When In Rome

5. Epilogue

The old pub is alive with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The low hum of laughter blends with the soft melody of a folk tune playing in the background. Cora is sitting in the cosy corner booth with her friends, the warm glow of the pub lights casting a comforting atmosphere.

Maya, Fergie, and Max are all engrossed in lively banter, sharing stories of their academic pursuits and recent job experiences. Fergie and Max, now a couple, are sitting close, their fingers intertwined, a silent language of their shared adventures. The familiar scent of Irish stout fills the air as they all sip on tall pints of Guinness, the dark liquid adding to the snug ambiance.

Cora's green eyes sparkle with happiness as she engages in the conversation. "Can you believe we're almost done with this term already? Time is fucking flyingggg!"

Maya grinned; "I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were still in Rome,"
"Yeah, girl, and it feels like yesterday you were fucking Josh in a hotel in Paris, or the tour bus in London! Not all of us were lucky enough to be whisked away by a rockstar, babe!" Fergie responds.
"Well, Cora could have, but she said no!" Maya snaps back.
"Oh shut up! At least it makes for a good story," Cora adds.
"I do miss him, y'know... tour was fun, he was fun, but like, I didn't see it lasting long-term anyway." Maya continues, her nonchalance surprising Cora.

Fergie raises their glass, toasting; "To rockstars!" they add; "Speaking of Rome, Max and I were just reminiscing about the spring. That's when we became 'Fergmax,' officially."
Max chuckles, giving Fergie an affectionate look. "Best decision ever."

As the night progresses, the conversation shifts to job prospects and future plans. Laughter mingles with the clinking of glasses, creating a symphony of camaraderie that echoes through the pub.

As the laughter continues, Cora feels a sudden urge for a cigarette, a habit she had picked up during her time abroad.

The cold November air hits her as she pushes open the door, and she shivers slightly. Leaning against the wall of the pub, Cora fishes out her pack of cigarettes and sees she's forgotten her lighter. Cursing under her breath, she looks around, trying to judge who looks most approachable. Just then, a familiar face appears – Luca.

"Need a light?" Luca grins, offering her his lighter.

Cora smiles, a playful glint in her eyes. "Thanks, Luca. You're a lifesaver."

They share a chuckle, and as the flame flickers, their eyes meet in a lingering gaze. The flirtatious banter that has been building since September resumes.

"So, Cora," Luca begins, "How's your preparation for that upcoming exam going? We should really do a study session sometime,"

Cora takes a drag of her cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke. "I could use all the help I can get. But, you know, study sessions can be quite distracting."

Luca smirks, his tone teasing. "Distracting, yeah? Maybe we could find a quiet spot where we can focus,"

Their playful banter continues as they delve into a deep conversation about the exam. However, as Cora is engrossed in the discussion, something catches her attention from the corner of her eye.

A figure, huddled against the cold, passes by, smoking a cigarette. The silhouette, the curls, the familiar shoulders hunched over – it can't be... Her heart races as she stares, and it dawns on her; it's Robert.

Her mind flashes back to that time in Rome, the shared laughter, the breakfasts, and the exploration of the city streets. As Luca continues talking, his voice fades into the background. Cora's attention is captured by the distant figure of Rob, as he disappears into the Dublin winter night. A mix of surprise and nostalgia washes over her as she tries to comprehend the unexpected encounter.