Chapter 360 

+25 BONUS 

Hayden, quick as ever, caught my juice before it could spill all over the table. Before I could even turn around, I heard a voice I knew way too well. 

“Kiki, you’re something else. Maybe I should start taking notes,” Lena teased, sliding up beside me with that mischievous grin. 

I lightly swatted her arm. “You know, scaring people isn’t cool.” 

“If you’re scared, I definitely can’t afford the compensation. Right, Hayden?” Lena shot him a playful look. 

This girl–around Nate, she was all sweet and innocent, but with anyone else, it was like she got a license for sass. How she managed to flip the switch in front of Nate, I’d never know. 

“Where’s Nate?” I asked, glancing at the empty seat he’d been in earlier. 

“He left,” tena shrugged, plopping down next to me. Her eyes flicked to Hayden. “Hayden, seriously? Two plates, and Kiki’s got none? Not exactly boyfriend of the year material.” 

She said it on purpose, totally knowing Hayden had eaten my leftovers. 

Tnudged her under the table, hoping she’d chill. It’s one thing for us to joke around, but I didn’t want Hayden feeling awkward. He might take it personally, like some weird guy pride thing. 

But nope. Hayden didn’t even blink. He just kept eating, super chill. “Her plate’s right here,” he said without missing a beat. 

Lena’s grin widened. “Oh, so you two are sharing a meal now? That’s cute.” 

“Yeah? Maybe you and Professor Neumann should try it next time,” Hayden shot back, totally unfazed. 

I cracked up, and Lena gave me a playful pinch, but she hit the spot where I’d had my blood drawn earlier. 

I winced. “Ow!” 

Hayden immediately jumped in. “She just had blood drawn from that arm.” 

Lena froze for second, her teasing gone in an instant. Her eyes softened as she looked at me. “Wait, what? Are you okay?” 

“I had a fever,” I said, leaning my head dramatically on Lena’s shoulder. “And now you’re bullying a sick person.” 

Lena instantly went into mom–mode, feeling my forehead. “Why’d you get a fever? Where’s it hurting?” 

“My throat feels like I swallowed razor blades,” I pouted, exaggerating for effect. 

“Sounds like a viral infection. How long ago did you get the blood test?” she asked, all concerned now. “Like, 8:30 this morning. We’re still waiting for the results,” I said, glancing over at Hayden, who was still quietly finishing his meal, acting like everything was totally normal. He was always so calm–no matter what. 

Lena glanced at the tiny watch pinned to her shirt. “The basic blood test results should be out by now.” She turned back to me, smirking. “You’re looking pretty lively for someone who’s supposed to be sick- 

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+25 BONUS 

Chapter 360 

especially with all that flirting you’ve been doing with Hayden. I think you’ll survive.” 

Classic Lena–never missing a chance to roast me, even in front of Hayden. But I wasn’t gonna back down. “Well, duh. With Hayden taking such good care of me, how could I not get better in no time?” 

“Exactly. Love cures all,” Lena teased as she stood up. I’ll head out for now. Once you get your results, come find me.” 

I waved her off with a playful little claw gesture. She rolled her eyes at my goofiness, but before walking away, she asked, “Which department did you go to? I can check in for you.” 

“Fever clinic,” I replied, but before I could say more, I noticed a guy walking straight toward us. 

At first, I thought he was coming to talk to Hayden, but then I heard him call out, “Dr. Lane.” 

Lena’s whole vibe shifted instantly–her face darkened, and her eyebrows knit together like she’d just seen something nasty. I caught the flicker of irritation in her eyes. 

Being her best friend. for years, I knew something was way off. I stood up, ready to back her up. 

“Dr. Lane, I’ve been looking for you these past few days. Didn’t expect to bump into you here,” the guy said, his eyes glued to Lena in a way that made my skin crawl. The sleazy vibe rolling off him was impossible to miss.