Tangled Hearts

Lily's POV

"Alright," the lecturer announces, snapping his textbook shut with a definitive thud. "That'll be all for the term. See you all next year and have a lovely Christmas holiday." His words are met with a chorus of relieved sighs and the rustling of backpacks being slung over shoulders.

Kam and I exchange a knowing look as we gather our things and make our way out of the lecture hall, joining the steady stream of students eager to start their break.

"Finally, Christmas break!" Kam exclaims, stretching her arms above her head as we step out into the crisp December air. Her breath fogs in the cold, her smile wide and full of relief. "This semester has been dragging on forever. I swear I didn't think it would ever end."

I nod in agreement, feeling the tension in my own shoulders start to ease. "You're telling me. I've been counting down the days since midterms." I laugh, but it's true. This semester has felt like a marathon, every week stretching longer than the last. Now that it's over, I feel a lightness in my chest, a sense of freedom I've been craving.

Kam nudges me playfully with her elbow. "So, what's the plan? Heading back home, or staying in the city?"

"Actually, Finn and I might be going to his for Christmas." I say, "You?"

"I'm heading to America to see my folks," she says, her grin widening. "And Shawn's coming along, too."

"Seriously, you've been dating for what, a year now, and he still hasn't met your parents?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"He has met them!" Kam protests.

I give her a look. "FaceTime doesn't count, especially when he's lurking in the background, barely visible, while you gush about him to your dad."

Kam sighs, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah, okay, point taken."

We walk into the campus café, our usual hangout spot. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods hits me, and I take a deep breath, letting the warm, familiar scent wash over me. "I'll grab a booth, you get the food?" I suggest, already eyeing our favourite spot by the window.

"Deal," Kam agrees, heading toward the counter.

I make my way to the booth, sliding into the cushioned seat. From here, I have a perfect view of the courtyard outside, where students are rushing between classes, heads bent over phones or chatting in small groups. I spot Rachel walking across the grass, looking lost in thought. Shawn told me she's been acting off ever since Finn's birthday party a few months ago—aloof, dodging people's questions, just plain weird. Not that I care about her drama. As long as she stays out of my way and, more importantly, away from Finn, we're good.

I'm watching her with mild disinterest when Kam slides into the seat opposite me, balancing a tray of coffees and pastries. "So, what's on your mind?" she asks, handing me my usual.

"Nothing much," I say, taking a sip. "Just wondering how long it'll take Rachel to stop being a weirdo and move on from whatever hang-up she's got going on."

Kam laughs. "Maybe she's still hung up on Finn."

"Not my problem," I shrug, but inside, I feel a spark of irritation. Finn is mine, and I don't need some drama queen complicating things.

Kam picks up on my mood, smoothly steering the conversation in a different direction. "So, are we still on for tonight? Shawn's confirmed he's coming over, and I think Jen mentioned that Kai is in too. Looks like it's shaping up to be a triple date night."

I grin at the idea of a triple date night. "Sounds like a plan. It's been a while since we all hung out together."

Kam nods, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, and I think we could all use a fun night, especially with how crazy things have been lately."