Intertwined

Reconciliation Attempt

Mike's excitement slightly died down, and Matt picked up on it. "Something wrong, Mike?"

"Nothing. You guys should go on, I'll catch up with you in a second. I just have something to do" Mike laughed awkwardly.

Matt raised his eyebrow but he didn't question it any further, while Eve reassured him that it was nothing major so Matt complied and started walking away with Eve.

"Okay, see ya Mikey" Matt waved at his best friend, and Evelyn did the same.

Jordi shrugged it off and followed the two, while Mara opted to stay and ask him more. "What do you need to do?"

Mike let out a breath. "Okay, don't tell them yet. I'm gonna wait for Ash to walk by and ask him to join us because he doesn't deserve bad treatment even after he did what he did. But don't tell them yet! I'm counting on you!" Mike winked, trying to appear cheerful.

Mara blushed slightly but sighed. "Mike, are you sure that's smart? It could cause a lot of tension"

"Well, ostracizing him is not gonna solve anything either, is it?"

"I guess..."

"Trust me, Mars, it's gonna be good. At least Matt wouldn't hold a grudge...I think..." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Now come on, I'll see you later, girlfriend!" Mike patted her on the head.

She giggled a little. "See you later, cookie"

"Heeeyy I should've came up with that nickname!" He whined.

"Well you didn't" Mara smiled and booped him on the nose again.

"Go on ahead. I'll get you back for this another time" Mike smiled and turned his attention to the front doors down the hall.

Mara smiled and ran after her other friends.

A few moments later, Rose and Ash walked into the building.

"There he is..." Mike took a deep breath and made his way over to the duo.

"Hey Rose, Asher..." He began slowly. They weren't saying anything when he approached them, but he did notice that they were holding hands...

Asher rose an eyebrow, surprised Mike even considered talking to him. "Oh uhm, hi-"

"Listen bro, we were really..upset with what you had done but I'm willing to invite you over to hang out with us and eat later today. Everybody's coming and...you don't deserve to be isolated"

Asher sighed. "That's kind of you, man, but I'm gonna have to decline"

"But why? I'm pretty sure none of us are holding a grudge. Yes, that includes Matt" Mike tried to reassure him.

"I got what I deserve, Mike, and that's to be isolated"

"No bro! Nobody deserves that, not you of all people..."

"I do, Mike. Thanks again for the offer but I must decline" Asher insisted solemnly.

"Asher..." Mike whispered, feeling shook by this new side of the boy in front of him.

Rose, who's been thoughtfully watching the two this entire time, finally jumped in the conversation.

"Don't worry, Mike. He's with me, and he'll be okay like that" The girl blushed slightly, and so did Asher.

"Yeah, I see you two holding hands" Mike remarked, pointing down to their intertwined hands.

Asher blushed a bit more. "Y-yeah. T-thanks again, Mike"

Mike sighed. He hated whenever things didn't work out the way he wanted them, but he had to suck this one up.

"Okay, stay safe then" Mike barely waved at the two as he left.

Rose turned back to Asher. "Come on, Ash. Let's go..."

Asher nodded and the two started walking again.

Mara, Matt, Eve and Jordi were already at class. Mara could just barely catch a glimpse of Mike walking towards them so she just waited outside the door while her friends walked in.

Mike walked up with a dejected posture, to which Mara raised an eyebrow at. Soon enough, she got her answer when her boyfriend shook his head sadly.

Mara frowned as well and patted him comfortingly, then they walked in class together.