Sweet Summer Rain 🌻

Noah's POV

Standing at the door of La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie, I'm stuck weighing my damn options, and the annoyance is crawling up my spine. First off, I could slap on a mask, hoodie up like I'm on some covert mission, and dodge getting spotted by Ark's nosy best friend. Seems like a decent move, it will be highly embarrassing if I get caught.

Then there's the second option: chilling outside like a stray cat until they're done with their shit inside. Patience ain't exactly my forte, but the idea of sidestepping any possible confrontation is growing on me.

The last option? Screw it, head back without Maddy's precious cinnamon rolls, and brace for her tantrum later. Not ideal, I'm not in the mood to deal with her drama.

I didn't want to face Ark after what had happened in English today. I had always wanted to talk to him but he acted like it was the end of the world when he realised he had to work with me. It pissed me off. What does this arrogant twink ass nerd think of himself? If he doesn't wish to work with me I don't want to work with him either. There are a lot of people in class who would literally sell their soul to the devil for a chance to spend time with me. Fucking morons, the whole lot of them.

Thought Ark might be different, you know. But nah, same old judgmental prick. Screw him. I'll probably just throw some cash at someone to do my share of the work. Sick of dealing with these people and their holier-than-thou attitudes.

Rolling my eyes, I decide to grace La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie with my oh-so-precious presence. Molly, flashes me a smile like I'm some lost puppy. She's always done that, I never understood why she is so kind to me, a stranger. It troubled me. I manage a tiny, awkward smile back doing my best to avoid any meaningless small talk.

With my hands shoved deep into my pockets, I stroll to the counter. The scent of pastries is distracting. Molly's probably still grinning like she just won the lottery.

I find myself unexpectedly captivated by the display of confectionery. "Chocolate hazelnut éclairs, raspberry tarts, and those damn macarons," I mumble to myself, scanning the names of each sinful delight.

I lock eyes with Molly, who's still rocking that eternal smile. Maybe she's onto something with this pastry paradise. Screw the cinnamon rolls; I want it all.

"Give me a dozen of those macarons - the ones that look like they've seen the inside of a unicorn. And throw in a couple of those chocolate bombs, or whatever you call 'em." And add in some cinnamon rolls too.

"Sure thing, dear! Anything else catching your eye?"

I glance back at the display, "Add some of those strawberry cheesecake thingies and those caramel-filled somethings. Hell, let's make it a party. Just give me one of everything that looks remotely edible."

Molly chuckled.

I could feel my face heating up with embarrassment.

Macy and Ark, deep in their little world, don't even bother glancing my way. Classic. It's like I'm invisible, or they're playing some twisted game of ignore-the-Noah. Irritation claws at me, and I can't help but think, are they doing this on purpose, pretending I'm beneath their notice? The audacity.

But, you know what? Screw it. I don't need their damn attention. I pay for the stuff and watch as Katie tries to carefully pack it in. I thank her and just as I'm about to leave I see Ark leaning at the doorway. He looks scared and nervous.

We need to talk. It's important.

I shoot Ark an incredulous look, pastries precariously balanced in my arms. "Important? You're kidding me, right? We're not exactly buddies, Ark. What's so damn important that it can't wait until I've devoured these pastries in peace?"