(After a few minutes)
Lea smirked, scanning the room. "Okay, since no one's brave enough to step up, I'll do it for you… and I already have a few choices in mind."
"Pick me! Pick me! Pair me with a hot, curvy, pretty—" Xavier started, rubbing his palms together.
Blaise cut in sharply, voice cold. "Man, shut up. One more word and I'll make your life a nightmare."
Xavier froze, eyes wide. "I… I was just trying to…"
Blaise's glare silenced him instantly. "Yeah. Good. Now stay quiet."
Lea clapped her hands, grinning. "As I was saying… the people cooking today are… Phoebe and Theo. Round of applause, everyone!"
Phoebe's hands froze mid-clap. "Wait… wha—?"
Theo's grin widened, smug as ever. "Finally, some alone time with a hot girl."
Phoebe jumped up, cheeks flaming. "No! I'm not cooking with him!"
Theo raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me? What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing… I… I… um…" Phoebe stammered, nearly tripping over her words.
Lea sighed, arms crossed. "Enough. Phoebe, you can't object—nobody volunteered."
Phoebe muttered under her breath. "Is there any way I can not do this…?"
Lea's smirk sharpened. "Sure… if someone's willing to switch with you." She glanced around the room, eyes sharp.
One minute later, Lea's eyes landed back on Phoebe. "No one's switching? Then get your ass into that kitchen and cook."
"But—" Phoebe started.
"No buts. Maybe this will finally get you a love life," Lea teased, shoving her gently forward.
"Lea… we're friends! Don't do this!" Phoebe whined, dragging her feet.
Lea leaned back, crossing her arms. "I can't hear you."
Phoebe grit her teeth. "I… hate… your guts!"
"Whatever," Lea shrugged, pushing her toward the kitchen.
Theo chuckled as he followed. "Nice drama, ladies."
Lea waved dismissively. "Good luck, darling… enjoy your punishment," she called over her shoulder.
(In the kitchen)
Phoebe's back faced Theo as she surveyed the ingredients. "Rice, beans, spaghetti… oh, ramen too…"
Theo leaned against the counter, smirking. "Ramen sounds perfect—fast, easy. Let's—"
Phoebe spun around—Theo was suddenly right in front of her.
"Aaah! What are you doing?! Too close! Move!" she yelled, stumbling backward.
Theo didn't budge. In one smooth motion, he stepped closer, cornering her against the wall. His hands landed on either side of her, trapping her.
Phoebe's heart raced. "Umm… why… are… you… so… close?!"
Theo's grin was teasing, dangerous. "Just making sure you don't sneak away."
Phoebe flushed crimson, realizing she had no escape. "T-this… this isn't fair!"
Theo leaned slightly closer, voice low and playful. "Life's rarely fair… Phoebe."