In Love: Against All Odds

When Drama Walks in on Heels

Somebody Else – The 1975
"But I hate to think about you with somebody else."

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The vibe around campus had definitely changed now that everyone knew about Patrick and me. 

Walking hand-in-hand through the hallways, his fingers wrapped around mine, made me feel like we were floating. 

Every time his thumb brushed against my skin, it sent little electric jolts through me. I had serious butterflies, the kind that made you feel like a main character in one of those cheesy romance movies.

"Did you finish the project for Professor Page?" Patrick asked as we made our way to the art studio, flashing me that easy, heart-melting smile.

"Almost," I said, trying so hard to focus and not just get lost in his face. "Just gotta figure out how to combine the textures on the fabrics. It's tricky."

We stepped into the studio, and the whole place was bathed in golden sunlight from the massive windows, making everything look like some aesthetic Pinterest board. Students were scattered across the room, hunched over sewing machines and fabric swatches, while some were debating color palettes like their lives depended on it.

Patrick pulled me closer, lowering his voice just for me. "I gotta say, I really admire how focused you are on your work. Like, you're really killing it." His brown eyes locked onto mine, warm and sincere, and I swear my heart did a somersault.

"Thanks," I said, unable to stop the smile tugging at my lips. "That means a lot coming from you."

And just when I thought the moment could not get more perfect—

Boom. Door swings open. Loud heels clicking against the floor. Enter: Olivia Parker, the walking, talking embodiment of a perfectly curated Instagram feed.

Patrick stiffened. His fingers instantly slipped from mine like I was holding a live wire.

And I knew. I knew before she even opened her mouth that this was about to be a whole thing.

"Patrick!" Olivia practically sang his name as she strutted in like she was making her grand entrance at a Met Gala event. Blonde hair curled to perfection, expensive perfume wafting through the air like she personally wanted to suffocate me in Chanel No. 5. Her whole aura screamed, Look at me! Worship me! I have arrived!

Patrick forced a tight smile. "Olivia! You're back!"

I narrowed my eyes. Back from where, exactly?

"Just got back from my trip," she announced dramatically, flipping her hair like she was in some kind of shampoo commercial. "I missed everyone so much!"

I bit my tongue, forcing a smile. Missed everyone? More like missed Patrick specifically. And I didn't miss how she had zeroed in on him and barely acknowledged my existence.

"Oh, and wow!" she gasped suddenly, as if she just noticed me, despite the fact that I had been right next to Patrick the whole time. "You two are dating now? How cute!" Her voice was so sugary sweet I was surprised I didn't get a cavity just listening to her.

"Yeah, it's been a whirlwind," I replied with a tight smile, praying to every higher power that this conversation would be over soon.

She turned her bright blue, overly interested gaze back to Patrick. "So, how was your week?" she asked, conveniently ignoring my entire existence.