The player and the shy girl (english version)

Conflicted Signals

POV: Emma

Finally, school's out. Mia didn't come today, and I'm worried.

As I head out, I see Scott leaving with the others, including Lucas.

Scott spots me and walks over.
"Are you coming for coffee, little one?"

"I don't know," I reply, looking at him.

What's this? Out of nowhere, he's inviting me for coffee and to a party...

"Come on, it's on me. Don't ruin this," he says, pulling me by the hand toward his friends. Lucas glances at me, then at Scott.

I stay silent as everyone sits at the table. I feel uncomfortable. Scott pulls his chair closer to mine. I look at him and try to smile, pretending his closeness doesn't bother me.

"Don't be shy, I won't bite," he says, making me laugh.

"Alright," I say, pulling out my phone to scroll through Instagram.

He watches me, and when I glance back, he looks away. Sorry, buddy, but I don't really get what's going on with you.

Scott followed me on social media, and as I look at him, he winks and smiles.
"You're cute in your photos," he says with a grin.

I can feel my cheeks burning.
"I've got to go, it's getting late," I say, and everyone looks at me.

"Already? Aren't you going to hang out with Scott anymore?" Lucas teases, and I shoot him an annoyed look.

"See you later," I say, standing up and leaving.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Scott offers, and both he and Lucas look at me.

"No, thanks," I reply and head out.

Once I'm home, I lie down, knowing I'll see his face again at the gym.

Just ignore him, Emma... I tell myself as I let out a breath and drift off to sleep.

I wake up to my phone ringing.
"Yeah?"
"Emma? Are you sleeping?"
"Not anymore. What's up? Why did you ditch today?"
"I overslept."
"Now you're apologizing for leaving me alone!"
"Sorry, Emma..."
"Alright, come over because I'm bored."
"Like I'm at your house. I'll be waiting," I say and hang up. It was Mia.

It's around 5:30, so we'll have time to watch a movie. I get up from my bed and head to the living room, sitting on the couch until Mia arrives.

The doorbell rings, and I jump up to open it. Mia smiles at me, holding a chocolate bar, which she hands over.

"Okay, now you're forgiven," I say, taking the chocolate and hugging her. We both laugh and settle onto the couch.

"So, two options," she says. "Movie or coffee?"

"Hmmm..."
"I prefer coffee, I'm bored inside."

"But I have practice later, so we'll have to swing by to grab my stuff."

"No problem."
"Is Brandon still around?" she asks, waiting for my answer.

"I don't know, I didn't see him last time."

Well, Brandon is a guy who almost had something going with Mia, but due to a misunderstanding with another guy, that something never happened. Mia knows a bit more than I do about it.

"So, go change, I'll be waiting," she tells me, and I head to my room to change. I throw on a black hoodie and leggings, then put on my shoes before heading back to the living room.

"Wow, you're quick," she remarks.

"I'm fast like that!"

"Let's go."
I grab my keys and phone.

We walk and chat about random things until we reach the café, finding a spot to sit.

The waitress comes over, takes our order, and leaves.

"Anything happen today with him?"

"Nothing much, but his friend is totally into me. I honestly don't know what's going on, it's driving me crazy!"

"I'd suggest keeping your distance. I know what those guys want."

"And I know very well. He wants me to come to his party on Saturday and even said you could come."

"If he invited me, I'd think about it."

"Ha! I wouldn't even think about it, you've got to be kidding!"

"Why not?"

"Because I don't trust any of them!"

"Just stay away from them."

"I don't know, we'll see."

She smiles sweetly and looks at me.
"Not that look! I said no, I don't trust them, Mia. Out of nowhere, I'm supposed to join their group, especially with those players? No way I'm risking that..."

"I'll keep my distance, I won't let them bother you, I promise," she says, looking at me.

"Ugh, you're killing me."