Bubble Tea

reclaiming the roar

Song for the chapter: Low Low by Ten & YangYang (WayV)

Andres' POV:

It's true, Edvin's been relentless lately. Every time we hang out, he somehow manages to slip in pictures of Audrey and Trevor, like he's conducting some twisted therapy session. I mean, I get it. I screwed up. Audrey deserves to move on, to find someone who treats her right. But seeing her with Trevor... it stings. It's a reminder of what I lost, of what I could have done differently.

"Bro," Edvin starts, nudging me as he flicks through his phone gallery, "check this out. she doesn't even look happy hanging out with Trevor, I'm sure Trevor has been insistent."

I sigh, glancing at the screen reluctantly. Audrey's smile is radiant. Trevor's arm casually draped around her shoulders. They look... happy. A pang of jealousy courses through me, but I bite back any bitter remark.

"Andres, man," Edvin continues, lowering his voice with mock seriousness, "you're like a lion, a lion who's forgotten how to roar. You gotta ignite that inner fire again, bro. Audrey needs to see the lion she fell for, not this mopey dude sulking over pictures."

I chuckle despite myself. "You and your lion analogies, Ed. I'm not sure I can just roar back into her life like nothing happened."

Edvin gives me a knowing look, his gaze steady. "Look, I get it. You messed up. But you're not the bad guy in her story, Andres. You've always been the one she wanted, man. I can see it in her eyes, in the way she used to smile with you."

I shake my head, feeling the weight of his words. "Maybe... but I hurt her, Ed. Badly. I don't think I have any right to interfere now."

"Listen," Edvin says firmly, clapping me on the shoulder, "you think Audrey deserves better, right?"

I nod slowly, knowing where this is going.

"And you think that better guy could be you?" he asks pointedly.

I hesitate, the truth sinking in. "I... I don't know, Ed. After everything..."

Edvin leans in, his voice gentle but firm. "Then prove it. Show her you're not the guy who walked away. You're the guy who's willing to fight for her, even if it means swallowing your pride. She needs to know you're still in the game, Andres."

He's right. Audrey deserves to know where I stand. Maybe it's not too late to make things right. Edvin's words ignite a spark within me, a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, I can earn her forgiveness.

"Alright, Ed," I finally say, a determination settling in my voice. "I hear you. I'll... I'll think about it."

Edwin grins triumphantly. "That's the spirit, bro! Now, enough moping. Let's grab some food and plan your grand comeback."

I roll my eyes, chuckling at his enthusiasm. "You never give up, do you?"

He shrugs, flashing me a mischievous grin. "What can I say? You're my bro, Andres, and bros don't let bros wallow in self-pity. Now, tacos or pizza?"

As we drive down to the beach in Edvin's car, the salty breeze and rhythmic sound of the waves start to lift my spirits. We park and walk along the shore, the sand cool beneath our feet.

"Alright, bro," Edvin starts, slapping my back, "we need to get this plan straight."

"What kind of plan do you have in mind, Edvin?" I ask, genuinely curious but also a bit wary of his typical outrageous ideas.

"Andres, you are so dumb sometimes. You don't even look like you're interested in getting Audrey back. She's your girl, not mine. You just have to be enthusiastic about it. You can't keep sulking around like this," Edvin scolds, but there's a playful glint in his eyes.