Ginny walked alongside Cass toward the front of the cafeteria, the buzz of students and clinking dishes forming a steady backdrop to Lucy's cheerful chattering beside them. Cass's usual calm seemed immune to Lucy's endless energy, though Ginny noticed a faint hint of amusement in his gaze as Lucy babbled on, completely undeterred by his reserved nods and hums.
They reached the line, and Ginny scanned the options, knowing all too well which ones to avoid for Lyle.
He was particular about his food, and she'd long accepted that he would only eat if Cass joined him, like some unspoken agreement between the two.
It had confused her, maybe even hurt her a bit, when they were younger—why couldn't Lyle just eat with her? But after years of watching them, she'd come to understand it wasn't personal.
As they waited, Lucy kept up her chatter, her voice bright as she turned to Cass with that curious glint in her eyes.
"You know, you're quite the celebrity," she said, flashing him a playful smile. "I'm in journalism, but even there, I keep hearing about you and your brother, Cassian Thorne, Mr. Environmental Science himself. You're kind of a big deal."
Cass's mouth quirked in a faint smile, his eyes glancing her way, though he didn't reply immediately. Lucy continued, undeterred, her gaze fixed on him.
"I have to admit, though, you don't seem like the typical environmental science major," she pressed. "No offense, but I'm dying to know—why did you pick it?"
Cass paused, his expression thoughtful as he considered her question.
"Well," he began, his voice steady, "I chose environmental science because I want to do something that matters. Helping the environment, improving the way we live with the world—it's a way to make things better for Lyle."
He paused, glancing at Ginny. "And for you too, Fairchild."
"Oh, my god," Lucy babbled, her eyes wide as she looked up at Cass. "Did anyone ever tell you that you sound exactly like a prince right now? Seriously! Helping the environment for the people you love? That's so noble, so… heroic."
Lucy turned to Ginny, barely pausing to breathe, her excitement bubbling over. "And Ginny, you're so lucky, you know that? To have such a—what's the word? Ah, yes—a selfless protector in your life. I mean, here he is, planning to save the world and feed Lyle and make sure you're okay. Really, I'd just about pass out if I had a friend like that!"
Cass's expression remained mostly composed, though Ginny noticed the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth, a subtle acknowledgment of Lucy's praise.
Ginny couldn't help but laugh, her tone playful as she glanced between the two of them. "Oh, believe me, Luce, it wasn't exactly a fairytale start. They just… moved in next door when we were kids, and we've been stuck with each other ever since."
Lucy's eyes lit up with interest, and she leaned closer, clearly eager to hear more.
"Wait, so how did you even become friends?" she asked, her voice rising in pitch, like a detective on the verge of a breakthrough. "Did he, like, rescue you from a fall off your bike or something equally dramatic? I bet you two have a great origin story."
Ginny's smile softened as she thought back. It was a simple memory, really, of two boys with identical faces and completely opposite personalities arriving on the doorstep, both hesitant yet oddly self-assured.
"Honestly, my mom forced it," Ginny replied with a chuckle, shrugging. "She practically dragged me over to introduce myself. Cass and Lyle just… showed up, and that was it."
Lucy's expression changed, a glint of curiosity and something deeper flashing in her eyes. For a moment, she looked as though she'd just unlocked a secret she hadn't known she was looking for, a spark of understanding or discovery that made Ginny's stomach twist.
Ginny realized, maybe too late, that she'd let slip more than she intended.
Quickly, Ginny cleared her throat, gesturing toward the counter.
"Anyway," she said, trying to keep her tone light, "We should probably check if Lyle's food is ready."
Cass nodded, his expression settling back into that familiar calm as they approached the counter. Ginny couldn't help but feel a pang of relief. Lucy, while a little much, had a certain charm, but there were times when her curiosity felt like a blade—sharp, probing, and aimed precisely.
At the counter, Ginny caught the eye of the server and gave a small nod.
"Here for the order of one grilled chicken breast. Plain. No oil, butter, salt, or seasonings. Cooked on a separate grill that hasn't touched any other meats or dairy in at least—"
The server sighed and finished for her, voice flat.
"Twenty-four hours. With a side of steamed broccoli florets. Only florets, no stems." She set the tray on the counter with a look of resignation. "God, I really need to get a raise for this."
"Thank you," Ginny replied, trying to keep the amusement from her voice as she took the tray. Then, she glanced back at Cass, offering an apologetic smile. "And… sorry about the scene back there. Luce is, um, very… dedicated."
Cass just shook his head, a faint, amused smile on his face.
"No big deal," he replied quietly, almost under his breath. "It's... refreshing."
Lucy, who Ginny didn't even know was standing behind them, grinned as though this was the highest compliment she'd ever received.
"See, refreshing! Just what I'm going for," she declared, leaning forward with her usual gusto. "Everyone needs a little Luce in their life, don't you think, Cassian Thorne?"
Cass raised an eyebrow, and Ginny had to stifle a laugh at the slight exasperation in his expression. She could tell he was trying his best to stay polite, though Lucy's eagerness was obviously testing his composure.
Just as Ginny turned, balancing the tray carefully, she felt herself collide with something—or rather, someone. She stumbled back slightly, steadying the tray, and looked up, halfway through an apology.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to—"
Her words died in her throat, her heart doing a small, uncomfortable flip as she found herself staring into a pair of bright, unmistakable green eyes.
Ollie, a half-smile curling at the corner of his lips, held a coffee cup, and he raised it slightly in a mock salute, like they'd planned to run into each other right here.
"Well, well, Ginny," he greeted smoothly, his tone easy, casual, as if he'd been waiting all morning for this exact moment. "Long time no see."