Christian's POV

It was early in the morning, October would be rolling in a week and a half's time. I walked to training along with an over energised Adrian. The coach made it very clear that he wanted all of our asses right on time. When we were in the training, Adrian was nothing but my teammate. Captaincy made me learn that no matter what or how much you dislike that person, once you are in the game, you are one. That's what happened to me and Adrian. After a hard training, when the coach demanded a trial game, that's when I realised how much fun it was to play alongside Adrian. Last time when I played against him, I was induced with competitive spirit but it was the time when we were playing on the same sides.  And to be honest, I never thought our coordination would be so smooth. Even something better than I had with my best buddy in my highschool days. Even referring to my ex-best friend, James, I felt ashamed of myself. The horrible things he did and the time be betrayed, the time when he tried to kill Blaire, joining hands with my cousin, it was disgusting.

“Hey, wanna grab a coffee before class?” Adrian asked.

“Yeah,” I replied with a half-smile.

The door chimed as soon as we pushed the door and entered the café. We found it almost empty. We ordered two lattes and engaged in small talk. I was a very reserved person. I wasn't the type to make close friends that easy and share details of life with them. Yet when Adrian asked, “So, where are you from?”

“Originally, from L.A. but grew up in San Diego basically,” I replied without much hesitation.

“What about you?”

“Brooklyn. It's not that far though,” a sly smile played on his lips.

“Yeah. I know.”

“Have you been to New York before?” he asked.

“Yeah. A couple of times. Formal purpose,” I shrugged.

“Oh!”

“Nothing compared to California's sun," I grinned.

“Agreed, but New York is beautiful too although the climates are bit extreme,” he debated.

“Hey, shall we grab the breakfast?" I proposed, looking down at my watch. I know very unusual of me.

While we had our breakfasts, I also had pancakes packed for Blaire. She'd be more than happy. I felt like, we are similar in many ways. While leaving the cafe, I made a mental note to visit the villa and get myself a ride. Of course, we had a villa in New York and office too, cause business wasn't just trapped in any geographical boundaries.

“Hey,” I greeted nonchalantly as I walked in the dorm but my jaw dropped again as I watched her judge herself in the mirror wearing a slim fit jeans.

“Enough, missy. You look more than fine,” I drawled.

She raised an eyebrow at my unusual compliment and narrowed her eyes at me. She continued observing herself from different angles but I caught her attention with, “I got pancakes.”

She grabbed it happily and started eating her breakfast. To be honest, the morning workout, that training and game, it all added to my energised morning.

BLAIRE's POV

I hadn't seen enough of Adrian during the day. I had a couple of classes with Christian that day and he was his cocky usual self all day. Sometimes I felt like I needed a break from him. A real break. I walked in for my piano class when I saw Adrian. He glanced at me and passed me a smile. I saw him whispering to the girls who sat between us and soon the chairs shifted and they swapped places.

“Hey,” he whispered softly and I passed him a warm smile.

“You coming over for the assignment tonight right?” I asked in an utterly low voice, doubtful he could even hear.

“Yeah.”

“Good. I have something to talk to,” I glanced at him.

“Yeah. The feeling's mutual,” he grinned.

I couldn't help but feel a little anxious or maybe curious about what he had to say. We had a lot of electives there and I shared at least one class with the rest of the guys. Austin was as close as forever and observing his desperation to pursue Isabella had me really excited. I mean, just think about it. Your closest friend with your cousin, like family and friends together in a package. I promised to help him later, so, I left right after the class and texted him -

- Where are you?

Austy -
Come by the café, down the street.

Getting his instant reply, I left the campus and headed down the street. I sat right in front of him, tapping my fingers on the small round glass table.

“Spill the tea, little brother,” I cooed.

“Stop calling me that. I'm just a month younger -,”

“ -And that makes you my little brother,” I pointed out, “Anyways, focus on the topic, little brother. I don't have hours for you,” I snapped playfully.

“Okay, so...um...I find that friend of yours very charming," he said pulling an endearing grin, “and-”

“ - uh... shouldn't it be the other way round?" I mocked, interrupting him as I pulled my lips in an adorable pout.

“Not everyone can be a prince charming I guess,” his lips pressed into a thin line.

“Aww, don't be sad,” I cooed, “so, what do you want me to do?” I asked.

“Look, I have tried to leave hints alright and you know lead her but she seems like a very private person - ”

“ -oh! That she is,” I interrupted him again.

“Yeah,” he threw her hands in exasperation.

“Last time I checked, she was the nerd and she's the very shy and lonely type.” He nodded.

“And by last time, I mean eight grade. So, take things slow -”

“Don't advice me on that," he said cutting me off.

“Okay," I said getting up.

“Dear, cousin, I didn't mean it that way,” he said in a sugar-coated tone.

“Listen, Austy, you're more than a prince charming. Like, look at your cheery self and goddamn that smile,” I said and he flashed me a perfect grin, “and good lord, look at those crinkles when you smile -,”

“I know," his voice over-estimating him.

“Alright, I have boasted your ego enough. All I meant is, go, ask her out. She won't turn you down.”

“You sure?” he asked for reassurance.

I nodded. “Tips - She hates Rom-Com. So you know do nothing overrated and don't take her to hopelessly romantic movies and stuff.”

He nodded, taking notes as understanding seeped through his day brain.

“She likes sports,” I said gulping the last nite of my pudding and got up.

“Thanks, cousin,” he yelled back.

I was on my way to the dorm when I noticed the time on my phone. Adrian's gonna come over soon. I entered the room to a studying-Christian.

“Impressive," I whispered as I raised an eyebrow at him.

I peered into his sheets and asked, “Isn't is that paired assignment thing?”

“Yeah.” I frowned.

“I like to do things on my own way, unlike you," he continued.

I opened my mouth to reply but a knock called my attention.

“I'll get it.”

“Of course you will," I heard Chris whisper under his breath. He was confusing to me, most of the time.

I would be lying if I tell that I wasn't very surprised to see Adrian standing with flowers in one hand and assignments in the other.