Page 78
Tonight, we have plans to meet her sister for dinner. I told her I didn’t want to encroach on her family time, but she insisted.
Classes start in four days, and while my training never stops, I’ll have to find the time this week to learn more about GBU, the people here, and the unspoken rules of college life. Basically, anything that will help me blend in.
Inside our suite, Blake is on the couch in our shared living room, watching Jujutsu Kaisen. Happiness bubbles up inside me. I suggested she watch it this morning, and she’s already on it.
The sound of the door closing catches her attention, and she turns. “How did it go?” she asks, arching an eyebrow.
“The ride to the rink is short. That’s a plus. The place is a bit old, but it’s in good shape, and it’s big. I think I’ll be fine.” I set my bag on the floor, kick off my sneakers, and pad to the couch. “What are you up to?”
“You were absolutely right about Jujutsu Kaisen.” She grins. “It’s a banger. I have no idea why I never watched it before.”
“So many people don’t realize how good anime is, but I love being the influencer.”
“I take it I’m not the only person you’ve convinced to give it a go?”
“Of course not. My friend Ellie is obsessed with everything manga-related because of me. She’s even gone to several conventions with me. But she’s not the only one I’ve introduced it to.”
She tilts her head, her blue hair falling in her face. “Someone from the Olympic team loves anime too?”
“Yes, but my lips are sealed.” I wink at her and stand. “I’ll go take a shower. What time are we meeting your sister?”
“Five.”
“Then I’ll be quick.”
“Okay. I’ll be here, falling in love with Nobara, hoping to meet a girl like her in real life.”
“You have great taste,” I throw over my shoulder as I head for my room.
“Who’s your favorite?” she calls.
“Gojo,” I say, closing the door. Sukuna too, but not many people would approve of that, so I keep it to myself.
My mom will be so proud when I tell her I’ve converted another person into an anime fan.
Blake and her sister, Kylie, sit across from me at the diner near campus while I scan the menu, already thinking about my early practice tomorrow. I settle on the grilled chicken salad, dressing on the side.
“Anything to drink?” our server—Nora, according to her name tag—asks.
“Water with lemon,” I tell her, holding out the menu.
When she’s gone, I lean back in the booth, studying the Scott sisters. Kylie and I are the same age while Blake is a year younger. They have the same gray eyes and puffy lips, but that’s where the physical similarities end. Though if Blake’s hair weren’t blue, I imagine it would be a similar blond color. Blake is tall and lean, probably thanks to years of playing basketball. Kylie, on the other hand, is around my height and curvy. Both are beautiful in their own way.
“What do you think?” Kylie asks, her expression bright. “This is one of the most popular places on campus.”
“Looks great.” I shrug. “But I better try the food before I form an opinion.”
“Understandable.”
“If you’d started here straight out of high school, you two could’ve been roommates.” Blake glances between Kylie and me.
Her sister laughs. “You’re forgetting I’m not an athlete. No way would they have put me in your dorm. Though I wouldn’t have minded if they did. The parties there are epic.”
“Sounds awesome. We’ll have to check out the next one.” Blake grins at me.
“You don’t even know we’ll be invited.”
Kylie shakes her head. “Everyone’s invited. There are a lot of athletes there, mostly hockey players, but they don’t care who you are. Ash is like that, the life of every party.”
