She's lost it.

Raven was really losing her mind.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the girl Gordon confessed to would be Caitlin.

So what did that make her?

What about the fifteen years she had given him—what did any of that mean?

The rage inside her swelled until it needed an outlet. Unfortunately, it found one in a random couple passing by on the street.

Her face twisted with fury, features contorted and ugly.

The guy immediately stepped in front of his girlfriend, shielding her. "What's your problem? Are you trying to start a fight?"

His girlfriend tugged at his sleeve, trying to soothe him. "Forget it, she's clearly unhinged! Why get into it with someone like that? Let's just go."

He shrugged, sliding an arm around her shoulders, his tone gentle. "You're right, Chloe. Let's get out of here."

The couple turned and walked away, arms wrapped around each other. Watching them, Raven felt something inside her snap. Their affection was a knife in her heart, blinding her with pain. She completely lost control.

She rushed forward and kicked the girl's legs out from under her, sending her sprawling to the pavement. Before anyone could react, Raven straddled the dazed girl and slapped her across the face, again and again.

It all happened so fast that the boyfriend barely registered what was happening. By the time he snapped back to reality, his girlfriend was already pinned to the ground.

He could hardly stand to watch it. Rolling up his sleeves, he lunged and tackled Raven, and the two of them ended up grappling on the sidewalk.

In the end, it was a bystander who called the police. The officers arrived, carted all three off in squad car, and the whole ugly scene finally fizzled out.

Meanwhile

Caitlin and Gordon stepped out of Lakeside Bistro, their fingers intertwined. The sun broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over them. Caitlin glanced up at Gordon, her eyes sparkling. "So, what's next?"

"A movie," Gordon replied, his voice confident.

He'd planned everything out last night. After confessing his feelings, they'd go see a movie, then hit the arcade to win some plushies, grab dinner, and finally, he'd walk Caitlin home.

Caitlin nodded eagerly. "Sounds great. What's playing these days?"

"There's one called ‘Love in Bloom,”” Gordon said, giving her a sideways grin. "Kind of perfect for us right now, don't you think?"

It was a sweet romantic comedy-just the sort of film couples in the honeymoon phase loved.

In the past, Gordon would have scoffed at movies like this. He'd thought they were an insult to anyone's intelligence.

But things were different now.

Soon, they arrived at the cinema.

Gordon pointed. "There are some seats over there—why don't you rest for a bit? I'll go pick up the tickets."

"Okay. Don't take too long," Caitlin said, settling into a chair in the lounge area.

As Gordon waited in line to collect the tickets, he noticed a couple nearby with a massive tub of popcorn. The guy was juggling sodas and a tray of fries, too.

So, after grabbing the tickets,

Gordon made a detour to the snack counter. A few minutes later, he

returned, arms loaded with popcorn, fries, and drinks, struggling to keep everything balanced.

Elsewhere in the lobby, Ike and Skyler were also there for a movie.

Skyler shot Ike a look of disbelief. "Don't you think it's weird for two guys to go see

a movie together?"

I mean, what straight guy brings another dude out to the movies?

The thought sent a shiver down Skyler's spine. “Wait, Ike—are you gay or something?"

He even edged away, as if ready to bolt.

Ike rolled his eyes. "Who said I was gay? Skyler m straighter than the edge of a ruler. My date bailed on me at the last minute, and I didn't want to go alone, so I dragged you along. If anything, should be worried you have a crush on me."

Skyler let out a sigh of relief. "As long as you're not gay, we're good."

Just then, Ike's eyes caught on a tall, striking figure across the lobby.

The guy was easy to spot, carrying a mountain of snacks-popcorn, fries, sodas. Even from the side, he stood out from the crowd, impossible to ignore.

Ike stared, stunned. That was Gordon.

Master Ninth himself.

Even more unbelievable, Gordon walked up to a girl sitting nearby. She stood,

took the popcorn from his hands, and slipped her arm through his.

The two of them headed into the theater together, side by side.

It was only then that Ike got a clear look at the girl's face.

She was stunning-absolutely gorgeous. The same girl who'd joined them at the

barbecue with Gordon not long ago.

Ike's shock grew. He'd noticed then that Gordon was different around

her,

Wut he hadn't expected this seeing them arm in army, there

was no mistaking it. Content"

If that wasn't dating, what was?