It was the day after Grace's birthday.
Grace, still glowing from yesterday's rooftop celebration, walked into school with Zoey and Ella.
"You look way too happy," Zoey teased.
"I am happy," Grace said simply, smiling.
Ella grinned. "Birthday energy lasts a full day, apparently."
Julian was already waiting by the lockers. He gave her that small, warm smile she had come to rely on.
And then… chaos arrived.
"Grace! David! Ella!"
A familiar, cheerful voice rang out.
Grace turned.
And froze.
Standing there was Lily, her childhood best friend.
Grace hadn't seen her since early primary school — they'd grown up together before Grace's family had moved to the neighborhood. Lily had always been bright, loud, and confident — the kind of person who naturally drew people in.
And today, she had her eyes on Julian.
Julian looked confused. "Hi… do I know you?"
Lily laughed lightly, stepping closer. "Grace didn't tell you about me? I'm Lily. We go way back — remember all those sleepovers?"
Grace's stomach twisted. She remembered them. Lily had been part of the trio Grace had with Ella and David as toddlers — before the rest of the world entered their lives.
"Of course we remember you," David said cautiously.
"Grace, Julian…" Lily's eyes sparkled, playful but teasing. "Wow, I didn't know he was yours now. He's… cute."
Julian's face flushed faintly.
Grace's stomach sank.
Zoey narrowed her eyes. Ella's jaw tightened.
Even Dylan, who had just walked past, paused mid-step.
Julian cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh… thanks?"
Lily leaned slightly closer to him, smiling brightly, "So, I heard you were the reason Grace has been so happy lately. That's sweet. But I guess I need to check for myself."
Grace stepped forward. "Lily… what are you doing?"
"Oh, just saying hi to an old friend," Lily said innocently — but the way she looked at Julian made it obvious she wanted more.
Julian stumbled, looking between Grace and Lily. He was embarrassed. Confused. And very aware of the attention.
Grace felt her cheeks burn. She'd never felt protective like this before, but something in her chest tightened.
Zoey crossed her arms. "Uh huh. 'Just saying hi.'"
Ella stepped forward. "Don't mess with her."
David looked at Lily sharply. "You're not stealing anything."
Lily tilted her head, still smiling. "I'm not trying to steal anyone. But… he's charming, isn't he?"
Julian cleared his throat, looking sheepish. "Lily, I… uh…"
Grace stepped closer. She didn't say anything. But the look in her eyes — calm, steady, possessive — made Julian's stomach flip.
He realized something immediately: he didn't want to be anywhere but here. With Grace.
Lily laughed lightly. "Wow. Protective. Cute." She finally stepped back, though her grin lingered.
Grace crossed her arms. "Julian is not yours. He's mine."
Julian looked down, embarrassed but relieved.
Zoey whispered, "Good job saying it without screaming."
Ella added, "But maybe next time, a little louder?"
Julian's eyes met Grace's. That little "thank you" passed silently between them.
Later that day, the group gathered in their usual spot.
Dylan and Ethan whispered, "So… she's a threat?"
David rolled his eyes. "She's just testing him. Not going to work."
Nate smirked. "Good. He's ours. Wait… I mean, Grace's. Definitely Grace's."
Adrian shrugged. "She's cute. But Julian clearly likes Grace. No competition here."
Lucy observed quietly, finally smiling softly.
Theo, meanwhile, watched Julian closely — a little tense, but he knew Julian wasn't leaving Grace's side.
Even Zara raised an eyebrow from the edge of the group.
Julian took Grace's hand under the table. "Don't worry. You don't have to compete."
Grace smiled faintly, squeezing his hand back. "I know."
And Lily, somewhere across the schoolyard, realized for the first time that Julian's attention was no longer something she could casually claim.