandaid an exaggerated look, flexing his arm like I had performed some miracle surgery. "Wow. This is top-tier medical care. Think I should come back tomorrow?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Think you should walk away before I actually hurt you."

Mateo just laughed,standing up with a lazy smirk. "See you later, Calloway."

I exhaled in relief, glad to be done with him—

But something made me look up.

And that's when I saw him.

Zayn.

Leaning against the railing, arms crossed, eyes unreadable.

Except, this time, his gaze was on me.

Watching.

Studying.

Like he had seen everything.

A strange heat crept up my neck, but I quickly turned back to the medical kit, pretending I didn't just make eye contact with him.

Great. Just great.

Like I needed another problem today.