It was during lunch.
Grace, Julian, Zoey, Ella, Dylan, Ethan, and David were sitting together like usual.
Grace tried to focus on her food. Julian was passing her a napkin, his hand brushing hers lightly. Warm. Familiar. Safe.
Then… Lily appeared.
"Hey, Grace! Hey, Julian!" she said brightly, walking over with that same playful confidence. "I thought I'd join you guys today."
Grace stiffened.
Julian tensed beside her.
Zoey's eyes narrowed. Ella straightened immediately. Dylan and Ethan exchanged a look. David crossed his arms.
Grace whispered, "Don't…"
But Lily didn't take the hint. She plopped down next to Julian.
"Wow, you always sit in the middle, don't you? Guess it's because everyone likes you here," Lily teased, leaning closer to Julian. "Not that I blame them."
Julian's face flushed slightly, uncomfortable.
Grace stood up slowly. Her voice calm but firm: "Lily, you're not sitting here."
Lily laughed lightly. "Oh, come on. I'm friends too."
Before Grace could respond, Dylan slammed his hand on the table.
"No. You're not."
Ethan leaned forward. "Back off, Lily."
David stepped next to Grace protectively. "Seriously. Step away."
Zoey and Ella flanked Grace on either side. Zoey's glare could freeze fire. Ella's hand lightly rested on Grace's arm — a silent "I've got you."
Julian looked at Lily. He swallowed. "I… uh… we appreciate you stopping by, but… this table is full."
Lily tilted her head. "Oh, so now you're excluding me?"
Grace's voice was soft, steady, but carried weight. "Not excluding. Just… not allowing you to cross boundaries."
Julian nodded. "Exactly."
Lily smiled, a little forced. "You guys are intense."
David laughed shortly. "We're protective. Get used to it."
Dylan leaned back smugly. "Yeah. Don't mess with our girl."
Ethan added, "Or the squad."
Zoey and Ella just shot Lily synchronized, icy glares.
Grace, standing there, felt something she hadn't in a long time: completely supported. Completely safe.
Julian reached out and held her hand under the table, giving her a small reassuring squeeze.
Lily finally realized she wasn't going to intimidate anyone here. Not Grace. Not Julian. Not the group.
She stood up slowly, forcing her smile. "Okay… okay. I get it. You all really are a team."
Grace exhaled softly, settling back into her seat.
Zoey smirked. "You better remember that."
Ella nodded. "And you'd better not try this again."
Julian looked at Grace, then at the group, then back at her.
"You're safe," he whispered.
Grace smiled softly. "I know."
From across the cafeteria, Lucy watched. Theo watched. Even Zara observed silently.
They all knew: the group wasn't just friends anymore. They were a unit.
And anyone trying to interfere?
They weren't just messing with Grace.
They were messing with all of them.