The café plunged into a thick, suffocating silence. The tension in the air was sharp, a blade pressed against Christy's skin.
Nathan's expression shifted entirely. The usual teasing arrogance faded, replaced by something darker, controlled, but dangerous.
"Let. Her. Go." His voice was low, each word deliberate. Not loud, not aggressive, just a quiet warning that sent a chill down Christy's spine.
Jeff's grip on her wrist tightened. Just enough to make her wince.
"This isn't your business, man," Jeff muttered, but his voice wavered slightly.
Nathan exhaled slowly, his posture deceptively relaxed. He rolled his shoulders, as if he had all the time in the world. But his eyes? His eyes were sharp, calculating.
"See, that's where you're wrong," Nathan said coolly. "You're making a scene. And I don't like when people cause problems in places I'm trying to enjoy my night."
Jeff scoffed. "Yeah? And what are you gonna do about it?"
Christy felt the shift before she even saw it.
Nathan moved fast, so fast that Jeff didn't have time to react. In one swift motion, he grabbed Jeff's arm and twisted it back just enough to make him grunt in pain.
"Okay, okay! Chill, man!" Jeff hissed, fingers finally releasing Christy's wrist.
She stumbled back, pressing a hand to her chest, her pulse hammering.
Nathan didn't let go immediately. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping lower. "You don't put your hands on her. Ever."
Jeff yanked his arm free, glaring. "You think you're tough, rich boy?"
Nathan smirked. "I don't think. I know."
Christy barely breathed.
Jeff clenched his jaw but didn't dare retaliate. Instead, he turned to her, his expression unreadable, anger? Desperation? A silent warning?
"This isn't over," Jeff muttered before storming out of the café, the door slamming behind him.
The moment he was gone, it was as if a snapped wire had released the tension. Conversations resumed around them, the world moving again but Christy wasn't sure if she could.
She felt a presence beside her and turned. Nathan was watching her.
"You okay?" His voice had softened, the usual cockiness absent.
Christy nodded, even though her hands trembled slightly. "I'm fine."
Nathan's gaze flickered to her wrist. His jaw tightened.
"Good," he said, stretching his arms like nothing had just happened. "Because that guy's an idiot."
Christy shot him a glare. "You didn't have to get involved."
Nathan arched a brow. "You're welcome?"
She huffed, rubbing her wrist where Jeff had grabbed her. "I had it under control."
Nathan's lips twitched, but there was something unreadable in his gaze. "Right. Because letting your loser boyfriend push you around is totally 'under control.'"
"He's not…" She stopped herself, exhaling sharply. "Forget it. Just don't get involved again."
Nathan studied her. "You know, for someone who clearly needed help, you have a terrible way of showing gratitude. Not even a single thank you?"
Christy crossed her arms. "I don't need a rich boy playing hero in my life, okay? I can handle myself."
Nathan leaned in slightly, smirking. "Sure you can, sweetheart."
Her stomach twisted in irritation. "And stop calling me that."
Before Nathan could respond, a voice interrupted them.
"Christy, everything okay here?"
She turned to see Kate standing near the counter, arms crossed, eyes sharp as they darted between Christy and Nathan.
Kate. Always sharp. Always observant. And right now, she was clearly picking up on the strange energy between them.
Christy forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Jeff just… left." She hesitated. "He was being… Jeff."
Kate narrowed her eyes. "That guy is trash. I don't know why you still let him show up here."
"I don't," Christy muttered. "He just does."
Kate's gaze flicked to Nathan. "And what's your deal?"
Nathan grinned, completely unfazed. "Oh, just enjoying the show."
Kate wasn't amused. "Right." She looked back at Christy. "Let me know if you need me to handle anything."
Christy nodded. "Thanks, Kate."
Kate shot Nathan one last wary glance before walking off.
Nathan leaned against the counter again, smirking. "Your friend doesn't like me very much."
"She's smart," Christy shot back.
Nathan chuckled. "Ouch."
She sighed, rubbing her temple. "Look, just go home, Nathan. It's late, and I have work to finish."
Nathan studied her for a moment before pushing off the counter. "Fine. But if Jeff ever tries that again…"
"He won't," Christy interrupted, her voice firmer than she felt. "And it's none of your business."
Nathan held her gaze for a second longer, then shrugged. "Suit yourself."
With that, he turned and strolled toward the door. But just before stepping outside, he glanced back with a lazy grin.
"See you around, partner."
And then, he was gone.
Christy let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
She should've felt relieved.
But instead, all she felt was uneasy.
Time Passes
Nathan and Christy actually started working well together.
Their late-night study sessions became less about arguing and more about collaboration. Nathan, as much as she hated to admit it, was sharp when he applied himself.
And when their grades were released, they had gotten the highest score in the entire class.
Kate teased her endlessly about it.
"Admit it," she said one afternoon as they sat on the campus lawn, reviewing for finals. "You don't totally hate Nathan anymore."
Christy rolled her eyes. "I just tolerate him."
Kate smirked. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that."
But whatever strange partnership had formed between her and Nathan, it didn't last forever.
Graduation came faster than she expected.
The three of them, Christy, Nathan, and Kate stood together in their caps and gowns, tossing them into the air with laughter.
She thought she'd feel different.
But in the end, reality remained the same.
Her mother was still sick. Her responsibilities still waited.
And Jeff?
She finally broke up with him. Hoping he would stay gone.
But Jeff wasn't the only person she cut ties with.
Nathan went his own way.
And before she knew it, their paths stopped crossing.
She wasn't sure if it was intentional or just life pulling them in different directions.
Either way, it was over.
Their story had ended.
Or at least, that's what she thought.
Because fate wasn't done with them yet.