Tangled Hearts

Chapter 22

Katherine walked through the university campus, her backpack slung over her shoulder. She spotted Aiden, Rhea, and Alex studying together under a shaded tree and approached them.

"Hey guys! I was thinking, how about we all go out for dinner tomorrow night? Maybe try that new Italian place that just opened up?" Katherine asked, trying to sound casual.

Aiden looked up from his notes, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Kat. I've got a group project meeting tomorrow night. We're working on a presentation and need to finalize our slides."

Rhea nodded in agreement. "I've got a lab report due soon and I'm still struggling to understand the data. I need to spend some extra time in the lab tomorrow night to get it sorted out."

Alex rubbed his temples, looking frazzled. "I've got a ton of reading to catch up on for my literature class. We're discussing the final book tomorrow and I'm still on chapter three."

Katherine's face fell, but she tried to understand. "Okay, no worries. Maybe some other time?"

Aiden smiled sympathetically. "Definitely, Kat. Let's plan something soon. Maybe next week?"

Rhea nodded. "Yeah, I'd love to hang out more often. Just not tomorrow night."

Alex smiled weakly. "Me too, Kat. Just not tomorrow."

As Katherine walked away, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She had been looking forward to spending time with her friends all day.

But as she thought about it more, she realized that they all had their own commitments and responsibilities. Aiden's group project, Rhea's lab report, and Alex's reading assignments were all important.

Katherine then went to the library and focused on her studies for the whole day but her mind still reeling from the earlier denial from her friends, but it seemed like they were all too busy.

As she turned a corner, she spotted Ethan, Noah, and Nicholas sitting on a bench, laughing and chatting. Katherine's heart skipped a beat as she approached them.

"Hey guys! Mind if I join you?" Katherine asked, trying to sound casual.

Ethan smiled and scooted over to make room for Katherine. "Not at all! We were just discussing our plans for tomorrow."

Katherine's ears perked up. "Tomorrow? What's happening tomorrow?"

Noah grinned. "We were thinking of checking out that trendy bar which just opened up downtown. Want to join us?"

Katherine's heart skipped a beat. This was exactly what she needed - a day out just becuase of sofia birthday party .

"That sounds amazing! I'd love to join you guys," Katherine said, trying to contain her excitement.

Nicholas nodded. "Yeah, the more the merrier! We can make a day of it."

Katherine's eyes widened. "That sounds like the perfect day. What time were you thinking?"

Noah pulled out his phone. "How about we meet at 7pm?

Katherine nodded, already mentally preparing herself for the next day. "Sounds like a plan. I'll meet you guys at 7 pm

As they continued to chat and make plans, Katherine felt a sense of excitement and belonging. She had been denied by her friends earlier, but now she had found a new group of people who wanted to spend time with her.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur as Katherine counted down the hours until the next day's adventure. She went to bed early, her mind racing with possibilities and her heart full of hope.

The next morning, Katherine woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She got dressed and ready, her excitement building with each passing minut after a long day of classes, Ethan, Noah, and Nicholas met up with Katherine at a trendy bar in the city. They had been planning this night from yesterday and everyone was excited to let loose and have some fun.

As they sipped their drinks and chatted, the atmosphere was electric. They laughed and joked, enjoying each other's company.

After a few rounds of drinks, Ethan suggested they play a game of Truth or Dare. "It'll be fun, I promise!" he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Noah grinned. "I'm in! Let's do it!"

Nicholas nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's get this game started!"

Katherine's eyes lit up. "I'm so down! But if I get dared to do something crazy, I'm blaming you guys!"

As they agreed to play, the bartender announced last call. "One more round, guys! And then I'm closing up shop!"

The group cheered and ordered another round of drinks. As they finished their drinks, they decided to start the Truth and Dare game. They sat in a circle, their eyes shining with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

Ethan went first, drawing a slip of paper from the hat. "Truth," he read aloud.

Noah grinned mischievously. "Okay, Ethan, truth. What's the craziest thing you've ever done?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment before answering. "I once snuck into the school's pool at night and went skinny dipping."

The group erupted into laughter and cheers.

Next up was Nicholas, who drew a dare. "I dare you to sing a love song to Katherine," Noah said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Nicholas blushed but stood up and began to sing a silly love song, making Katherine giggle.

Then it was Katherine's turn. She drew a truth and hesitated before answering. "I had a secret crush on my history professor once."

The group laughed and continued the game.