Endgame | A Bronwyn + Nate fanfic

Part 7

Bronwyn

9:01 AM

Suddenly, the door swings open, and I nearly choke on my sip of coffee as I see Nate step inside. His eyes find me, and there's an instant spark—a brief flicker that feels like recognition. He pulls his hair away from his face, that familiar expression of carefree confidence etched across his features.

I'm not sure what surprises me most- Nate Macauley emerging in the light of day, or Nate Macauley with a laptop bag. Does he plan on studying?! No, he's probably just going to play games.

With a glance towards our corner seat, he's quickly skimming the scene, and I feel the air thicken with tension as his gaze lands on Luis and Maeve. A flash of something—jealousy? irritation?—flits across his eyes, but it's gone before I can analyse it. He strides over, and I can't help but grin.

"What the hell is going on in here?" Nate's unusually quiet voice cuts through the awkwardness as he slides into the seat beside me, the familiar warmth of his presence washing over me.

I swiftly whisper, "Maeve's trying not to faint in front of Luis," gesturing subtly with my head toward them, and I can see the corners of his mouth twitch with amusement.

"Good luck, Maeve," Nate chuckles softly, his eyes still locked onto the couple as if anticipating some grand reveal. He turns to me, and I can see a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "So, should we intervene, or just let this play out?"

"Let it play out," I reply, smirking. "It's more entertaining this way."

Nate laughs. Does he realise how hot he is when he smiles? It's pretty rare, but it's well worth the wait. He flashes his famous Nate Macauley grin at me, and even though I'm not standing, my legs feel like jelly.

Luis grins at Maeve, his smile radiant. "Want some alfajores?" he asks, his voice low and inviting. The way Maeve's eyes twinkle makes it clear she's already lost in his charm.

"Yeah! I mean—yes! That'd be great!" she stutters, a shy but genuine smile creeping into the corners of her mouth.

As they head over to the counter, I catch Nate's gaze and we share a knowing look. Everyone can tell both are smitten, so we are just waiting for one to ask out the other. "You think they'll ever figure it out?" Nate asks, his tone both sceptical and hopeful.

"Maybe," I say, glancing at Maeve and Luis, "but who knows? They're just getting started."

Maeve walks over to us, her face still flushed a pretty pink, and we all laughs as she opens her mouth but no words come out. Nate starts up so Maeve can sit next to me, but without thinking, I grip his hand and pull him back next to me.

His face reflects the surprise I feel, but he cleverly masks it before anyone else notices. Maeve sits in the spot next to Knox, pulling her computer out of her bag and putting it on the table. A good thing about having the corner booth- you can fit many more than intended.

Phoebe walks over with a tray of steaming mugs and puts one down in front of everyone, including one for her as she sits next to Maeve. "He is so in love with you!" She squeals, elbowing Maeve, and everyone nods.

We talk for hours, about nothing and everything. We finish assignments and homework, but Phoebe eventually gets called back to continue her shift.

Though it's fun, I would give anything to go home and watch a movie or making cookies while finishing this wretched math homework. I slept badly last night, and I can hear my pyjamas calling me. There's only one thing keeping me in my seat.

Every time I glance up, Nate's eyes are trained on mine, and he shoots me a small smile before looking away. He is pressed against me as more and more friends come and fill up our small booth. Kate and Yumiko shoot disapproving glances at Nate sitting next to me, but I don't care.

I could spend all day like this.