Chapter 9

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Zoyee steps off the bus feeling a strange mix of emotions as she walks home. Her mind keeps circling back to Archie. She has known him for a while but suddenly everything felt different. The way he smiles at her, the small but thoughtful gestures, something has definitely changed.

As she reaches her house, Zoyee pauses at the front door. She takes a deep breath trying to clear her thoughts. "Don’t think too much," she mutters to herself, finally opening the door and stepping inside. As soon as Zoyee stepped inside her house she was greeted by the familiar smell of her mom’s cooking in the air.

"Hi honey, how was your day?" her mom, Siri asks as soon as she notices Zoyee entering the kitchen area. “It was good, Mom. "You're early today! When did you return?" "In the afternoon. As I came earlier today, I thought of making your favorites for dinner."  "Pasta!!" "Yes, so now go and get fresh quickly. Dinner is almost ready." "Oh okay. Just give me 15."

Later that night, Zoyee was laying in bed after completing her homework and was recalling today's incident

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Later that night, Zoyee was laying in bed after completing her homework and was recalling today's incident. Suddenly her phone buzzes, snapping her out of her thoughts. It is a message from Bella in their group chat.

:So… you and Archie, huh? 👀 Spill the tea already.

Zoyee sighs, rolling her eyes with a smile. She should have known Bella wouldn’t let this go so easily. Before she can respond, Ryan texts.

:Yeah, Zoyee. I'm dying to know. What’s the deal with Mr. Milkshake?

She can imagine him smirking while typing that line.

:I feel betrayed. I thought we were the ones keeping you entertained and now Archie comes in with a milkshake?😒

Zoyee laughs seeing Henry's text. Her friends always know how to make her smile. But she doesn't want them getting the wrong idea. Archie is just a friend after all, right?

:Guys, calm down. It’s not what you think. We’re just friends. He was just being nice today. That’s all.

:Hmm, friends don’t usually run after you after class just to go home with you. Just saying tho.

Zoyee's eyes widened. That means her friends saw everything after their class today. She closes her eyes and lets out a sigh. But before Zoyee can type another message, her phone buzzes with a new message. And this time it's from Archie.

:Hey, I hope you got home safe. Wanted to text you earlier but got busy with assignments 🥲

:Yes,I did. It's okay I was also doing homework after dinner. So not a big deal.

:Ohh thanks again for the milkshake. You didn’t have to do that.

:I know but I wanted to. Well I was thinking of hanging out again sometime.

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