Against the Edge

Coffee and Conundrums

The campus garden was alive with the gentle rustling of leaves and the laughter of students enjoying the sunshine. Mia sat at a secluded table, sipping her iced coffee, lost in thought. The cool drink contrasted with the warmth of the day, but even the refreshing beverage couldn't shake the swirl of emotions bubbling beneath her calm exterior.

As she absentmindedly stirred her drink, she felt a familiar presence approaching. Louis, with his trademark mischievous grin, ambled over, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Well, well, well, what happened to Ethan's future girlfriend sitting here all alone?" he teased, plopping down across from her.

Mia rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "Very funny, Louis. I'm just enjoying some peace and quiet."

"Peace and quiet? With a coffee that fancy?" He raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "I mean, that's practically a love potion in your hands. What's the real story? Did Ethan break your heart, or did you finally realize that he's not your type?"

Mia couldn't help but laugh, the tension from earlier easing just a bit. "Neither, actually. Just needed a moment to think," she replied, her tone light but laced with underlying frustration.

Louis leaned in, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Thinking about that Sarah girl?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "the one who practically threw herself at him yesterday?"

"More like a desperate attempt to make a move," Mia said, taking a sip of her coffee to buy herself some time. "I don't know, it just... bothers me, okay?"

"Bothers you? Or are you just a little jealous?" he teased, a knowing grin spreading across his face.

"Me? Jealous? No way!" Mia shot back, though the heat rising to her cheeks betrayed her. "It's just annoying to watch, that's all."

Louis laughed, shaking his head. "Classic denial. You know, it's okay to feel something, Mia. It's not a crime to have feelings, even if they're a bit complicated."

"Complicated? That's an understatement," she muttered, glancing away, her thoughts drifting back to Ethan and Sarah. "I just wish I knew what was going on with him."

"Well, why don't you ask him?" Louis suggested, leaning closer, a playful smirk on his lips. "Or are you too busy sitting here moping over iced coffee to actually make a move?"

"Okay, first of all, I am not moping," Mia protested, crossing her arms. "And second, it's not that easy."

Louis raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "So, you'd rather sit here and let Sarah swoop in? I mean, she's practically making a whole fan club out of him."

Mia sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. "You know, it's not like that. Ethan and I are just friends... right?" The uncertainty in her voice echoed in the space between them.

"Just friends? Sure," Louis said, sarcasm dripping from his words. "Keep telling yourself that while you sip on your 'love potion.'"

Mia chuckled, shaking her head. "Okay, maybe I don't know what I want. But I don't want to make things weird between us. I just wish it was simpler."

"Simple? Where's the fun in that?" Louis leaned back, folding his arms. "Life's messy, Mia. You gotta embrace it. Besides, if you don't do something about it, you might end up watching Ethan and Sarah share popcorn at the next game. Do you really want that?"

Mia felt a knot tighten in her stomach at the thought. "Ugh, don't say that," she groaned, burying her face in her hands. "What am I even supposed to do?"

"Just be honest with him," Louis said, his tone shifting to something more earnest. "You can't control who he spends time with, but you can control how you feel about it. If you want him to know you care, show him. Don't just sit here in the garden."