Amara Luciano wasn't new to Primo's sudden declaration of who's hot or not. She'd let him do whatever he wanted as long as he wasn't cheating. His fascination would last a week so she wasn't too worried about having to approve the girl or not.

But Natasha?

A girl she actually liked?

Oh, no. She wouldn't let him mess with that girl.

"Primo Alonzo, stop right there," she declared and marched to the parking lot. She could see his red Porsche Boxster. "Seriously?"

"What?" he complained as he sat on the driver's seat. "Girls are fucking complicated. You should be happy I brought this out!"

Amara growled in annoyance and slid beside him. She hated attention but Primo basked in it. "Stay away from Natasha, understand?"

"Why? I like her! She's my type!"

"You said that about Francine, Olivia, Rosie—"

"Who's Rosie?"

"My point exactly!" Amara gestured with her arms. "You'll forget her soon so there's no need to string the poor girl in whatever it is girls seem to see in you!"

"Ouch, princess. You make it sound like I'm a man whore." He pushed the books and her bag to her lap before he started the car. Primo went mute that she began feeling guilty.

Amara knew that he wasn't a playboy. He was just damn picky that the girls he liked couldn't even get second dates. He would always, always find a deal-breaker from the first date alone. He'd go 'why compromise when you could have the best?'

But of course, Primo would shower the girls with chocolate and flowers a week prior, making his intentions clear. He's so fucking traditional that girls immediately fall for him at the courting stage alone.

She couldn't blame them.

He was a charmer and a gentleman. He would kiss their hand and open doors for them and give them these stupid notes filled with compliments.

Even Amara had once thought that Primo was serious about this girl or that girl. But after their first dates, he would come knocking at her door with a disappointed face.

'She's not the one'

"I'm sorry," she muttered over the rush of the wind.

"I can't hear you," he smirked and stepped on the gas.

The bastard!

"I said sorry!" Amara sighed and leaned back on the seat as they reached Central Park. "You can't blame me. She'll just end up crying if it turns out that you don't like her. And she seems really sweet, you know."

"See? Even you like her. She's perfect for me then."

"Primo—"

"I won't make her cry!"

"And if she doesn't like cats?"

Primo parked the car. His brows were drawn together. "Well, if she has a good reason, why not?"

Amara gaped at him. "You're compromising?"

He nodded. "Let's grab dinner!"

They ate at Tavern on the Green. He was quiet the whole time and Amara knew his mood wouldn't improve unless she approved of his plans.

Brat!

He ordered another serving of the shrimp cocktail after finishing his lobster risotto.

"You know, it would've been a tragedy if you were allergic to seafood," she began, taking a bite from her apple tart.

"Don't say that!" His distress made her laugh. "And don't laugh."

"Just saying! Why don't you try cooking that shrimp cocktail though so we don't have to go here every Monday?"

"Says the one who can't enough of that tart!" He shot back. He's so bad at hiding his feelings that his displeasure leaked out with every word.

"Primo... I'm serious. If Natasha ends up—"

"So, you don't trust me?" He stopped eating, shooting her a glare. "If ever I don't like her, I promise my reasons would be valid."

Amara was aware of that. His reasons were all valid.

And she's tired of contradicting him.

"Fine!" she announced that made the boy's face lit up. "I did think that she's like a girl version of you."

"Really?"

She launched into storytelling and told him about what she knew of Natasha.

"Ask her to my game tomorrow, will you?"

As if she could say no.

✘✘

Amara found Natasha exiting Mrs. Harrington's office. She pasted a smile to her face before calling for the girl.

"Amara! Hey!" Natasha mumbled as soon as she saw her.

"You busy?"

"Not really. I'm about to go home."

"Wanna see the basketball game with me?" Amara turned on her convincing charm to full power. "It's a great way to meet more people and make the most of your stay here."

Natasha bit her lip. "I'm not sure..."

Amara cursed in her head. "Oh, too bad. Isla and Maine are cheering so I guess I'll be alone then."

Just like she predicted, Natasha's features softened. She grabbed her hand and let out a smile. "Alright. I'll go with you."

Amara hid her winning smile as they went to the gymnasium. The place was packed even if it was just a practice game. St. Clement's had already entered the semis but the game would be at the end of the school year.

She dragged Natasha to a space that some freshman (which Primo surely bribed) had reserved for them.

The game was on its third quarter and SC Warriors had the upper hand. Amara wanted to roll her eyes every time Primo scored. His moves would always be paired with screaming girls.

"Is the guy you're with yesterday?" Natasha half-shouted at her ear.

"Yeah. That's Primo." Amara quickly amended the statement, dreading that Natasha's opinions might shift. "We're just friends."

She laughed. "Okay."

Amara wished time would go faster. She had other things to do like practice with her violin and the piano than watching Primo's game. She knew he'd win and that he was incredible as usual.

She repeatedly glanced at the clock in impatience. Primo owed her big time.

Finally, the game ended.

Amara dragged Natasha to the basketball team's bench. Primo's teammate slash his male best friend slash her rival caught sight of them.

Elijah raised an eyebrow, pulling on his varsity jacket. "Well, if it isn't the princess Amara!"

She ignored him. "Primo!"

Primo emerged from the crowd with a haughty grin. His wild dark hair was pushed back, revealing his handsome flushed face. "Hey! Did you see me there?"

The question was directed at her and Amara knew he awaited her praise. "Yes, yes. You were so cool."

He beamed. "I know, right?"

Amara gestured to the girl beside her. "And oh, this is Natasha. She's new. Say 'hi'."

Primo held out his hand. "Hi. I'm Primo."

Natasha nodded as she accepted his hand. "It's nice to meet you. Good game."

Amara observed their interaction. Natasha seemed immune to Primo's charms. Her fingers fidgeted, looking around in discomfort. Not a good sign.

"You know what, Primo?" she started. "You should show Natasha around."

Primo locked eyes with hers. "Sure. I'm free."

Natasha tried to communicate her discomfort but she disregarded it. Of course, she would be on Primo's side. She waved goodbye at them as Primo grabbed his things and escorted Natasha to the exit.

"You look satisfied," Elijah commented as the audience dispersed. His brown eyes met hers. "You sure Primo is serious this time?"

Amara frowned at his sudden interest. She and Elijah didn't interact much unless Primo was around. "Why are you even talking to me?"

Elijah smirked. "You better not regret this, princess."

✘✘

my lighthearted story is becoming a mystery omg!