The warmth of the evening filled the air as Zara and Lila laughed and joked, walking side by side, their arms looped together like best friends who hadn't seen each other in ages. Zara's laughter echoed through the parking lot, drawing curious glances from onlookers, while Ethan and Xavier trailed just a few paces behind, observing the lively duo in front of them.
Ethan nudged Xavier, a grin forming on his face. "You know," he began casually, "I've never seen you look at anyone the way you're looking at her."
Xavier gave him a sidelong glance, not breaking his usual calm expression. "And what exactly does that mean?" he replied, though he didn't bother hiding the faint curiosity in his tone.
Ethan chuckled, his voice lowering as if he were sharing a secret. "Come on, man. You're usually all business. Cold. Calculated. But with Zara…" He gestured subtly toward the two girls ahead of them. "There's something different. A spark, maybe?"
Xavier scoffed lightly, but a small smile threatened to creep up. "She's… unpredictable," he said after a pause, his gaze still fixed on Zara's animated figure. She was swinging her arm as she spoke, laughing in that carefree way that seemed so rare to him.
"Unpredictable, huh?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Xavier's choice of words. "So, not as bad as you thought?"
Xavier's eyes softened just a bit. "No," he admitted, almost to himself. "Not as bad at all."
The two men continued to watch as Zara and Lila broke into another fit of laughter over some private joke. There was something refreshing about the easy bond Zara shared with her friends, a kind of lightness that was rare in Xavier's world. And without realizing it, he found himself… enjoying the moment.
When they finally reached the parking lot, the four of them paused, the night air cool and serene around them.
Lila turned to hug Zara, her voice full of laughter. "We definitely need more nights like this!"
"Agreed," Zara replied, pulling Lila close. "Best night in ages."
Ethan grinned, giving Xavier a meaningful glance before pulling Lila into his arms. "Let's head out then," he said, casting one last teasing look in Xavier's direction before leading Lila to his car. They waved their goodbyes with playful smiles, leaving Zara and Xavier alone in the parking lot.
As they watched Ethan and Lila drive off, an unusual silence settled between them. Zara glanced at Xavier, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Guess we're stuck with each other again," she said, breaking the silence.
Xavier held her gaze, the hint of a smile finally breaking through his cold demeanor. "Seems that way."
They walked back to their cars, a newfound ease settling between them as they got in. No biting remarks, no mocking jabs—just a quiet, comfortable silence that surprised them both.
As they drove away, neither of them said a word, but there was an unspoken understanding in the air. For once, they weren't enemies, or rivals, or sparring partners. Just two people, each lost in their own thoughts, both wondering what the next encounter would bring.