An Unexpected Encounter

Avery's eyes scanned the crowded coffee shop, searching for Julian. They were supposed to meet for a study session, but he was nowhere to be found.

Just as she was about to text him, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Mind if I join you?"

Avery turned to face the speaker, her heart skipping a beat.

He was tall, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. His dark hair was messy, and his smile was captivating.

"I'm Max," he said, extending his hand.

Avery shook it, feeling a spark of electricity.

"I'm Avery," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Max sat down, his presence commanding the small table.

"So, what brings you here?" Avery asked, trying to sound casual.

Max leaned back in his chair.

"Just grabbing a coffee before class," he said. "I'm a grad student."

Avery's eyes widened.

"What's your major?" she asked.

Max smiled.

"Creative writing," he replied. "I'm working on my novel."

Avery's eyes lit up.

"That sounds amazing," she said. "I'm an English major."

Max's eyes sparkled.

"No way," he said. "What's your focus?"

Avery launched into a passionate discussion about literature, and Max listened intently.

As they talked, Avery felt a connection she couldn't ignore.

But where was Julian?

_The Study Session_

Julian arrived 20 minutes late, looking flustered.

"Hey, sorry about that," he said, spotting Max.

Avery introduced them, and Julian's expression turned guarded.

Max stood up, his eyes locked onto Julian's.

"Nice meeting you," Max said. "I'll leave you two to your study session."

As Max walked away, Julian's eyes narrowed.

"Who's that?" he asked, his tone possessive.

Avery's cheeks warmed.

"Just a guy I met," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Julian's gaze lingered on Max's retreating figure.

"I don't like him," he said, his voice low.

Avery's eyes met Julian's.

"Why?" she asked, her heart pounding.

Julian's expression softened.

"I just don't want anyone hurting you," he said.

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

Was Julian jealous?

_The Tension Builds_

As they studied, the tension between Avery and Julian grew.

Avery couldn't shake the feeling that Max had sparked something in her.

And Julian's possessiveness only added to the confusion.

As the study session ended, Avery felt lost.

Was she falling for Julian, or was she drawn to Max?

And what did Julian really feel for her?

The questions swirled in her mind, refusing to let go.

As they studied, the tension between Avery and Julian grew.

Avery couldn't shake the feeling that Max had sparked something in her.

And Julian's possessiveness only added to the confusion.

As the study session ended, Avery felt lost.

Was she falling for Julian, or was she drawn to Max?

And what did Julian really feel for her?

The questions swirled in her mind, refusing to let go.

_A Chance Encounter_

Avery decided to clear her head with a walk across campus.

As she strolled, she stumbled upon Max sitting on a bench.

"Hey," he said, smiling. "Fancy running into you again."

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

"Hey," she replied, sitting beside him.

Max asked about her day, and Avery found herself opening up.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like they'd known each other for years.

"I should get going," Avery said, reluctantly standing up.

Max walked her to the library.

"I'd love to grab coffee with you again," he said, his eyes sparkling.

Avery's heart fluttered.

"I'd like that," she replied.

As they exchanged numbers, Avery felt a rush of excitement.

Was she getting in over her head?

_Julian's Concerns_

Julian spotted Avery and Max laughing together.

His gut twisted.

Who was this guy?

And why was Avery smiling at him like that?

Julian approached them, his expression guarded.

"Avery, can I talk to you?" he asked.

Avery's eyes met Julian's.

"What's up?" she asked.

Julian's voice lowered.

"I don't want you getting hurt," he said.

Avery's eyes narrowed.

"By who?" she asked.

Julian's gaze flicked to Max.

"By anyone," he replied.

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

Was Julian finally opening up?

Or was he just trying to control her?

_The Blurred Lines_

Avery's feelings for Julian and Max blurred.

She couldn't deny the connection with Max.

But Julian's possessiveness drew her in.

As she walked back to her dorm, Avery felt lost.

Was she ready to take a chance on love?

Or would she get hurt?

Only time would tell.

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