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  Part- 318:

  “So, are you looking forward to the matorrow?” Dipa asked, fog her question on James. She repeated it to prevent Mili and Toya from getting into anument. Dipa erceptive and uood everything, even without an expnation. It was essential to shift the versation.

  “Yeah, for sure,” James responded, a glimmer of excitement shining in his eyes as he reized Dipa's iion. “We’ve been training hard. It’s going to be a challenging petition, but I believe we’re prepared.”

  Toya nodded, f herself to smile. “You’ll do great.”

  Mili chimed in, her petitive spirit surfag. “I ’t wait to see you guys out there." Then she showed a sarcastic face, "Just remember, Toya, cheering is an important job. If you ips on how to support James properly, I’m happy to help. I know he’ll appreciate it if you do it right!”

  Toya’s heart sank a little more at the thought of James having a whole cheeriion. She had been so focused on their preteionship that she hadn’t sidered the reality of their situation.

  Toya felt a surge of something akin to jealousy. Why was she feeling this way? It’s not like I care about him or anything, she tried to vince herself. But the truth was, every ugh, every shared momeween James and Dipa made her realize how much she truly enjoyed his pany.

  As the versation tioya caught herself stealing g James. He was rexed and engaged, a side of him she cherished. But with eace at Dipa, sitting beside him with that radiant smile, Toya felt the weight of her own insecurities.

  “Hey, Toya?” Dipa’s voice broke her reverie.

  “Huh?”

  Dipa tilted her head, a curious look on her face. “Are you okay? You seem a bit... lost in thought.”

  Toya forced a smile, the warmth of the coffee shop surrounding her, but it felt distant. “I’m fine. Just thinking about the matorrow.”

  James smiled at her, a warmth in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat. “We’d really appreciate it. It’ll be fun to have everyohere.”

  As they tio chat, Toya slowly began to rex. The initial awkwardness faded, repced by the fort of friendship. Yet, in the back of her mind, a nagging thought persisted: What if this isn’t just a facade? What if I want more?

  As they fiheir drinks, Dipa’s phone buzzed, drawitention. “I o take this. I’ll be right back,” she said, standing up and moving to the side of the coffee shop for some privacy.

  Toya watched her go, then turned her gaze baes. The mome charged with unspoken words. “So,” she started, her voice tentative. “About what I said earlier… I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”

  James shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “You caught me off guard, that’s all. I didn’t know you felt that way.”

  Toya felt her heart race, the vulnerability of her admission hanging in the air between them. “I guess I was just frustrated seeing you with Mili. I know it’s just pretend, but... I ’t help feeling a bit possessive.”