In Love: Against All Odds

From Lazy Mornings to Latte Moments

I Think I Like You – The Band CAMINO 🌙
"I think I like you
Maybe I just might be falling for you"

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Sunday had all the makings of a lazy, uneventful day. No big plans, just the comforting thought of staying in, binge-watching something mindless, and maybe tackling the mountain of assignments I'd been actively ignoring.

But life? It had other plans.

Mid-morning, my phone buzzed. A text from Adri.

"Hey, want to hang out? I'm bored, and Netflix isn't doing it for me."

I grinned at my screen. Classic Adri. If Netflix wasn't working, that meant she had already rewatched her favorite shows and finished yet another book—probably something filled with angsty slow-burn romance. Last week, she would not shut up about Better Than the Movies, and I was sure she'd already moved on to something equally soul-crushing.

After how great yesterday was, I couldn't wait to chill with her again. But before I could reply, another notification popped up.

Patrick.

"Hey Kat, got plans today? Thinking of checking out this café downtown. Wanna come?"

I blinked, caught off guard. Patrick... again? Yesterday's bus ride replayed in my mind, and a very annoying warm feeling crept up my neck. Part of me wanted to say yes immediately, but another part hesitated. It felt... sudden.

I replied to Adri first.

"Might hang out with Patrick today. He asked me to join him at a café. Let's meet later if you're free?"

Her response came fast.

"OMG, Patrick? Go for it, girl. Spill ALL the tea later!"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't fight the smile forming on my lips. Typical Adri.

Shaking my head, I texted Patrick back.

"Sure. What time?"

"2 PM. You'll love this place, promise."

The rest of my morning turned into an absolute mess of indecision. It wasn't a date—obviously—but I still wanted to look cute. After what felt like forever of trying on outfits, I settled on something effortlessly casual: a cropped cardigan, high-waisted jeans, and my go-to sneakers. Cool, but not trying too hard.

——

The café was tucked between a charming little bookstore—which, of course, was Adri's favorite—and a flower shop. The whole street smelled like fresh coffee and lavender, and I instantly fell in love with the vibe.

And then I spotted him.

Patrick was leaning against the wall outside, hands stuffed in his pockets, his infuriatingly charming grin already in place.

"Hey," he greeted, pushing off the wall. "Ready to check this place out?"

"Yeah," I said, smiling despite the very annoying butterflies in my stomach.

The café was cozy, with dim lighting, indie music humming in the background, and the scent of cinnamon and coffee beans wrapping around us like a hug.

Patrick walked straight up to the counter, scanning the menu. "I'm getting an Iced Spanish Latte," he announced, tapping the glass case filled with pastries. "And that chocolate croissant. What about you?"

I glanced at the menu, but I already knew my order. "Caramel Macchiato and a slice of vanilla cheesecake."

Patrick smirked. "Sweet choice. Figures."

I raised an eyebrow. "And yours is so rebellious?"

"Obviously," he said, feigning offense. "It's got ice, Kat. That's practically dangerous."

I let out a very unattractive snort, shaking my head. How was it so easy to talk to him?

With our drinks and snacks in hand, we found a table by the window. We'd both brought our notebooks, but let's be real—zero studying was about to happen.

"So," Patrick started, leaning back in his chair, "what's the latest dream for after graduation?"

I hesitated, not sure how much to share. But Patrick had this way of listening that made you feel like every word mattered.

"Adri and I are actually planning to start our own fashion brand," I admitted, excitement creeping into my voice. "We've been working on ideas for months now. The name, the concept, everything. We want to create something unique—fashion-forward, but sustainable and practical. Something that reflects us."

Patrick's eyebrows shot up, and for a second, he just stared. "Wait—you're starting a brand? Like, from scratch?"

I nodded. "Yeah. We've talked about working at Arymeline Fashion first to gain experience, but the real goal is to launch our own line. Adri's designs are insane, and we balance each other out well. She's got the creativity, and I've got the technical side covered."

Patrick let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "That's seriously badass, Kat. I had no idea you guys were planning something that big."

I smiled, a little shy under his praise. "Yeah, well, the hardest part is finding the right investors and sponsors."

Patrick was quiet for a moment, then said, "You know... I might be able to help with that."

I blinked. "Wait, what?"

"My dad's textile business is pretty big," he said, tapping his fingers against his cup. "We work with a lot of designers, and he's always looking for fresh talent. If you and Adri are serious about this, maybe I could set up a meeting."

My brain short-circuited for a second. "Patrick, are you serious?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" he said with a shrug. "Your idea sounds amazing, and I believe in it. Plus, you'd get firsthand access to top-quality fabrics. Seems like a win-win."

I stared at him, overwhelmed. "I—wow. That's... huge. I need to talk to Adri, but Patrick, this could actually change everything."

"Exactly," he said, grinning. "No pressure, though. Just putting it out there."

I let out a breath, trying to process everything. We had been planning so hard for this brand, but getting the right investors had been the biggest hurdle. And now... Patrick had just opened a door I didn't even know was possible.

---

After a couple of hours, we packed up and headed out. Patrick offered to walk me home, and even though I hesitated, I eventually said yes.

The streets were quiet, the sun dipping lower and casting a warm, orange glow over the sidewalks.

As we neared my house, he glanced at me with a grin. "Thanks for coming today. It was nice."

"It was," I agreed, smiling.

For a moment, he lingered, like he wanted to say something else. But instead, he just gave a casual wave. "See you around, Kat."

"See you," I replied, watching him walk away.

Once inside, I leaned against the door, exhaling deeply. Something about today felt different—like the start of a new chapter I hadn't been expecting.

Adri was going to freak out when I told her, but for now, I just wanted to hold onto the memory of Patrick's easy smile and the insane possibility that maybe our dream brand was about to become real.

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