In Love: Against All Odds

The Great Vending Machine Heist (Sort Of)

I Like Me Better – Lauv 💕
"I like me better when I'm with you
I knew from the first time, I'd stay for a long time"

---

The next day at uni, I was still riding the high from the weekend. The café trip with Patrick had been effortless—good energy, easy conversation, and the kind of company that made everything else fade into the background. It was the first time in a long time I'd felt that light. Like I wasn't lugging around my breakup drama as emotional baggage anymore.

And if I kept randomly smiling every time I thought about hanging out with him again? Well, no one had to know.

But, of course, the universe wasn't about to let me have a normal day.

The autumn air was crisp as I strolled onto campus, feeling unusually amped. As soon as I spotted my crew near the entrance, I could tell something was up. Brailey practically vibrated with excitement, Vinita was already grinning, and Alista... well, her expression was way too neutral.

Brailey wasted zero time. "KAT. YOU WON'T BELIEVE THE TEA."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh no. What now?"

She smirked. "Patrick. Is. Into. You."

I groaned, immediately feeling my face heat up. "Oh my God, it's not like that."

Vinita gasped dramatically. "Then explain why y'all were practically having a rom-com moment at that café?"

"We were studying," I deadpanned.

"Studying each other's eyes," Brailey shot back.

I was this close to leaving.

But before I could shut them all down, Alista—who had been quiet until now—tilted her head and said, "I don't know, Kat. You just broke up with Bradwin. You sure you're not moving on too fast?"

Her tone was light, playful even, but something about it made my stomach twist. I knew she was looking out for me, but still...

I forced a casual shrug. "We're just friends."

Alista just gave me a look.

And honestly? I wasn't sure why that bugged me so much.

---

The rest of the day was a blur of classes, half-hearted note-taking, and me checking my phone way too often. I swore I wasn't waiting for a text from Patrick, but if one happened to pop up... I wouldn't be mad about it.

Spoiler: He didn't text.

But fate clearly had other plans, because later that afternoon, as I walked out of the library, I literally bumped into him.

"Yo, Kat!" Patrick grinned. "Didn't expect to run into you."

I definitely didn't expect it either, but I played it cool. "Hey, Patrick! Just wrapping up some studying. You?"

"Bout to grab something from the vending machines. Wanna join?"

I should've said no. I should've gone back to my dorm and avoided all forms of unnecessary trouble.

Instead, I said, "Yeah, sure."

We walked together, conversation flowing like it always did—effortless, easy, like we'd known each other forever.