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I nodded. “Has RJ told you about the countdown yet?” Having this operation to focus on was actually a good distraction.

“No, but it’ll have to wait. Shush.”

Axel sat down next to me. He took one look at the empty spot on the table in front of me and slid his tray between us. “We can share.”

“Thanks, Axel.” I picked up a fry and ate it.

“Are you okay? I saw you talking to Jacob.”

“Did you hear the conversation?”

Axel shook his head.

Good. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied.

RJ plopped down across from Axel and Liam sat down across from me. “Yo,” RJ said. “Anything you’re looking forward to, Axel?”

Oh no. I’d tried this tactic.

Axel shrugged. “Not really, no.”

“Well that’s depressing,” RJ said. “Surely you’re looking forward to something.”

Axel just shook his head.

“I’m personally a big fan of Valentine’s Day,” Liam said.

What was he doing?

Liam winked at me.

God, had RJ looped him in too or something?

“Are you?” Axel asked. “Have you ever even had a girlfriend on Valentine’s Day?”

“No,” Liam said. “I don’t do girlfriends.”

“What about Natalivanka?” I asked.

“You know that’s casual.”

“Back to Valentine’s Day,” RJ said. “Do you like it, Axel? Like...do you have plans for this year’s or something?”

“I feel like you’re trying to ask me out on Valentine’s Day and I’m very uncomfortable right now.”

RJ laughed. “I’m much more likely being forced on a date with your sister for Valentine’s Day.”

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing,” RJ said. “You know what else is on Valentine’s Day though?”

Axel didn’t respond. “If you’re coming out of the closet, I’m happy for you, man. But you’re barking up the wrong tree. And can we circle back to what you just said about my sister?”

RJ laughed. “I’m not hitting on you, weirdo. I just said I’m more likely being forced to go out with your sister.”

Axel looked kind of pissed now.

Liam cleared his throat. “Speaking about sisters. Valentine’s Day is also my sister’s birthday. Did you know that?”