Chapter 16

At first, they brushed off the unease that gnawed at the edges of their consciousness. They assured each other that nothing had changed, that their connection was as strong as ever. But as Catalina's role in their lives deepened, cracks began to form in the facade they had meticulously built.

It was a chilly evening when everything unraveled. D'Andre and Taylor found themselves in a familiar spot – a secluded corner of the campus, far from prying eyes. The air was charged with tension, their stolen moments now tainted by the weight of secrecy.

"So, who's the new girl?" Taylor asked, trying to sound nonchalant as he leaned against the wall.

D'Andre's expression remained impassive, but his hesitation was palpable. "Catalina. She's... different. We met a few weeks ago."

Taylor's eyes narrowed, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. "Different how?"

D'Andre hesitated, his gaze flickering away. "She's smart, confident, and she's... interested in me."

Taylor's heart sank, the