Two.

Selena sat in front of her MacBook, typing furiously as she continued writing her latest mystery novel. She had always been passionate about writing ever since she was a little girl and had often imagined herself as a famous author in her own right. 

The book she was currently working on was a murder mystery set in a small town in Maine. The protagonist was a young detective named Lily who was trying to solve the mysterious murder of a wealthy businessman. As Selena wrote, her imagination ran wild, crafting plot twists and cliffhangers that would keep her readers on the edge of their seats.

Writing had always been an escape for Selena, a way to forget about the stresses of everyday life and escape into a world of her own creation. She had started writing stories when she was just a teenager, scribbling them down in a notebook during dull classes at school. Her passion for writing never dwindled and she continued to hone her craft over the years, attending creative writing classes and workshops to improve her writing skills.

As she typed away, Selena felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her. Writing was her true calling, her escape, and her passion. She couldn't wait to finish her murder mystery novel and release it to the world, hoping it would be the first of many successful novels to come.

After a full hour of writing, Selena decided that it was time to take a break. She got up from her chair, stretched her legs and walked outside, craving the fresh air and the warmth of the sun on her skin.

As she strolled down the street, lost in thought and enjoying the scenery, she felt a newfound sense of calm and clarity wash over her. She realized that she had become so engrossed in her writing that she had forgotten to take care of herself and indulge in some simple pleasures.

Taking a deep breath, Selena felt the fresh air fill her lungs, awakening her senses and providing her with the energy and inspiration to resume her writing. She knew that her writing was important to her but making sure to take breaks and care for herself was just as crucial for her creativity.

Her eyes spot a familiar figure, she narrow her eyes to get a better view. Right, it's Ethan.

Just as she thought.

She hesitated for a moment, but decided that it was worth another shot and started to run towards him.

As she approached him, Ethan stopped to greet her with a nod of his head. Selena tried to introduce herself, but before she could say anything more, Ethan cut her off.

"I remember you," he said coldly. "You're the girl from the diner, the one who can't take a hint. I told you to stay away from me."

Selena was taken aback by his rude behavior and felt her face redden with anger. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice rising. "I don't even know you, and yet you act like I'm some kind of pest. What's your problem?"

"My problem?" Ethan replied, a smirk forming on his lips. "My problem is that I don't like nosy people who pry into my life. And I especially don't like people like you getting in the way of my workouts."

Selena could feel her blood starting to boil at his words. "Getting in the way of your workouts?" she spat out. "Really? You're so arrogant that you think that the whole world revolves around you? Well, let me tell you something, buddy, I have just as much right to be here as you do. So cut the attitude and get over yourself."

Ethan narrowed his eyes, intensifying his glare. "You don't know what you're getting into," he said icily. "You can't handle the kind of danger that follows me. You need to stay away if you want to keep yourself safe."

Selena was bewildered by his strange warning, but refused to back down. "What kind of danger?" she demanded. "Are you in some kind of trouble? If so, maybe I can help."

Ethan laughed derisively. "Help?" he asked incredulously. "That's rich. You think you can just waltz into my life and solve my problems? That's not how the real world works, sweetheart. Just stay out of my way and let me do my own thing."

With those curt words, Ethan turned and started jogging away, leaving Selena standing there fuming with anger. She watched him disappear into the distance and wondered what kind of troubles he was involved in. Despite his harsh words, she couldn't shake off the feeling of intrigue that surrounded him. She knew there was more to him than met the eye.

As Selena walked towards the town, her thoughts were still consumed with the rude behavior of Ethan at the diner. She couldn't help but chant cursing words towards him under her breath, wishing she never had to see him again.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise. She turned around to see that it was Xander, the mysterious and handsome guy she had met earlier. "Hey there, Selena," Xander said with a smirk. "I can't help but notice that you seem a little tense. Is everything okay?"

Selena couldn't help but feel taken aback by Xander's sudden appearance, but she managed to compose herself and engage him in a friendly conversation. They talked about their hobbies and interests, and Selena found herself genuinely enjoying his company.

As the conversation progressed, Selena couldn't help but ask Xander about Ethan, hoping to gain some insight into his behavior. "So, what do you know about Ethan?" she asked with a curious smile.

Xander's expression immediately morphed into one of barely contained annoyance. "Look, Selena," he said firmly. "I think it's best if you stay away from Ethan. He's not the kind of guy you want to be associated with."

Selena couldn't help but feel a swirl of confusion and intrigue at Xander's words. Why was he so adamant about her staying away from Ethan? And why did he seem to have a personal vendetta against him?

Despite her curiosity, Selena decided to heed Xander's warning and keep her distance from Ethan. She couldn't afford to get caught up in any drama, especially not with two guys who seemed to be at odds with each other.

As she parted ways with Xander, Selena couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and mystery surrounding both him and Ethan. She wondered what their stories were, and how they were connected, if at all.

With her mind buzzing with questions and curiosity, Selena resolved to keep her eyes and ears open, knowing that she was about to embark on a journey filled with twists and turns that she could never have imagined.

Selena decided to stop by at the diner to meet up with Ashley. As soon as she walked in, she saw Ashley sitting at their usual table, gazing dreamily into the distance.

"Hey girl," Selena said with a smile as she sat down opposite Ashley. "What's got you so smitten this morning?"

Ashley looked up at Selena and blushed. "It's Xander," she said, her eyes twinkling. "I saw the two of you talking, and I couldn't help noticing how charming he is."

Selena couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, trust me, I noticed," she said. "He's quite the smooth talker."

Ashley rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't tease me," she said. "I really like him, and I think he might like me too."

Selena raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Really? What makes you think that?"

"Well, he asked me a lot of questions about myself and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say," Ashley replied. "Plus, he saved me from almost getting squashed by a truck one time." She spoke with a toothy grin.

Selena observed her for a sec before shaking her head in dismay. "Hmm, maybe you're right," she said. "But be careful, Ashley. Xander seems like the type who can charm anyone, but you never know what his intentions are."

Ashley nodded, a serious look on her face. "Thanks for looking out for me," she said. "But I think I can handle myself."

Selena smiled at her friend, knowing that Ashley was a smart and capable woman. "Alright then, but if anything happens, you know where to find me," she said.

As they finished their conversation, Selena couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. She had to admit, Xander is quite the charmer.

Not that she has a thing for him, just that he is appealing.

Selena walked home in a daze, still trying to make sense of Xander's words. As she reached her doorstep, she was surprised to find Ethan there, looking tense and agitated.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, taken aback by his sudden appearance.

"I need you to leave, Selena," Ethan said, his voice strained. "It's not safe for you here."

"You can't just tell me what to do, Ethan," Selena argued. "I'm not some helpless damsel in distress that needs protection."

Ethan burned with rage at her words, feeling frustrated and helpless in the face of his own demons. He knew that he was no good for her, that he was better off alone. But he couldn't resist the pull he felt towards her, the way she made him feel alive and give him the feeling of normalcy.

Without warning, he pulled Selena to him and kissed her passionately, their lips locked in a heated embrace. Selena was surprised at first, but she couldn't deny that she liked the way his lips felt on hers, the way he made her feel alive and desirable.

As they broke apart, Ethan looked at her with a mix of desire and regret. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I shouldn't have done that."

"It's alright," Selena said, feeling a sense of connection with him. "I understand."

But as she walked inside, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was in for a wild ride with Ethan. She knew she must stay away, but her heart was in conflict with her mind. Only time would tell how this would all end.

Selena couldn't help but brush her hands on her lips, still trying to make sense of what had just happened. 

The kiss was intense and left her disoriented, but as she tried to piece together the events of the evening, she was still at a loss as to why Ethan had been so worked up and wanted her to leave.

She couldn't help but think about his words, how he had warned her to stay away, but then contradicted himself by kissing her. She felt confused and frustrated, wondering what was going on in his mind.

As she replayed the events over and over again in her head, she realized that Ethan's behavior was not under her control. She couldn't let him dictate her life or her choices, and she resolved to make her own decisions regardless of what he thought.

But just as she was starting to feel more confident, she realized that he had entered her thoughts again, and she couldn't shake off the memory of the kiss.

Selena slipped into bed, her mind still consumed with thoughts of Ethan and Xander. She couldn't help but feel drawn to the mystery that surrounded them both. It was clear that something was going on beneath the surface, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

There was something in-between the Duo, and sooner or later she'd get to the bottom of it and quench her curious mind.

As she drifted off to sleep, her mind was filled with thoughts of the enigmatic men she had encountered in the town. She couldn't wait to see what the future held, and whether she would be able to solve the mystery that had taken hold of her life.