Chapter 5 The Mistake I Didn't Mean to Like

Amara tried to ignore the butterflies dancing in her stomach. She told herself it was just nerves from upcoming exams, not the memory of Lucian Blake's eyes on hers yesterday... or the ridiculous nickname-Sunshine.

She hated how easily he got under her skin.

And yet, here she was, standing in front of the campus coffee shop, debating whether or not to go in. She had spotted him inside through the glass, sitting alone, legs crossed, earbuds in, scribbling something in a small notebook.

Not flirting. Not surrounded by girls. Just... writing.

That unsettled her more than it should have.

Taking a breath, she stepped inside. The bell jingled above the door, and Lucian looked up almost immediately-like he'd sensed her before he saw her.

"Sunshine," he smirked.

Amara gave him a cold stare and walked straight to the counter.

She placed her order and sat at the corner by the window. She wasn't here for him. She was here for coffee and peace and-

"Didn't expect to see you again so soon," he said, suddenly standing at her table, drink in hand.

"Then you should really lower your expectations," she replied without missing a beat.

Lucian chuckled and pulled out the chair opposite her.

She glared. "I didn't invite you."

"You didn't have to."

"Lucian..."

"Relax. I'll be good," he said with a playful grin, but something about the way he looked at her softened. "Unless you want to talk about yesterday."

She froze. Her chest tightened.

He continued, his tone quieter, more sincere. "You looked like someone who's used to pretending. I recognized it because... I do it too."

Amara stared at him, heart thudding. The walls she kept up so carefully trembled slightly.

"Don't read into things," she said finally. "People get hurt when they do."

Lucian leaned in slightly. "Maybe some people are worth the risk."

Why does he keep saying things like that?

She hated that her pulse quickened. That part of her wanted to trust him, even as every logical thought screamed not to.

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed on the table. A message from Aunt Naomi:

> I found something about your mother. Call me later.

Amara's hands trembled.

Lucian noticed. "You okay?"

She stood abruptly. "I have to go."

"Wait-did I say something-?"

"It's not about you," she said, voice clipped. "It never was."

She left the coffee untouched.

Lucian stared after her, frowning-not because she'd walked away, but because the mask she wore cracked just for a moment... and what he saw underneath looked a lot like pain.

And something told him...

He wasn't the only one carrying secrets.