Chapter 242 The Poisoned Apple on Ice
Chapter 242 The Poisoned Apple on Ice
The sharp scrape of skates cut through the cold air of the rink as Baby and Saint led their team through drills. Baby’s stick moved with fluid precision, his eyes focused, while Saint barked short instructions between plays. Their friends occupied the bench along the boards, the usual mix of teasing and quiet conversation filling the downtime.
Takeshi sat pressed against Oliver’s side, his eyes gleaming with mischief. His hand crept slowly along Oliver’s thigh, fingers teasing at the waistband of his pants. Oliver caught the wrist mid-movement and gave it a firm slap, his voice low and stern.
“Behave,” Oliver muttered, glancing around to make sure no one was watching too closely. “We’re in public.”
Takeshi only smirked, leaning closer. “You’re no fun when you’re trying to be proper.”
Further down the bench, Cam sat at the far end with deliberate space around him. Cassian and Wong occupied the opposite side, exchanging knowing looks. Cam had made it clear that morning—after the way the two of them had wrecked him the night before, he needed distance. His body still ached in the best and worst ways, and he was determined not to end up limping into the next meeting.
Near the middle of the bench, Kai had Rode settled firmly on his lap. One arm was wrapped around Rode’s waist while the other cupped the back of his neck. They kissed without shame, slow and deep, completely unbothered by the occasional glances from the team.
The heavy rink doors swung open.
Kora stepped inside carrying a basket of fresh fruit in one arm and a takeout bag in the other. Her expression was carefully neutral as she hurried along the edge of the boards, aiming to slip past Cam and claim an empty spot on the bench.
Cam’s arm shot out, blocking her path.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice flat and unimpressed.
Kora froze, blinking up at him. The basket shifted slightly in her grip.
“I… brought food,” she said after a beat, holding up the bags as if that explained everything. “For everyone. I thought…”
Cam didn’t move. His eyes narrowed.
He was silent for a second before he shook his head. Don't panic, you've probably had too much sex that it's affecting your fucking sight and brain, he said to himself and slowly turned to his friends.
"Guys... you guys see anyone with a basket of fruit behind me? If yes, does this person look like Kora?" he asked with a creased brow.
The guys stared at Cam like he was going nuts, then at Kora, who was staring at them like some innocent little girl.
"It is Kora, babe... are you okay?" Wong asked gently.
"Am I okay?" Cam glared at him before clearing his throat. "Well then, if it is Kora, she just said she brought food for everyone," he reported.
"Well, that's weird," Oliver said.
"Her mother definitely entered her," Takeshi added.
"No," Kora spoke up, shaking her head. "Well, initially, yes. But after I woke up three days ago and became best friends with Baby—"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold your horses, crazy Kora," Cam snapped around to glare at Kora.
Kora chuckled softly. "That's what he calls me—"
"Because that's what we call you," Cam gritted out.
"Did you guys hear her? Best friend?" Cam was almost shooting steam through his nostrils.
"And she says she's been staying with them for three days," Kai stated.
Cam gritted his teeth and locked his eyes on Kora. "You know what? I'm not going to get mad." He pointed at the fruit bag set in Kora's hand.
"Just carry your poisoned apple back to your witch mother, tell her that Snow White got smarter—"
"I'm not leaving," Kora said, placing the basket and the takeout bags on the ground and folding her arms across her chest.
"You're not leaving?" Cam asked in disbelief.
He was yet to grasp what was happening.
How were they even fighting over Baby and not Saint?
And three days? Baby and Saint had been with Kora for three days and they did not think to tell him, and Baby did not think to tell him!
"Baby will be sad if I leave. He needs his best friend's support while he practices," she lifted her head in pride.
"Murder suddenly doesn't sound so horrible," Cam muttered and stepped closer to Kora.
"Now, listen, Ms. Miller..." Cam pinched his face closer. "That best friend position? It's been occupied for decades, and trust me, I don't share—"
"Doesn't look like you have a problem with sharing," she smirked, winking at Cam as she glanced at Cassian and Wong.
"Are you even listening to me?" Cam frowned.
"I am, and I said, I'm not leaving because I'm here for my—"
"If you say best friend one last time, I'll kill you," Cam threatened.
Kora smiled slowly. "Best friend," she smirked.
"Bitch," Cam was ready to lunge at Kora when Cassian easily wrapped an arm around his waist.
"Let her be, red," Cassian murmured. "Baby will probably have a better explanation when he comes," he said, pulling Cam away from a smirking Kora.
"She's clearly rage-baiting us," Rode muttered.
"I'm not, Rode. You all are just jealous that Baby and I are friends—"
"Now, don't push your luck, crazy Kora," Takeshi rolled his eyes.
"And who is this newbie that's always tangling?" Kora raised her brow at Takeshi.
"She's gaining ground," Wong deadpanned.
The chaos slowly rose until it reached the ice.
On the ice, Baby glanced over, catching the exchange. His stick paused mid-stride.
"Oh, come on now..." Baby murmured.
Saint followed his gaze, his jaw tightening slightly as he sighed.
"Come on," he said to Baby and skated closer to the boards.
The rink suddenly felt a lot more crowded.
"Oh, Baby, are you done?" Kora ignored Cam, who was saying something to her, and walked closer to the boards, picking up her basket of fruit.
"Did she just ignore me?" Cam glared.
"Yes, babe," Cassian whispered behind him.
"Baby, you did so well. Here, I got you some fruit—"
"What are you doing here, Kora?" Baby questioned, frowning at her.
"We asked you to stay in... this is not in," Saint stated.
Kora bit her bottom lip. "I was bored."
"Wait, so it's true?" Cam stepped toward them, locking his eyes on his blonde target.
"Sorry, Cam, I knew you'd think we're crazy for—"
"For making her your best friend overnight?" Cam cut Baby off.
Baby's eyes widened for a split second. "What?" He blinked in confusion.
Kora lowered her head, hiding her blushing cheeks.
"Oh, don't play dumb, Baby. You keep her in Saint's house, and she is suddenly your bestie. Tell me, where did you grow tired of me?" Cam asked.
Baby groaned, pulling off his helmet and shoving it toward Saint. "This is all your fault," he whispered to Saint before facing Kora.
"Kora... I told you, I am not your friend—"
"I know, but I thought we could be best friends since we can't be just friends," she reasoned.
"Definitely crazy," Takeshi murmured.
"You see? It's all on her," Baby shrugged at Cam.
"Why the hell is she even here?" Cam asked.
"Come on, guys. Let's all calm down." Saint placed a hand on Baby’s shoulder. "Let's head to the lark as we agreed, I'll explain everything there," he suggested.
"And she better not be there," Cam gave Kora a warning glare.
"I will, my best friend will miss me—"
"Stop it," Baby and Cam said at the same time.