In Love: Against All Odds

Caramel Macchiatos & a Blushing Boy

Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 🏡
"Home is wherever I'm with you"

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As the next few days dragged on, the university felt off without Patrick around. Everything seemed a little duller, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Even the usual buzz in the cafeteria didn't seem as lively. Maybe because I had gotten so used to his presence—his little comments during class, the way he'd nudge me when I zoned out, the way his eyes always seemed to find mine in a crowd.

I missed him.

Adri, of course, noticed immediately.

"You're acting like you just lost a husband to war," she deadpanned as we walked to class.

I sighed dramatically. "Maybe I did, Adri. Maybe this is my tragic love story."

"Girl, he's suspended, not deployed," she snorted. "Calm down."

I glared at her, but I couldn't help but laugh. Leave it to Adri to keep things from getting too dramatic.

That afternoon, everything changed.

After a quick stop at a bookstore, Adri and I decided to grab coffee at a downtown café. We were chatting about absolutely nothing when I stopped in my tracks.

I spotted someone leaning against the wall outside, hands stuffed into his pockets. Messy brown hair, effortless smirk

There, casually leaning against the wall outside, hands stuffed in his pockets like he hadn't just ruined my whole mood in the best way possible—was Patrick.

I blinked. "What—"

Patrick grinned. "Surprise."

My heart leapt. I didn't even realize I was walking toward him until I was already right there. "Patrick?! What are you doing here?"

"Escaping," he said dramatically. "Suspension is torture. Figured I'd come downtown and, you know, happen to be where you are."

"You stalked us?" Adri asked, unimpressed.

He shrugged. "Lucky guess."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "You could've just texted me, you know."

"Where's the fun in that?" he teased.

Adri huffed. "You guys have your cute little moment—I'm getting coffee."

Patrick chuckled as she disappeared inside.

I could feel the tension between Patrick and me, the space between us charged with unspoken words.

"Are you okay?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

He ran a hand through his hair, a slightly sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I'm fine. Just a little annoyed about the suspension. I feel like I let you down."

"You didn't let me down! You stood up for me, and I appreciate that more than anything. You did the right thing," I reassured him, my heart swelling with admiration.

"Still, it shouldn't have ended like this," he said, glancing away for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "I wish I could've defended you without facing punishment."

I took a step closer, wanting to bridge the distance. "We'll figure this out together. You won't be suspended forever, and once you're back, we can get back to normal."

Patrick smiled softly, the warmth in his eyes making my heart flutter. "Yeah, you're right. I just didn't expect things to spiral so out of control."

We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the world around us fading away. I felt a surge of gratitude for this moment, for the way he was looking at me like I was the only person in the world that mattered.

Adri poked her head out of the café, a teasing grin on her face. "Are you two going to stand out there all day, or are you coming in?"

I laughed, breaking the little moment we were having. "We're coming!" I called, and we walked inside together.

——

As we settled at a table, Patrick turned to Adri. "What do you want?"

"Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew," she said immediately.

Patrick nodded, then turned to me—but instead of asking, he just headed to the counter.

Adri smirked, nudging me. "You didn't tell him what you wanted."

I just smiled, watching him. A few minutes later, he returned with our drinks—Caramel Macchiato for me, Iced Spanish Latte for him.

Adri raised an eyebrow, looking between us. "Wow, Patrick. Knows her coffee order without asking?"

Patrick rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I mean... I just guessed."

Adri gasped dramatically, leaning in. "Oh my god, are you a secret fanboy?"

Patrick groaned. "Adri, please."

"No, seriously," she continued, grinning. "When did you start memorizing her coffee orders? Was this before or after you fell madly in love with her?"

"Adri!" I choked on my drink, shooting her a look, but she just giggled proudly.

Patrick, to his credit, just sighed. "Why do I feel like I'm being bullied?"

"Because you are," Adri said sweetly, stirring her drink. "But it's okay, Patrick. It just means we like you."

"Lucky me," he muttered, but I caught the tiny smile on his lips.

----

The café had that perfect cozy afternoon vibe—soft music playing in the background, the smell of coffee lingering in the air, and the hum of people chatting around us. I was still trying to process the fact that Patrick was actually here, sitting across from me, instead of being stuck at home during his suspension.

Adri, however, had other plans. She stretched her arms dramatically and stood up. "Alright, lovebirds, I'll leave you two here. I'm heading to the bookstore."

I shot her a look. "You just bought, like, five books just now."

Patrick smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Exactly. You already have tons of books, Adri. Just don't."

Adri crossed her arms, pouting. "I can never have too many books, thank you very much."

Patrick chuckled. "You just want to give us time alone, don't you?"

"What? Nooo," Adri said, way too quickly, sipping her drink like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

I shook my head, laughing. "Unbelievable."

Just as Adri looked like she was about to bolt anyway, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and groaned. "Ugh, I have to take this."

"But didn't you just say you were leaving?" I teased.

"Shhh!" Adri waved me off before stepping outside, leaving Patrick and me sitting there, a comfortable silence settling between us.

Patrick took a sip of his coffee, then grinned at me. "Well, that was definitely on purpose."

"Oh, one hundred percent," I agreed, smirking. "She thinks she's being clever."

"She's really not," Patrick chuckled, shaking his head. "But hey, I'm not complaining."

And honestly, neither was I.

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