Unlikely Hearts - Logan Huntzberger

Chapter Twenty One

The bar was buzzing with the low hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses as Alouette led Alex to the table where her friends had already gathered. The lights were dim, casting a warm glow over the dark wood and red leather of the booths. It was one of their favorite spots—an easy place to unwind before classes started back up. She hoped the laid-back atmosphere might help Alex fit in a little better.

"Hey, look who decided to join us!" Finn greeted with a grin, raising his glass in their direction. "The lovebirds."

Viviana forced a smile, feeling the tension already. "Hey, guys. You remember Alex."

The group offered half-hearted nods and polite smiles, but the energy felt off. Colin and Logan exchanged a look, and even Atlas seemed reluctant to engage. Amelia, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood, but her cheerful attempt barely masked the awkwardness.

"So, Alex," Logan began, his voice casual but his eyes sharp. "What's your drink of choice tonight?"

"Uh, just a light beer," Alex replied, shrugging as he took a sip.

Logan's grin widened, and he leaned back in his chair. "Light beer, huh? Bold move."

"What's wrong with that?" Alex shot back, a defensive edge creeping into his tone.

"Nothing, if you're, I don't know, still in high school," Logan teased. "Most of us have graduated to drinks with a little more... substance."

Alouette frowned, nudging Logan under the table, but he didn't seem to care. Instead, he continued, clearly relishing the moment. "You know, there's this thing called a Manhattan. Or an old-fashioned, if you want to go classic. Might be a little... sophisticated for you, though."

Alex's eyes narrowed. "I'm good with what I've got, thanks."

Logan shrugged, feigning innocence. "Just saying. You might want to branch out a little. Broaden your horizons."

"Or," Alex countered, "I just don't feel the need to show off with some overpriced cocktail to prove something."

Colin smirked, sipping his own drink as Finn raised his eyebrows, clearly enjoying the show. Atlas, on the other hand, watched the exchange with a hint of disapproval, but kept quiet.

"Show off? Nah, man. I think it's about knowing what you like and owning it," Logan replied, a smirk on his lips. "But hey, if you're content with the college freshman starter pack, that's cool too."

Alouette felt the tension rising. "Okay, let's all just relax, yeah? We're here to have fun."

Madeline and Louise exchanged amused glances, while Amelia tried to engage Alex in another topic, sensing the conversation going south. But Logan wasn't letting up.

"Hey, I get it," Logan continued, lifting his glass. "Light beer is an acquired taste. You know, for people who want to keep things safe."

"Or maybe some of us don't need to act like we're eighty years old to enjoy a night out," Alex snapped.

A flicker of something crossed Logan's eyes—maybe annoyance, maybe amusement—but he kept his composure, raising his glass in a mock toast. "To keeping it safe, then."

Alouette sighed, feeling the tension only deepen between the two. As Alex gripped his bottle a little tighter, she wondered if bringing him here had been a mistake.

*

Alex excused himself from the table to take a phone call, and Alouette watched as he stepped outside, the door swinging shut behind him. She felt a sense of unease settle in her stomach. Their evening had taken a turn she hadn't expected, and she was starting to question whether it was even worth it to have brought him along.