Hello 360
Posted on March 19, 2025 ยท 1 mins read
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Chapter 360

Hayden, quick as ever, caught my juice before it spilled. Before I could turn around, I heard Lena's voice.

โ€œKiki, youโ€™re something else. Maybe I should start taking notes,โ€ she teased, sliding beside me with a mischievous grin.

I swatted her arm lightly. โ€œScaring people isnโ€™t cool.โ€

โ€œIf youโ€™re scared, I definitely canโ€™t afford the compensation. Right, Hayden?โ€ Lena gave him a playful look.

This girlโ€”around Nate, she was all sweet and innocent; with anyone else, pure sass. How she managed that switch in front of Nate, I'll never know.

โ€œWhereโ€™s Nate?โ€ I asked, glancing at his empty seat.

Lena shrugged, settling beside me. Her eyes flicked to Hayden. โ€œHayden, seriously? Two plates, and Kikiโ€™s got none? Not exactly boyfriend-of-the-year material.โ€

She said it knowing Hayden had eaten my leftovers.

I nudged her under the table, hoping sheโ€™d calm down. Itโ€™s one thing for us to joke, but I didnโ€™t want Hayden feeling awkward. He might take it personally.

But Hayden didnโ€™t blink. He kept eating, completely unfazed. โ€œHer plateโ€™s right here,โ€ he said calmly.

Lenaโ€™s grin widened. โ€œOh, so you two are sharing a meal now? Thatโ€™s cute.โ€

โ€œYeah? Maybe you and Professor Neumann should try it next time,โ€ Hayden retorted, equally unfazed.

I laughed, and Lena playfully pinched meโ€”right where Iโ€™d had my blood drawn.

I winced. โ€œOw!โ€

Hayden immediately intervened. โ€œShe just had blood drawn from that arm.โ€

Lena froze, her teasing vanishing. Her eyes softened. โ€œWait, what? Are you okay?โ€

โ€œI had a fever,โ€ I said, leaning dramatically on her shoulder. โ€œAnd now youโ€™re bullying a sick person.โ€

Lena instantly went into mother-mode, feeling my forehead. โ€œWhyโ€™d you get a fever? Where does it hurt?โ€

โ€œMy throat feels like I swallowed razor blades,โ€ I pouted, exaggerating.

โ€œSounds like a viral infection. How long ago was the blood test?โ€ she asked, concerned.

โ€œ8:30 this morning. Weโ€™re still waiting for results,โ€ I said, glancing at Hayden, who was calmly finishing his meal. He was always so calm.

Lena glanced at her watch. โ€œThe basic results should be out by now.โ€ She smirked. โ€œYouโ€™re looking pretty lively for someone whoโ€™s supposed to be sickโ€”especially with all that flirting with Hayden. I think youโ€™ll survive.โ€

Classic Lenaโ€”never missing a chance to tease me, even with Hayden present. But I wasnโ€™t backing down. โ€œWell, duh. With Hayden taking such good care of me, how could I not get better?โ€

โ€œExactly. Love cures all,โ€ Lena teased, standing. โ€œIโ€™ll head out. Once you get your results, come find me.โ€

I waved playfully. She rolled her eyes, but before leaving, asked, โ€œWhich department did you go to? I can check in for you.โ€

โ€œFever clinic,โ€ I replied. Then I noticed a man walking toward us.

At first, I thought he was approaching Hayden, but then I heard him say, โ€œDr. Lane.โ€

Lenaโ€™s demeanor shifted instantlyโ€”her face darkened, her eyebrows furrowed. I saw irritation flash in her eyes.

Knowing her for years, I knew something was wrong. I stood, ready to support her.

โ€œDr. Lane, Iโ€™ve been looking for you. Didnโ€™t expect to find you here,โ€ the man said, his eyes fixed on Lena in a way that made my skin crawl. His sleazy vibe was unmistakable.


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