Stuck with you (BWWM)

Chapter 7

Talking with Ben helped me even though I didn't expect it too but it did before we broke up even started dating he's alway been easy to talk to about anything he's just always been that type of guy

That's one thing I liked about him
That's not like Brandon he just focuses on career and how he's going UOA next fall one of con's about dating a senior they're going to leave all alone it's not their choice but it still hurts

Yasmin and I settled into our usual spot in the cafeteria, trays of food in front of us. The lunchtime buzz was in full swing, and I took a moment to soak it all in before diving into the conversation. Yasmin was the kind of friend who could make even the dullest lunch hour feel like an adventure.

"Okay, spill it," Yasmin said, giving me a knowing look. "What's been brewing in the Gabi universe?"

I rolled my eyes, half amused and half exasperated. "Seriously, you and your dramatic flair. It's not like I'm hiding some secret plot twist from you."

She smirked, spearing a piece of lettuce. "Oh please, you can't fool me. I've known you long enough to recognize the 'overthinking Gabi' face."

I sighed. "Fine, you got me. But can you blame me? Between the musical and Brandon's whole 'I'm heading to UOA' plan, my brain is a circus."

Yasmin raised an eyebrow. "Ah, the classic balancing act between show tunes and heartthrobs. I can see why your brain's doing somersaults."

I chuckled, poking at my salad. "Yeah, well, somersaults are putting it mildly. I'm doing full-on acrobatics up here."

Yasmin grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, spill the deets. How's our favorite quarterback?"

I sighed again, a mixture of fondness and frustration. "Brandon... he's all about football and the whole college thing. Like, it's great he's got his life mapped out, but sometimes I wonder if he's forgotten the rest of the world exists."

Yasmin's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah, the classic senioritis, pre-senior year edition."

"Exactly!" I exclaimed, relieved that someone understood. "It's like he's already ghosting me for the next chapter of his life."

Yasmin chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. "Well, at least he's not planning to ghost the entire UOA campus."

I laughed. "True. But honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm dating a professional football player who's already been drafted by college."

Yasmin leaned in, her tone more serious. "Okay, jokes aside, how are you really feeling about it?"

I sighed, staring down at my salad. "I'm proud of him, I really am. But it's tough, you know? It's like he's moving on to this exciting new chapter, and I'm still trying to figure out the current page."

Yasmin reached out, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, you don't have to have it all figured out. Relationships are about being there for each other, through the touchdowns and the fumbles."

I smiled, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Yas. You always know what to say."

She winked. "Of course, that's why I'm the wise sidekick."

We shared a laugh, the weight of the conversation lightened by her humor. And in that moment, I realized how lucky I was to have a friend who could make even the serious stuff feel like a sitcom episode.

"Okay, enough about my drama," I said, waving a fork in the air. "Let's move on to yours. Have you asked Will to the dance yet?"

Yasmin's eyes widened, and she choked on her drink. "Wait, how did we go from quarterback woes to dance dilemmas?"

I shrugged, grinning. "That's the magic of our friendship, Yas. We can jump from football to dance moves in a single bound."

Yasmin shook her head, still recovering from her near drink-spillage. "You're something else, Gabi. But no, I haven't asked Will yet. I'm still deciding if I want to brave the potential awkwardness."

I raised an eyebrow. "Awkwardness? You? Come on, you're the queen of confidence."

She smirked, a hint of self-doubt in her expression. "Well, even queens can have their off-days, you know."

I chuckled. "Fair enough. Just remember, if you need any last-minute pep talks or emergency dance moves, I'm your girl."

Yasmin grinned. "Thanks, Gabi. I'll keep that in mind. But seriously, let's circle back to your drama soon. I'm invested now."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh, great. Now I'm the star of my own soap opera."

Yasmin leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "And who better to play the leading lady than our resident overthinking Gabi?"

We both burst into laughter, the cafeteria noise blending seamlessly with our giggles.

Meanwhile In the hallway after school, Ben found himself having an unexpected conversation with Will. They leaned against the lockers, the hum of students around them providing a backdrop to their discussion.

"You seem like you've been putting in a lot of effort with Gabi," Will remarked casually, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.

Ben shrugged, trying to downplay his actions. "Yeah, just trying to be there for her as a friend, you know?"

Will gave him a knowing look, as if he saw through the facade. "Is that all it is?"

Ben sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Honestly, I don't even know anymore. I thought if I showed her that I've changed, she might give us another shot."

Will raised an eyebrow. "And is it working?"

Ben's expression darkened. "I don't think so. She's moved on, and I can't blame her."

Will studied him for a moment before speaking. "You know, I think you're being too hard on yourself. From what I've seen, Gabi doesn't hate you anymore."

Ben's brows furrowed, his confusion evident. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean she wants to be with me again."

Will leaned against the lockers, his voice earnest. "Look, man, I don't know all the details, but I do know one thing. People change, circumstances change. Just because something didn't work out before doesn't mean it can't work out now."

Ben's skepticism was palpable. "You really think so?"

Will nodded, a reassuring smile on his lips. "I do. And hey, Brandon may seem like a good match for her now, but relationships change too. Maybe it's not as solid as it looks."

Ben's gaze flickered with a mix of emotions-doubt, hope, and a touch of frustration. "You're awfully optimistic about this."

Will chuckled. "I just believe that things have a way of working themselves out. And sometimes, we just need a little push in the right direction."

As Ben processed Will's words, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe he was being too quick to assume that he had no chance with Gabi. Maybe, just maybe, there was a possibility of rekindling what they once had. And as he looked at Will, a guy who seemed to see the potential in every situation, he realized that maybe he needed to adopt a bit of that optimism too.

With a nod, Ben met Will's gaze. "Thanks, man. I appreciate your perspective."

Will clapped him on the shoulder. "Anytime. Just remember, life has a way of surprising us."

Maybe will is right I don't know