Back To You;

CHAPTER 2

If you've ever heard the phrase "You can't choose your friends," then clearly, you haven't met mine.

I was still recovering from my awkward interaction with Lauren when I walked into the cafeteria, hoping to drown myself in a sandwich and forget my problems. But no. Of course, my day had to get worse-uh, I mean, better. Because John Cuthbert and Mae Tan were there, waiting at our usual table.

John was already in full debate mode, practically yelling about how the school's recycling program was an insult to climate change awareness. He was sitting across from Mae, who was busy reading a book while pretending to pay attention.

"I'm telling you, the whole system is flawed! Why would they-" John cut off when he saw me, his eyes lighting up with that mischievous glint I knew all too well. "Ah, the star of the day has arrived!" he said, dramatically waving his hand toward me like I was the guest of honor at some ridiculous ceremony.

Mae didn't even look up from her book, but I could hear the smirk in her voice as she said, "Late to your own pity party, huh?"

"Thanks for the warm welcome," I mumbled, dropping my backpack onto the floor and sliding into the seat next to her. "You know, I was just trying to get through the day without embarrassing myself even more."

John leaned back in his chair, pushing up his glasses like he was about to drop some sort of wisdom. "Oh, come on, Dearest, Marie. Who needs dignity when you've got potential love drama to work with?"

I groaned, sinking lower in my seat. "I am not dealing with this right now."

Mae finally looked up, her eyes scanning me with that knowing expression she always wore when she had an idea. "You're still thinking about him, aren't you?"

I froze. How did she always know? "I don't know what you mean," I said, trying to sound casual, but the blush creeping up my neck betrayed me.

"Yeah, okay," Mae said, her lips curving into a grin. "Because not thinking about your old crush who's suddenly back in your life is totally normal."

John snickered. "She's right, though. You're like a walking rom-com, Marie. The only thing missing is the dramatic music and a slow-motion scene of you running away from him in the hallway."

I shot him a glare. "I didn't run away. I just-"

"You bolted," he interrupted, grinning. "You ran faster than I've ever seen you run. And I've seen you sprint to the vending machine for the last pack of chips."

Mae and John laughed, and I wanted to melt into the floor. "That's not the point," I muttered, crossing my arms. "I don't even know what I'm supposed to do now. He probably thinks I'm some weirdo."

"Which you are," Mae teased. "But it's okay, we still love you."

"Love her?" John asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm just here for the show. Watching Marie navigate her feelings is entertainment."

I shot him a look that could've melted glass. "You're both terrible friends."

John leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with that devilish sparkle. "Okay, okay. Here's the deal. We're going to do something about this. You're going to talk to Lauren."

"Absolutely not," I immediately said, shaking my head. "I'm not just going up to him and-what, hi? How's your day? By the way, I've been awkwardly avoiding you for years and now I have feelings again?"

Mae sighed dramatically. "You're overthinking it, as usual. Just... talk to him, Marie. We'll make sure the universe gives you a little push."

"Yeah," John added. "We'll be like the universe's personal cheerleaders. Or, you know, the meddling sidekicks who cause a little chaos, but it's all for a good cause."

I buried my face in my hands. "This is a nightmare."

Later that day, I was still stewing over my so-called "friends" when

Mae texted me again: You know, your birthday's coming up, right?

I groaned. "Don't even think about it," I muttered aloud.

But of course, Mae did think about it. And somehow, she convinced John that it would be a brilliant idea to invite Lauren to hang out at a cafe the day before my birthday.

Brilliant wasn't the word I'd use.

The next afternoon, I walked into Lany already dreading what was about to unfold. Mae and John were already there, looking way too smug for people who had just knowingly signed me up for an emotional train wreck.

When I sat down at our usual table, John wasted no time. "So, what's the plan, Marie? You going to play hard to get or actually talk to him like a normal human?"

I sighed, slouching in my chair. "I don't even know what you're talking about. I'm just trying to survive the day without embarrassing myself."

"Well, it's a little late for that," Mae said with a mischievous grin. "You've already been embarrassing yourself all day. Now let's have some fun with it."

I opened my mouth to protest, but that's when I saw him-Lauren.

I swear, the universe has a sick sense of humor! There he was, walking into the cafe, looking all casually handsome with his curly hair and that annoying confident swagger. It was like he had no idea how much he was making my heart race right now.

"See?" John said, pointing at Lauren like he was some kind of prize. "There's your chance. Go talk to him."

I shot him a glare, my brain already going into meltdown mode. "I swear, I will never forgive you for this."

Lauren spotted us and waved, his brown eyes lighting up when he saw me. Great, now I was officially going to die of embarrassment!

"Hey, Marie!" he called, making his way over. "Happy early birthday!"

"Thanks," I mumbled, unable to stop myself from blushing like an idiot. Why did I have to be so obvious???

John nudged me under the table. "Go ahead. This is your moment!"

I took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage I had. "So... um... I guess we'll be seeing each other a lot more now, huh?"

Lauren smiled, leaning casually on the table. "Yeah, looks like it. I'm glad. It's been a while."

Why did he have to look so good while saying that?

I cleared my throat. "So, um, what's new with you?"

Lauren grinned. "Well, I've been working out a lot. Trying to get stronger for track season, you know? But other than that, not much. How about you?"

"Uh, same old. You know. Just... school. And trying not to embarrass myself in front of my friends."

"Too late for that," John muttered under his breath, but I ignored him.

Lauren's smile softened. "I'm sure you're doing great. You always do."

And just like that, the walls I'd built around myself started to crumble, piece by piece. Maybe I wasn't running away from him anymore. Maybe, just maybe, I was finally starting to let myself feel again.

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