Bubble Tea

sunlit moments

Song for the chapter: Boys like you by Itzy

Audrey's POV:

It had been just over a week since the "breakup thing" with Andres. The days that followed were a mix of relief and lingering sadness. We still had our tuition classes together. It was inevitable that we would face each other there.

At first, our interactions were cordial yet distant, the unspoken tension palpable between us. No one suspected a breakup; to them, we were just focusing on our studies separately. It was easier that way, avoiding questions and pitying looks.

Meanwhile, Trevor started showing up more often. His messages became more frequent, filled with playful banter and hints of hanging out. I knew what he was doing—he was trying to slide back into my life, using our time together to get closer again.

One afternoon, Trevor suggested we grab coffee after tuition. I agreed, albeit reluctantly. As we sat across from each other at the cafe, Trevor flashed that familiar charming smile that used to make my heart skip a beat.

"You know, Audrey," he said, his voice low and teasing, "I've always loved hanging out with you!"

I chuckled softly, stirring my coffee. "Yea, me too" I replied, careful to keep my tone neutral. I couldn't deny the familiarity felt comforting in a way, but my heart was guarded.

Trevor was being friendly, but underneath his words, I sensed a subtle undertone of something more—a longing, perhaps, to rekindle what we once had.

As the days passed, Trevor's hints grew bolder. He would compliment my outfit, brush his hand against mine casually, or reminisce about our middle school days. Each flirtatious remark tugged at my heartstrings, reminding me of the good times we shared.

One evening, after my tuition session, Trevor suggested we take a walk in the park. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over everything. We strolled along the winding paths, the air filled with the scent of flowers and the distant sound of children playing.

"You remember this spot?" Trevor asked softly, gesturing to a bench overlooking a pond. "We used to come here for picnics."

I nodded, a wistful smile touching my lips. "Yeah, I remember," I replied, my voice tinged with nostalgia. It was true—we had shared many moments like this, moments that now felt like distant memories.

Trevor sat down beside me, his gaze intense. "Audrey," he began, his voice earnest, "I miss us. I miss what we had."

I looked away, the lump forming in my throat. "Trevor," I started, struggling to find the right words. "We had some great times, but..."

"But what?" he pressed, his tone hopeful yet cautious.

"But things changed," I continued, meeting his gaze. "We grew apart. And what happened between us..." I trailed off, memories of our fights and misunderstandings flooding my mind.

Trevor reached for my hand, his touch gentle. "I know," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But maybe we can find our way back to each other."

I gently withdrew my hand, meeting Trevor's gaze with a soft smile. "Trevor," I said gently, "I really appreciate everything. Let's just focus on being friends, okay? I think that's best for us right now. I don't know about future but let's just let things be as they are!"

Trevor's expression tightened briefly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before he nodded quietly. He didn't say anything, and for a moment, the air between us held a silent acknowledgment of what wasn't being said.

As we parted ways, heading towards our separate destinations, I couldn't shake the feeling that lingered within me.

No matter how much Trevor flirted or hinted at something more, I couldn't see him in a romantic light anymore. It was a realization that settled quietly in the depths of my thoughts, a truth I hadn't fully acknowledged until now.