Chapter 4: Crossroads of Conversations
This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to actual names or events are purely coincidental. No copyright infringement intended.
Enrollment was finally over. Since I finished early, I decided to wait for the others outside the building.
Our group agreed to catch up at a nearby café. It had been a while since we’d all hung out, and I missed these tender-hearted moments with them.
While waiting for our orders, Cali wasted no time teasing me.
“It really is different when Leizam’s in love, huh?” Cali smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Xander raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And why is that?”
“Well,” Cali began, leaning forward dramatically, “she was holding up the line earlier, daydreaming about someone. So cute, right? Tsk, tsk, Leizam!”
I wanted to disappear. Why does Cali know exactly how to make me squirm? I could only laugh nervously.
“Whatever,” I muttered, brushing her off.
Amid the teasing and shared laughter, you got up and walked outside. Moments later, you returned, holding an ice cream cone, which you handed to me.
“Here,” you said with a playful grin. “This’ll help cool down that red face of yours.”
I hesitated. “I already ordered cake,” I pointed out, but you gently placed the cone in my hand.
“It’s on the house. No worries.” You smiled before returning to your seat.
I sighed, giving in, and started eating the ice cream while the group continued their lighthearted banter.
The fun was cut short when Josh and Lily began arguing about something. Their voices rose, and eventually, Lily stormed out of the café.
Dream, ever the peacemaker, spoke up. “Josh, you should go after her and make amends.”
Josh shook his head, his tone calm but tired. “Just let her be. I’ve been trying to make things right, but it’s like I can’t win.”
The group tried to console him, offering their thoughts and encouragement. I wanted to say something too, but I held back, not wanting to step on toes. Instead, I softly offered, “Maybe give it time. If it’s meant to work out, it will. But if not… give yourself a break.”
Dream cracked a joke to lighten the mood, something about how all of us were destined to be single until our 30s. It was part of our inside jokes, and we all burst into laughter, raising our drinks in a mock toast to our unspoken solidarity.
As the day wound down, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.
On my way to my scooter, I noticed a tall figure following me. I turned and saw you.
“Isn’t your route the other way? Why are you here?” I asked, curious.
“Just making sure you get home safely,” you replied casually.
I rolled my eyes and started my scooter, but then you said something I couldn’t hear.
“I said, let’s grab something to eat tomorrow. My treat,” you repeated. “I need help understanding the subjects we’re taking up.”
I blinked. “Can’t it wait until classes start?”
Before you could answer, Josh walked up unexpectedly.
“I could join you two tomorrow,” he offered, his tone light but firm. “I’m free, and I can help explain the concepts if needed.”
Caught off guard, I blurted out, “Sure, the three of us can meet at the mall,” before quickly starting my scooter and leaving.
As I drove away, my mind raced. What just happened? Did Xander just ask me out? And why did Josh want to join us?
The confusion was overwhelming, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that tomorrow was going to be anything but simple.
Chapter 5: Tangled Intentions
Took a while since I worked something out hihi. Hope you like it. ^^
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