---
The next day at school felt like the start of a reality show.
Title:
"Who loves Lila more?"
Starring:
Theo: the charming, caring sunshine boy
Kai: the brooding, mysterious softie with a smirk
And in the middle…
Lila, who totally started this mess.
---
🎒 Before Class
Theo: waiting at the gate with her favorite breakfast—piping hot pancakes in a cute bear box.
Kai: pulls up with a smoothie and says,
"Pancakes? She told me she's on a health kick."
Lila (confused but eating both):
"I like being unhealthy with balance."
---
📚 In Class
Theo passes her a note with doodles and
"Let's hang after school 😌"
Kai texts her at the same time:
"Meet me after school. I'll prove I'm better."
Lila: giggling nervously between the two
Mira: watching from across the class like it's her favorite drama episode
---
🏫 Lunchtime
Theo pulls her to the courtyard where he has a picnic blanket and homemade pasta (!!).
He even brought her favorite chocolate.
Lila (swooning):
"You cooked??!"
Theo (smirking):
"I remembered your mom said you like when someone makes you food."
…Meanwhile…
Kai appears out of nowhere with a tiny bouquet of wildflowers.
Kai (quietly):
"I picked these on the way here. You like wild things."
Theo (to Kai):
"She's not a squirrel, dude."
Kai (to Theo):
"And she's not a pasta judge, Chef Theo."
Lila: mouth full of pasta and feelings
---
🌙 After School
They both show up.
Both act like it was their time slot.
Both grab her backpack.
Now Lila's walking like a tiny queen with two royal guards holding each strap of her bag.
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💭 Lila's Thoughts (While walking home):
> "They're both idiots.
Idiots I kind of… lik
e a lot.
What have I done?
This is fun. But also terrifying."
---
End of Chapter 31