"Oh, I don't know… maybe some jelly? Add some ice cubes. And a packet of popping candy, just for good measure."
"Popping candy?!" Marissa's cheeks flushed a deep red. "W-What kind of nonsense are you even talking about?!"
Luke chuckled. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. Or am I?"
Marissa spluttered, her blush spreading to her ears.
"What's going on with you, Marissa ?" Tina asked, tilting her head in concern. "You look like you've caught a fever."
"I'm fine!" Marissa said quickly, her voice an octave higher than usual.
Zoe shot her a curious glance. "You sure? You're acting a little… off."
"I said I'm fine!" Marissa insisted, though her fiery cheeks told a different story.
Tina and Zoe exchanged knowing looks, but said nothing more.
Adrian Moore's voice boomed across the Colosseum once more.
"Nate Dawson, one hundred and ninety-nine points."
