Just "Friends"

Chapter 37: The Realizations

Sitting on the bench outside the School , I was half-listening to Nathan talk about the upcoming soccer match when I caught sight of Sophie walking down the hallway. She had that focused look she always got when she was rushing to class, barely glancing around her, but then her eyes met mine for a split second.

It was like time slowed down. I felt that familiar pull, the kind I knew I shouldn't be feeling. After all, I was with Ayla. But no matter how many times I tried to convince myself to move on, there was something about Sophie that just got to me. 

Daniel nudged my shoulder, breaking my train of thought. "Lost in thought there, James? Thinking about our project victory party last night?"

I laughed, pushing him back. "Yeah, right. More like wondering if you've already forgotten the project with all the attention Mia's been giving you."

He raised an eyebrow, giving me that knowing look. "Oh, you noticed, huh? I mean, she's cool. Fun to be around."

I smirked, nudging him again. "Pretty cozy with her, aren't you?"

He just shrugged, but I could tell he was interested. "I don't know, man. She's... different. And she fits in with everyone, which isn't easy to pull off in this group."

"True enough," I replied, my gaze flickering back to Sophie, who was now chatting with Alan near the lockers. I tried to focus on what Daniel was saying, but seeing her laughing with Alan made something twist uncomfortably in my chest.

Daniel noticed, following my line of sight. He looked between me and Sophie, raising an eyebrow. "Man, are you sure you're over her?"

I rolled my eyes, but the question hit deeper than I wanted to admit. "I'm with Ayla now, alright? Sophie and I are just friends."

He shot me a skeptical look, but let it slide. "Right, 'just friends.' Whatever you say."

Before I could respond, Sophie caught sight of us and came over, her expression shifting a bit when she noticed Daniel with me. For a second, I thought I saw something flash in her eyes—jealousy?—but she quickly smiled, greeting us.

"Hey, guys," she said, a little too casually. "Didn't see you at the cafeteria earlier."

"Just catching some air," I replied, my voice a little quieter than I'd planned. Sophie held my gaze, her expression unreadable, and I felt the tension between us. I wanted to say something, to bridge whatever had grown between us since Ayla came into the picture, but I didn't know where to start.

Daniel broke the silence. "So, Sophie," he said, smiling in that easygoing way of his, "you still think Mia's a bit... much?"

Sophie's cheeks turned slightly pink. "I never said that. She just... made herself at home pretty fast, that's all."

"Yeah, she does that," he replied, grinning. "She's fun to be around. Maybe you'll see that soon enough."

Sophie didn't respond right away, and I could sense the subtle tension between her and Daniel. Maybe there was more to her reaction than just friendly concern about Mia's presence.

Finally, she spoke, her tone lighter. "I'll keep an open mind. Just... be careful, alright?"

"Of course," Daniel replied with a smile, though I could tell he was studying her, maybe trying to read between the lines.

As Sophie turned to walk away, she shot one last glance my way, her eyes lingering a second too long. I felt my chest tighten, the unspoken words hanging in the air between us. 

Once she was out of earshot, Daniel gave me a look. "Just friends, huh?"

I shoved him lightly, but I knew he saw right through me. "Yeah. Just friends... complicated friends."