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Panel 1: Scene – The school hallways. Lila walks with Theo and Kai, both of them still trying to outdo each other. It's a normal day, but their playful bickering is starting to take on a more serious tone. Lila feels the heat of their rivalry.
Lila (thinking): Why does it feel like every time I walk with them, I'm stuck in the middle of something?
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Panel 2: Theo bumps into Kai, almost deliberately, as they walk side by side. It's obvious he's trying to assert some kind of dominance without saying a word. He shoots Kai a quick glance.
Theo (smirking): "You know, Kai... You don't have to try so hard. Lila already knows I'm the better option."
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Panel 3: Kai chuckles, not at all phased by Theo's comment. He's still looking at Lila, trying to gauge her reaction. He knows exactly what Theo is doing. He plays along with a devil-may-care attitude.
Kai (grinning): "You really think so? I'd say you're just overestimating yourself, Theo." His eyes lock with Lila's for a moment. "But, you know... Maybe Lila's the one who should decide."
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Panel 4: Lila's heart races a little as she catches the unspoken challenge in Kai's words. She shifts uneasily, unsure of how to respond. Theo notices her hesitation and steps a little closer to her, deliberately placing himself between Lila and Kai.
Theo (gently, to Lila): "Hey, don't listen to him. He's just trying to mess with you." His voice softens. "You know I've got your back, always."
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Panel 5: Lila smiles at Theo, but her mind is still on Kai's words. She tries to shake off the feeling, but the tension between them is so thick that it's hard to ignore. Kai notices her discomfort and steps forward, subtly nudging Theo aside.
Kai (in a quiet, almost serious tone): "Don't worry, Lila. I wouldn't ever do anything to hurt you." His eyes are intense, but it's not just playful teasing anymore.
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Panel 6: Lila feels a knot form in her stomach. She looks at both of them, feeling more and more confused by the second. Theo and Kai, both so different, yet both so determined to be the one she turns to. She doesn't know what to think anymore.
Lila (thinking): Why do they both feel so... real?
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Panel 7: The tension breaks when the school bell rings, signaling the end of their interaction. The three of them stand there for a moment, not sure what to say next. Theo offers Lila a small, comforting smile.
Theo (gently): "Hey, don't let him get to you, okay? You know you're awesome just the way you are."
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Panel 8: Kai watches Theo for a moment, the air still heavy with rivalry. He turns his gaze back to Lila, trying to hide his own discomfort.
Kai (in a low voice): "I meant what I said, Lila. I don't want to make things harder for you. Just... know that I care."
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Panel 9: Lila nods silently, still unsure of what to say. The weight of their words lingers in the air. As she walks away, she can feel both of their eyes on her. The feeling of being wanted by both is overwhelming, but she's also starting to feel like she's losing herself in it all.
Lila (thinking): Why does it feel like they're fighting over me?
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Panel 10: Later that day, Lila sits alone at lunch, trying to clear her mind. The sound of footsteps interrupts her thoughts. It's Theo, who sits down across from her with a grin.
Theo (playfully): "You okay, Lila? You seem a little... off."
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Panel 11: Lila looks at him, her eyes betraying the confusion she's feeling. She opens her mouth to speak, but before she can say anything, Kai enters the cafeteria, glancing around and locking eyes with her. The tension is palpable. He walks over to the table, sitting down beside her without asking.
Kai (casually): "I thought I'd join you guys. I mean, we are all friends, right?" He flashes a small, teasing grin.
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Panel 12: Theo's eyes narrow slightly, his protective side coming to the forefront. But he doesn't say anything, just watches as Kai settles in beside Lila. Lila feels the familiar, uncomfortable stir of jealousy rise within her. Her heart beats a little faster.
Lila (thinking): Why do I feel like I'm in the middle of a tug-of-war?
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Panel 13: The three of them sit together, eating in silence. It's not awkward, but it's not comfortable either. The air is thick with unspoken words and emotions. Theo watches Kai out of the corner of his eye, and Kai does the same. Neither of them is willing to back down.
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Panel 14: Lila looks between the two, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She's so caught in the middle of this quiet battle for her heart that she doesn't know how to navigate it anymore. But one thing is clear — it's not just about the flirting anymore. It's about what each of them means to her.
Lila (thinking): Why can't it just be simple?
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End of Chapter 15.
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