บท 109: All’s Fair In Love And Basketball.

JASON POV:

After leaving Ella's place with a promise to bring her today's notes, I rushed back to my place to get ready for class. I was cutting it close, but it was worth it. The morning with Ella was… different. Not the usual sarcastic back-and-forth that we've perfected over time. She'd let me in, even if just a little, and that was something.

Class without Ella? Total snooze fest. The lectures dragged on without her there to catch my attention with a raised eyebrow or some witty retort when I poked fun. Still, I'd promised her notes, so I did what I never thought I'd do—I actually paid attention.

Max and Dylan noticed. Oh, they noticed. The side glances, the raised eyebrows, the way Max literally waved a hand in front of my face like I'd been possessed when he saw me jotting down details. I ignored them.

About halfway through the second lecture, Max leaned over. "Dude. What's with the note-taking?" he whispered.