"Let's go through the list again, I wonder if we missed something," Lexi said to Mindy right before taking a sip of her coffee. The girls were sitting outside the computer science building on one of the park benches, waiting to go to their next class. The weather had cooled down significantly over the past few weeks and they were already fast approaching the end of October.

While time was flying by, barely any progress was being made on the work front. The group was starting to realize the mission they had taken on was seemingly more impossible with each passing day. And it didn't help that Hasan's patience was getting thinner each week they didn't have any positive news. Based on conversations with him, they suspected that he would likely start giving into the hacker's demands if they weren't able to give him anything soon. And if that happened, they'd be out of money faster than a blink of an eye.

"Leah," Mindy said after flipping the page in front of her. "She doesn't have any records of criminal history. When I asked her about her programming skills, she looked scared. In her free time, she likes playing video games, specifically Call of Duty. And she's never watched Love Island."

Lexi laughed. "I'm so glad you're writing down what reality shows people have and haven't watched. That will definitely help us solve the case."

"It helps me remember who they are! By the way, have you caught up on the last season? There's a guy in it named Tom and all the girls are in love with him. It reminds me of..."

"Mindy!" Lexi's mouth opened in a playful gasp.

Mindy giggled and her eyes traveled to something behind Lexi. "Speaking of..."

Lexi twisted abruptly and spotted Tom walking toward the computer science building. He had on a white button down and gray slacks and a messenger tote slung over his shoulder. She drunk up every inch of him and as their eyes landed on each other, they both gave a knowing smile.

While nothing had happened between them physically since the night of the Marvel movie, they had texted nearly every single day. Some days they would talk on the phone for hours discussing random topics. Slowly, Tom was permeating every inch of Lexi's life and she knew she was falling. Hard.

The more they got to know each other, the more desperate she was to tell him everything. She wondered how long she would be able to keep up the charade. Yet, she knew her family would never look at her the same if something slipped. So she settled for throwing herself into work, trying to solve the case as soon as possible.

Tom continued to walk into the building and brought his phone out as he disappeared through the door. Immediately a sound alerted Lexi to an incoming text.

Ron: You look so beautiful today. I like that dress on you.

Tom would send those types of texts frequently. And sometimes during the quiet self-study moments in class. Lexi's cheeks never failed to warm upon receiving them. She quickly typed out a response.

Hermione: I was hoping I'd see you today. You don't look so bad yourself.

"You're so in love, girl! I've never seen you like this!" Mindy interrupted Lexi's thoughts.

"What? Love? That feels...I don't know." Lexi laughed nervously as Mindy continued to eye her.

"I've never seen you this happy, Lex. I'm so, so happy for you!" Mindy reached over and squeezed Lexi's hand.

"Thanks, Mind. I can't stop thinking about him. Maybe that is love? I don't know. I've never felt like this before. All I know is I want to be with him."

Mindy smiled widely and nodded as if she were a proud mom.

"Mind, what about you? Are you in love? Are you still texting that guy that you refuse to give me any details about? I'm still annoyed about that, by the way."

Mindy's smile faltered. "Um, yeah, we are still texting. And I can't say anything, yet. Once I know for sure, you'll be the first to know! I promise!"

"Ugh, fine! I'll pretend I'm not mad about it!" While a part of her was annoyed at Mindy for not telling her who the mysterious person was, she knew better than to pry. Mindy rarely came across someone she was truly interested in and if there was an inkling of something with mystery guy, then that definitely meant something.

As the girls were making their way to their next class, Lexi's phone vibrated again.

Ron: Come see me after your next class. There's something I want to give you.

Lexi couldn't contain the smile that emerged. A buzz made its way through her as she entered Professor Magnolia's classroom.

***

As soon as class got out, Lexi sprinted up the stairs. She made her way to the long row of faculty offices, but stopped abruptly when she saw her mom talking to a faculty member in the hallway. Oh my God, what is Mom doing here?

Scarlett glanced over and a smile lit her face up upon seeing Lexi. "I have to talk to this student, but nice chatting with you," Scarlett said to the older woman in front of her. She made her way to Lexi who was still frozen at the top of the stairs unsure of what to do next.

"Lex," Scarlett whispered, "What are you doing here?"

"Uh, I-um, I need to meet with a teacher. Uh, what are you doing here? This isn't your building." Lexi hoped she didn't come across as accusatory as she sounded to herself. Shit, stop fidgeting, Lex.

"I had a meeting with another faculty member and figured I'd need to start scoping out this side of campus anyway."

Lexi quickly shook her head. "I got this side, Mom. No need to worry about it." Scarlett made a face, and Lexi continued. "Anyways, I have a meeting with a professor, so I'll see you tomorrow for our regroup."

"Okay, dear," Scarlett said with a tinge of hesitation. "What-"

"Bye Mom," Lexi interrupted and sprinted down the hallway to Tom's office. Once she reached it she slammed the door closed behind her. That was too close for comfort.

Tom got up from his seat and laughed. "That's one way not to draw any attention," he said.

Lexi took a deep breath and set her bag down beside her. She knew her mom would question her later for being skittish, but later was still a ways away. "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Her hands were still trembling slightly as she locked Tom's door.

"That's alright." His smile seemed to melt every thought away. He made his way to her and enveloped her in a big hug. Tingles shot along every nerve ending as they embraced. "Hi," he said while leaning his forehead against hers. His minty breath mixed with hers and his sandalwood cologne sent her hormones into a frenzy.

"Hi," was all Lexi managed to respond with. Given they hadn't physically touched for over a month, every siren rang throughout her body.

"Sorry, I know this is technically against our rules, but I wanted to give you something. I didn't realize how hard it would be not to touch you if we were alone."

Lexi smiled and leaned back. "What is it?"

Tom let go of her and Lexi instantly felt colder. He went behind his desk and grabbed a small purple box with a bow tied around it. "I saw this and thought of you." He handed her the box and Lexi's insides melted.

"Can I open it now?" she asked excitedly.

Tom simply nodded and leaned back on his desk. Lexi swiftly tore loose the ribbon and opened the top of the box. An intricately detailed golden necklace with a gold pearl as the charm and two gold wings flared out from it was nestled in black shiny bedding. "Oh my God, is this a Golden Snitch?"

Tom smiled sheepishly and nodded his head. "It was either this or a Quidditch broomstick one, but I figured this one in gold might fit better."

"This is so sweet, thank you so much, Tom. I love it."

"You do?" Tom asked before revealing a boyish grin.

Lexi nodded. "I love it so much. Can you help me put it on?" She set the box down on his desk and unclasped the necklace before handing it to Tom. Once he clasped it back together over her she spun to face him. "How does it look on?" She fiddled with the mini charm in between her fingers.

"Great." He cleared his throat. "Really great."

By now they were mere inches away from each other, and Lexi gently brought her lips up to meet his. Her heart rate picked up as Tom quickly took over and deepened the kiss. Oh, how I've missed these lips!

She parted from the contact, and took a deep breath in trying to steady herself. "Again, thank you for the gift. I seriously love it," she said with a hoarse voice.

Tom nodded and took a step back. Looking down, Lexi realized just how much their brief kiss had impacted him from the bulge strained against his pants. Her cheeks buzzed and she swiftly shifted her gaze. It seemed that Tom noticed the state he was in, but he simply laughed it off. "Sorry, my mind is just running wild right now." He sighed and made his way to his office seat. "Are we still on for tonight?"

"I-um, tonight..." Lexi paused to think about it, still reeling from what she just saw and heard. You're at school, Lex! Don't go there!

Tom laughed. "The Halloween party we texted about last week?"

"Oh, yes! I got my costume ready to go," Lexi said and smiled. Tom's brother, Greg had invited both of them to his annual Halloween party at Sky Residences. At first, Lexi was hesitant to agree, but Tom and her had been doing so well the past few weeks, she figured it might be fun to go as friends. Just friends for now. That kiss a minute ago was just a thank you.

"Great, we'll meet at my place at seven. I'll text you the address." Tom's smile widened.

Lexi nodded. "Sounds good."

Tom mirrored her nod with a wide grin still plastered across his face. "Cool."

"Cool. Um, bye Tom. See you later."

"Bye, Hannah."

***

Alright, things are going to move quick in the next few chapters. Get ready! Thanks for reading, voting, and commenting! ♥️