# Chapter 5:

Melinda's POV

Walking back to my dorm, Pine Ridge University's night sky was unusually quiet. The campus was nearly deserted at 3 AM, with only occasional streetlamps casting their amber glow.

I shook my head slightly, trying to clear my thoughts. In the moonlight, I had seen Michael's eyes had turned red, but it must have been the alcohol and moonlight playing tricks, or perhaps some light reflecting in his eyes. Supernatural things like that couldn't possibly be real, right? I forced a smile, pulling my jacket tighter around me.

Opening the apartment door carefully to avoid making noise, I found Olivia and Zoe already fast asleep. The entire place was still a mess from the party—empty bottles, plastic cups, and food scraps scattered everywhere. Cleaning up tomorrow would be a nightmare.

I slipped quietly into my bedroom, surprised to find fresh sheets on my bed. My thoughtful roommates must have changed the ones Jason and Caitlin had soiled. That was sweet of them.

Kicking off my shoes, I collapsed onto the bed, every cell in my body screaming with exhaustion, but my mind was racing. How had I given my virginity to a virtual stranger, a known playboy? Michael Stone, the university basketball star, with different girls entering his room nearly every week. And now I was just another one of his "conquests."

My talisman seemed to emit a faint glow in the darkness, warm against my skin as if soothing my conflicted emotions. I removed it, placing it on my nightstand, and closed my eyes, hoping sleep would erase tonight's memories.

When I woke, sunlight was stabbing at my eyes. My head throbbed and my stomach churned—classic hangover symptoms. I struggled to sit up and saw Zoe already at the kitchen island, sipping black coffee while flipping through what looked like an ancient psychology textbook.

"Look who's finally awake," she said without looking up. "You didn't tell us where you went last night. We were worried."

Just then, Olivia emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a light blue silk robe, her hair still turbaned in a towel. "Mel! Thank God you're back! We were so worried last night! And why didn't you tell us about you and Jason?"

I felt tears welling in my eyes and finally broke down. "He... he wanted to keep it secret. Said he was waiting for the 'right moment' to go public with our relationship. I thought last night was that moment..."

"Men are trash," Zoe said coldly, but handed me a glass of water and aspirin. "You can do a hundred times better than Jason."

"Absolutely!" Olivia nodded emphatically. "Come on, let's get breakfast. You need energy."

Twenty minutes later, we headed toward the cafeteria, my stomach responding positively to the smell of pancakes wafting from the dining hall. Suddenly, Olivia gasped, clutching my arm. "Oh my God, Mel, look! It's Michael Stone!"

My heart instantly accelerated. Olivia's exclamation drew attention from other girls, who began waving at Michael. I lowered my head, trying to hide behind my hair, wishing I could become invisible. After last night's one-night stand, I couldn't face him—I didn't want to become campus gossip fodder or have him think I expected anything more.

Too late. Michael was already walking toward us, his tall figure blocking the morning light. I avoided his gaze but couldn't help stealing a glance. His eyes were pure golden-brown in the sunlight, with no trace of that strange red—definitely just my imagination last night.

"Hi, Michael!" Olivia said excitedly. "Looking forward to today's game?"

"Winning all the time gets boring," he said slowly, his gaze fixed on me. "Hoping for some actual challenge."

Olivia giggled like a fangirl while my cheeks burned. Michael's expression was serious, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes carrying an emotion I couldn't quite read. He looked less wild than last night, perhaps because of the daylight, or because we were both sober.

A muscular man approached Michael, giving Olivia a quick once-over before turning to Michael. "Ready for practice?"

Michael nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets, eyes still fixed on me. "Sure, Thomas." His tone carried something I couldn't understand as he turned and walked away, leaving my heart pounding.

"God, he's so hot," Olivia sighed, pulling me into the coffee shop. "Did you know he never dates the same girl twice? So mysterious and sexy, right?"

I could only nod, my stomach churning.

Back at our apartment, we spent the entire morning cleaning up the party aftermath. By afternoon, I finally retreated to my room to focus on studying for my anatomy exam. Suddenly, the door swung open as Olivia burst in wearing a red pleated mini skirt paired with a white sweater, radiating energy.

"You're not ready yet?" She frowned, reaching over to close my anatomy textbook.

"Hey! I was studying!" I protested. "Dr. Morrison's anatomy lab practical is next week."

"Studying can wait," Olivia said dismissively. "The Eagles have a game today, and I heard Michael's using some new tactics! We have to go watch!"

My heart raced again just hearing his name. "I can't go," I said quickly. "I really need to study."

"Please, Mel!" Olivia stomped her foot dramatically, her eyes wide like a pleading puppy. "Don't make me go alone! I promised Betty I'd get her ticket, but she got called into work."

I couldn't bring myself to tell Olivia the truth about Michael and me. She had crushed on him forever, attending every game, watching every broadcast, praising his talents and physique. Knowing what happened last night would crush her.

"Fine," I finally conceded, "but you owe me one."

Olivia jumped happily and dashed out to get ready. I sighed, closed my book, and stood to change clothes. I unconsciously touched the talisman at my neck, feeling an unusual warmth, as if it too was reacting to my decision.

I chose the most conservative Pine Ridge University hoodie and plain jeans, hoping to blend into the crowd. Olivia  studied my baggy hoodie and characterless jeans, opening her mouth several times as if to comment, but ultimately just adjusted my hair to make it look "less like I'd just rolled out of bed." Her forced smile couldn't hide the disappointment in her eyes, but at least she didn't insist I change as she normally would.

On our way to Eagle Stadium, she chattered endlessly about Michael's perfect physique and basketball talent. "He averaged over twenty-five points per game last season, and his vertical leap is unbelievable! People say he can dunk one-handed, even with his back to the basket! His arm muscles are just..."

Her words sent my thoughts spiraling back to last night. My skin suddenly became hypersensitive, as if I could feel Michael's fingers tracing across it again. Heat spread up my spine, my heartbeat quickened, and my breathing grew shallow. I could feel my cheeks burning, a strange tightness forming in my lower abdomen. Even my lips seemed to remember the sensation of his kiss, involuntarily trembling slightly. I had to stop, pretending to tie my shoelace to hide my sudden physical reaction.

"Are you okay?" Olivia asked with concern. "Your face is really red."

"Just... a little hot," I stammered, struggling to shake off these inappropriate memories and sensations.

Entering the gymnasium, the cheers and music drowned out my thoughts. I only hoped to watch the game and leave without being noticed by Michael or Jason. That shouldn't be too difficult, right?