Running (gxg)

Chapter Nine

I was choosing between two outfits for school. They were very different. Today was dance class, and most times I keep the same clothes on for teaching. If I have time to change, I will, but today I had to go straight to the dance studio because of Yuri being sick. After our weekend talk, I hadn't done anything yet. I was too busy with work and school, so I left it at that. Yesterday's classes were fine, but today I have Londyn—or Miss Spencer again. Still don't know what to call her. In the end, I chose a baggier outfit, straying from my usual classic style. I wore baggy jeans with a white dress shirt and a Ralph Lauren baggy sweater on top. The sweater was one of my favorites. I paired the outfit with red low dunks to match the sweater. For the dance class, I packed an oversized t-shirt in my bag. After dressing up and checking my outfit one last time in the mirror, I headed out the apartment door.

The morning breeze was getting colder as we approached October. I headed to my favorite place to study and enjoy breakfast. Before school, I still needed to finish a few deadlines, which annoyed me because we weren't even a month in and I already had too many. As I stepped into the café, the smell of coffee filled my nose—a favorite aroma. The café was small but had nice tables for working. I think I spent more time here last year than in my own apartment. At the register, I ordered my usual: a latte with oat milk and toasted bread with avocado, without egg.

I took a seat by the window to enjoy the view while studying. As I typed away, my name was called for my order. Without looking, focused on my phone and emails, I bumped into someone. When I looked up, it was Londyn. She was smiling warmly, like she missed talking to me.

"Hi, sorry, I'm doing it again. Just like the first time bumping into you." I smiled at her, hoping she wasn't still angry or ignoring me.

Londyn just looked at me without saying anything. Her order was called: a chai latte with almond milk and toasted bread with mozzarella and tomato. She took her order and headed to her seat.

"Wait, Londyn—or Miss Spencer. Would you like to join me? Just talking and enjoying our breakfast. You can work, like me. I'm studying, we don't have to say anything." I said, hoping she would agree.

She hesitated, almost saying no, but quickly changed her mind and nodded yes.

I took my seat, and she sat opposite me. She started working while I continued studying. It was surprisingly relaxing and not awkward at all. The toast was good, but when I looked up, I saw Londyn staring at me. Did I have something on my face?

"Do I have something on my face?" I asked Londyn. She looked me straight in the eye and shook her head no.

"No, I was just wondering, the toast you ordered usually comes with egg. Did they change it?" she asked me.

"Oh, no, I just find egg disgusting. I don't understand how people can eat it," I said. This was really how I felt. She started laughing. Her laugh was cute, was all I could think about.

I tilted my head. "What's so funny?" I asked her.

"I don't know. I've never seen someone dislike eggs so much. And the way you said it was with the straightest face ever," she said.

"For me, eggs are love. If you season them well, they can be great, and there are so many ways to cook them," she added.

"Yeah, I know, but the aftertaste is just ew, I guess," I replied.

"Enjoying your toast?"

"Yes, it's good. I usually get egg, but I wanted to try something new today. Also, we're not finished with the egg conversation. I know what you're doing."

After breakfast, we kept talking about everything and nothing. I found out she loves wearing heels and hates sneakers, though she liked my look and made it clear she loves loafers on me. It was cute how interested she was in what I wear.

Unfortunately, she had to leave for a class, but I would definitely see her later in the class she's teaching me and in the class I'm teaching her. It's funny how we both teach each other something. She told me she loves the class and is improving her dancing skills, which is true. Londyn can dance; she just struggles with steps but has rhythm. I don't know who told her she couldn't dance.

I studied some more in the café, finishing everything before my dance classes. School wasn't busy in the afternoon as most students had finished their classes. I took a seat next to William, who seemed off. I was about to ask if he was okay, but Londyn's class started.

In class, she usually doesn't look at me, probably because we didn't start on the right foot. Today, though, she kept sneaking glances, shyly looking away with a hint of a smile when I caught her. It was cute. I was just happy she wasn't upset or afraid of me anymore.

When class ended, I wanted to ask William if he was okay, but he had already left. I packed my stuff slowly, waiting for everyone to leave. At the front, Londyn was still busy on her laptop.

"Hi, Londyn," I said.

"Hi, Olive. Thank you for today, I really enjoyed it. Maybe we should do it again as friends," she said, still looking at her screen.

Ouch, friendzoned. I said I wanted to be friends, but it still hurt.

"Yeah, definitely. Okay, see ya," I said, walking out without waiting for her response. That was painful. I've never been this friendzoned. But no time to dwell on it—I had to run to my dance class. Damn Yuri. I love Yuri with all my heart, but running is literally a pain for me.