Jordan wasn't sure how long he stood there, just staring at Izzie like she was some kind of mirage. It didn't make sense. The last time they'd talked-really talked-she was still at UCLA, living out her dream as a college cheerleader. They had texted here and there, but life happened. Football, classes, Simone... everything had gotten in the way. And now, out of nowhere, she was standing in front of him like no time had passed at all.

He shook his head, finally finding his voice. "What are you doing here?"

Izzie chuckled, shifting her duffel bag higher on her shoulder. "Transferring schools usually involves, you know, actually showing up."

Jordan's eyebrows lifted. "Wait-so you're at GAU now?"

"Ding, ding, ding. Give the man a prize." She flashed him a teasing grin. "I start this semester. Got a spot on the cheer team and everything."

Jordan let out a low whistle, impressed but not surprised. Izzie had always been a beast when it came to cheerleading-one of the most determined and talented people he knew. If she set her mind to something, she made it happen.

He folded his arms. "And you didn't think to tell me?"

She shrugged. "Thought about it. But then I figured, why ruin the fun of a dramatic, unexpected reunion?"

Jordan rolled his eyes but couldn't fight the smile tugging at his lips. Same old Izzie.

"Seriously though," he said, shifting his weight, "it's good to see you."

Her smirk softened. "You too, J." Then, her eyes flickered over him, taking in the tension in his shoulders, the exhaustion he was trying-and failing-to hide. "So... what's up with you? You look like you've been living in this gym."

His jaw tightened. He didn't want to get into it-not here, not now. But this was Izzie. If there was one person who could see through his walls, it was her.

He exhaled heavily. "It's... a long story."

Izzie tilted her head, studying him for a moment before nodding. "Lucky for you, I've got time." She gestured toward the gym doors. "C'mon, let's grab food. I know you're not about to say no to a burger."

Jordan hesitated, but only for a second. The idea of sitting alone in his dorm, overthinking everything, wasn't appealing. And honestly, seeing Izzie again felt like a lifeline-something familiar in a world that suddenly felt off-balance.

He slung his towel over his shoulder. "Alright, let's go."

As they walked out of the gym together, a small part of him wondered if this was exactly what he needed. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.