CHAPTER 16

The excitement from the race still buzzed through me as I ran back toward the medical tent, my face burning from all the unexpected hugging. I couldn't believe I had actually thrown my arms around Zayn—and two completely random people from the tent—before realizing what I had done and bolting away like a total coward.

Now, I sat in the medical tent, pretending to be busy organizing supplies while very much avoiding eye contact with anyone.

"Ari, you're oddly quiet," Fay teased, plopping down beside me. She was still breathless from her win, but her grin hadn't faded one bit. "Did Zayn smell bad or something?"

I shot her a glare. "Shut up, Fay."

"I mean, you ran like you were escaping a crime scene," Blair added, laughing as she leaned into her boyfriend's side. "It was actually impressive."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "It was the adrenaline! I wasn't thinking!"

"Mhm," Fay hummed knowingly. "Adrenaline made you hug him specifically?"

"I hugged others too!" I defended. "I was just—caught up in the moment!"

Blair snickered. "Sure, sure. Caught up in the moment with Zayn Carter."

I refused to dignify that with an answer.

Instead, I turned my focus toward the field, watching the remaining races. The sports meet was wrapping up, with the final few events taking place. Cole had left to get his medal, Fay was busy drinking all the water she could get her hands on, and Blair was happily chatting with her boyfriend.

That left me alone with my thoughts.

And, unfortunately, with the feeling that someone was still watching me.

I subtly glanced toward the bleachers and spotted Mateo.

His expression was unreadable, but I could feel the annoyance rolling off him in waves.

What's his problem now?

I debated ignoring it, pushing it away as nothing, but something about the way he was staring made my instincts hum with caution.

Still, I turned back to Fay and Blair, brushing it off.

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Later That Evening

By the time the day ended, I was exhausted.

After helping clean up at the medical tent, I met up with Fay, Cole, and Blair outside the school gates. The sun was already starting to set, casting everything in warm orange light.

"So," Fay stretched, looking as energetic as ever despite having run a full race. "Are we celebrating our win or what?"

"Obviously," Blair said, grinning. "But I vote we do it tomorrow. I'm so done for today."

I nodded in agreement. "Same. I just wanna sleep."

"Boring," Fay pouted, but she didn't argue. "Fine. Tomorrow it is. Same café as always?"

"Sounds good," I said, shifting my bag over my shoulder.

"Alright, see you guys tomorrow then," Cole said, slinging an arm around Fay's shoulders in a half-hug before walking off. Blair and her boyfriend left together, leaving me standing there for a moment, breathing in the cool air.

The day had been... eventful.

With one last glance around, I made my way home, my thoughts a tangled mess.

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The Next Day

I almost forgot about the whole hugging incident. Almost.

That was until I walked into school the next morning and spotted Zayn leaning against his locker, his varsity jacket casually slung over his shoulders.

I immediately turned in the opposite direction.

Nope. Not dealing with that today.

Unfortunately, fate—or, more accurately, Fay—had other plans.

"Ari!" she called, jogging up beside me. "Aren't you gonna say hi to your new favorite person?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said flatly.

"Oh, come on!" she nudged me playfully. "You can't just hug a guy and then pretend he doesn't exist the next day."

"Watch me."

Before Fay could argue, someone stepped in front of us.

Mateo.

"Calloway," he greeted, his tone casual—but his eyes weren't.

I tensed slightly. "Mateo."

"Got a minute?" he asked.

Fay side-eyed me, then him. "For what?"

Mateo ignored her. "Just wanted to talk."

I sighed, already done with whatever this was. "Make it quick."

"You seemed...close to Carter yesterday," he said smoothly. "Didn't know you were the hugging type."

My patience was already thin. "And?"

"And I'm just wondering if you've finally decided to start picking favorites," he continued, crossing his arms. "You ran straight to him, after all."

I clenched my fists. "Are you seriously mad about that?"

"Not mad," Mateo corrected. "Just curious."

Fay scoffed. "Curious about what? Who Ari hugs? That's a you problem, Mateo."

He ignored her again, eyes locked onto mine.

I was seconds away from snapping—but then, a familiar voice cut in.

"Problem?"

Zayn.

He had perfect timing, apparently.

Mateo turned to him, and for a moment, there was a silent exchange between them.

Zayn was standing relaxed, hands in his pockets, but his presence alone was enough to shift the air.

"Nothing," Mateo finally said, stepping back. "Just talking."

"Didn't look like it," Zayn said lazily, his gaze steady. "But if you're done, Calloway's got places to be."

Mateo's jaw twitched slightly, but he didn't say anything else.

Instead, he shot me one last look before walking off.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "Great. Now I have two guys keeping tabs on me."

Zayn raised a brow. "Two?"

"Forget it," I muttered. "Thanks, though."

"No problem," he said, his tone still light. Then, after a pause, "You always get into this much trouble before lunch?"

"Apparently," I sighed. "It's a skill."

Zayn smirked. "Impressive."

Fay leaned over to me, grinning. "Awww, look at you guys bonding."

I groaned. "I hate you."

"No, you don't," she sang.

I really did.