𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐒, ˡᵒᵘⁱˢ ᵗᵒᵐˡⁱˢᵒⁿ

𝐗𝐕𝐈. 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑

the winter chill nipped at my cheeks as i stepped outside for a walk, dressed in my favorite joggers and a snug, tight-fitting top that hugged my curves. i layered on a warm coat and wrapped a cozy scarf around my neck, ready to face the brisk air. the streets were quiet, with only the soft crunch of snow under my feet breaking the silence. i needed this time to think, to process everything that had happened in the last few days.

why did i keep running into louis? it felt like some cosmic joke or, worse yet, a cliché romance movie where fate had a twisted sense of humor.

my art showcase was coming up, and as the main artist, i was expected to bring a plus one. the thought made my stomach flutter with nerves. should i invite adelaide? she'd been my rock through everything. but then again, it felt like this was a moment where i should be bold, right? maybe i should ask louis? the idea both excited and terrified me.

i quickly dismissed it. no way, that would be way too forward, and what if he said no? my heart couldn't take that kind of rejection.

as i walked, i pulled out my phone and opened my instagram, seeking a distraction. i had only six posts on my account, and i barely used it except to share my art.

i usually preferred the tangible brush strokes of paint on canvas over the digital world. but as i scrolled, my jaw dropped in disbelief.

phoebe had shared my work on her main story, and my heart soared. she was the sweetest person, and her support meant the world to me.

i saw her tag me, and a wave of excitement washed over me. i quickly clicked on my notifications and saw that i had gained over 4,000 followers. four thousand! how was that even possible?

i felt a mix of shock and gratitude, staring at the screen in awe. phoebe must've really spread my social media around.

there was a flood of comments on her post, all positive, people praising my art and expressing interest in my work. i couldn't believe it. this was exactly what i needed—validation and encouragement.

i quickly reposted her story to my own account, thanking her in the caption for the incredible support.

as i continued walking, i thought about the upcoming showcase and what it all meant. would my work resonate with others? would i find a way to connect my passion with those who saw it? i shook my head, pushing away the doubt that threatened to creep in. i was going to embrace this opportunity, no matter how scary it felt.

my thoughts drifted back to louis. i couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow linked to all of this. maybe it was the universe trying to tell me something. but what? the idea of him being a part of my world filled me with a mix of joy and anxiety. i wanted to know him better, but what if he didn't feel the same way? i sighed, leaning against a nearby tree to catch my breath.

"get it together, imogen," i muttered to myself, a smile creeping onto my face. "life's too short to overthink every little thing." with that thought, i pushed myself off the tree and continued my walk, determined to soak in the beauty of the winter landscape around me.

i found comfort in the quietness of the world around me. the bare trees stood tall against the overcast sky, their branches lightly dusted with snow, while the crisp air filled my lungs, invigorating me. i relished the feeling of being alive and in the moment, focusing on the small things that brought me joy—the sound of crunching snow, the warmth of my scarf wrapped snugly around my neck, and the hopeful anticipation of what the future might hold.

as i turned the corner, i caught a glimpse of my favorite café, its windows glowing warmly against the cold. the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, tempting me to stop for a moment. maybe just a quick cup to warm up? after all, i had earned it with my brisk walk.

i entered the café and was immediately greeted by the cheerful barista, who knew me by name. "hey, imogen! the usual?" she asked, her smile contagious.

"you know me too well!" i replied, returning her grin. I ordered my favorite hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, and found a cozy spot by the window. as i sipped my drink, i pulled out my phone again to check for any new notifications.

my heart fluttered when i saw a new message from phoebe.

imoooogeeennn
me and dais are so excited to have
you at our party!!!
louis won't stop going on about you
tehehe

aaaahhh phoebeeee
i'm so excited to attend☀️☀️
and really???
louis is talking about me?
how sweet😙
hope it's all nice things

i set my phone down and gazed out the window, daydreaming about the party and all the possibilities that lay ahead.

the warmth of the café melted away my worries, and i couldn't help but feel hopeful. i could practically envision the vibrant atmosphere of the birthday party, filled with laughter, joy, and—who knows—maybe even a chance to get to know louis better. i could feel the energy shift in my heart, fluttering at the thought.

the café buzzed with life around me, and i couldn't help but feel that the universe was aligning for something special. life was unpredictable, but it was those little moments, like a shared cup of hot chocolate or a supportive message from a new friend, that made it all worthwhile.

after finishing my drink, i decided to take one more stroll around the neighborhood before heading home. i reflected on everything that had happened and all the possibilities that lay ahead. i felt optimistic, almost as if the world was conspiring to bring me closer to my dreams. and maybe, just maybe, louis would be a part of that dream.

as i walked back, i realized i was ready to embrace whatever came next—whether it was art, friendship, or a little romance. after all, life was about taking chances, and i was determined to make the most of it. with a smile on my face and hope in my heart, i headed home, eager for whatever tomorrow might bring.