Cassidy rolled her eyes, but as we walked toward the shop, she stayed close enough that our arms occasionally brushed. Maybe it was accidental. Probably not.
Inside, Mira was working again, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Isaiah! Back so soon?"
"Can't stay away from your bubble tea," I said honestly. "It's addictive."
Mira laughed, then noticed Cassidy beside me. Her eyes widened slightly in recognition—the Valentine sisters tended to have that effect on people.
"The usual for you?" she asked me, already reaching for a cup.
"Please. And..." I turned to Cassidy.
"Passionfruit with lychee jelly," Cassidy said. "Extra ice, quarter sugar."
Mira nodded, writing down the order. "Coming right up! You two can grab a seat."
I led Cassidy to a small table near the window. The shop was relatively empty for a Friday afternoon, just a couple of NYU students in the corner and an older woman reading a book by the counter.
"So," I said once we were seated. "Let's talk study plans."
