"No biggie. I thought it'd be nice to grab dinner together,

" Yates said, straight to the point., Fanny seemed caught off guard, momentarily speechless. When I thought she'd play hard to get and turn him down, she surprised me with a simple

"Sure.

", Yes! Smart girl. She wasn't about to let a catch like Yates slip through her fingers. I silently cheered for Fanny, already daydreaming about the fantastic evening she and her crush would have. That was when Milly interrupted,

"It's been a while since the three of us got together after graduation. We truly should catch up.

", Wait, what? Talk about being an eager third wheel. Having been through it all, I knew Milly was trying to prevent Fanny and Yates from spending time alone., Just when Fanny had mustered the courage, Milly had to barge in abruptly. Even if Fanny was willing, I wasn't giving my blessing yet., I was about to interject when Fanny said,

"Milly, sorry, but Yates and I have something else to discuss.

", I was stunned. Fanny wasn't letting this opportunity slip by., Milly smiled, completely unfazed and without any awkwardness.

"I know you want to discuss helping your friend's family with surgery. You might not know this, but I'm also involved in the project. I'll be in the OR with Yates.

", She made it clear she wasn't backing down. And, with her bringing up the surgery for Susie, it made it hard for Fanny to object., Fanny hesitated, but before she could speak, Yates said,

"Fanny and I have private matters to discuss.

", That statement was a knockout blow! There couldn't have been a better shutdown than that., Milly's gorgeous face froze, her forced smile more painful than any frown. She tucked her hands into her coat pockets, chuckling,

"Well, if it's private, I'll stay out of it.

", Then, looking at Yates, she added,

"Let's go. We shouldn't keep the hospital waiting.

", Yates nodded at us before leaving, his gaze lingering on Fanny., At that moment, I was sure Yates had feelings for Fanny., He had rejected his rumored fling. And the way he looked at Fanny wasn't the typical way a man looks at a woman., I was internally screaming for Fanny., After Yates and Milly left, I hugged Fanny, whispering,

"Your prince charming made the first move. Things between you two are mutual!

",

"No way,

" Fanny replied, her shyness mixed with insecurity.,

"He turned down his old flame for you, and you're still unsure?

" I challenged., Fanny replied,

"I just want a simple, lifelong partnership. You know I hate socializing and competing for attention, so...

", I got her point. She didn't want to fight over a man with someone like Milly., I cut her off.

"So, you're going to let this opportunity with Yates slip? Fanny, I'd lose respect for you if you did that.

", Fanny sighed,

"The idea of competing for love, always on guard against someone stealing him away... it's exhausting. I'm not sure I can handle it.

",

"Dr. Willis, have you forgotten what you told me? Don't stress over what hasn't happened. Who's to say Yates won't make things clear with Milly if you two get together, sparing you all the drama you're imagining?

" I tapped her forehead with my finger., It was true what they said, 'Love made one blind.', Fanny dodged my taps and said,

"Maybe we're too optimistic. What if he asked me out, not to start something but to let me down gently after hearing about my crush?

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