Back To You;

CHAPTER 8

The cafeteria was alive with its usual chaos-students yelling across tables, the clatter of trays, and the low hum of overlapping conversations. But as I walked in, all I could focus on was the buzzing phone in my pocket.

Lauren's text had been simple.

Just seeing his name light up my screen had sent my heart into overdrive. Dave's confession earlier had left me feeling cornered, but this text... It felt like a lifeline. A chance to figure out where I really stood.

Lauren was already waiting at a table near the window when I got there, his long legs stretched out under the table and his phone in hand. He looked up as I approached, his lips quirking into that lazy smile that made my chest do an involuntary flip.

"Hey," he said, standing up slightly to pull the chair out for me.

"Oh, so chivalry isn't dead," I teased, sliding into the seat.

Lauren shrugged, leaning back into his chair. "Only for you."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't fight the smile tugging at my lips. On the table in front of me was a tray with my favorite-cheeseburger and fries. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"You ordered for me?"

"You've been in a mood lately," he said, avoiding my gaze by fiddling with a fry. "Figured this might help."

The gesture was so casual, but it warmed something deep inside me. He might not be the most emotionally aware guy, but he had his moments.

We ate in that comfortable rhythm we used to have, the kind that made it feel like no time had passed since we were closer. Lauren told me about his classes, his gym routine, and some funny thing that happened to Belle in the chemistry lab. I did my best not to grimace at the mention of her name.

"Speaking of Belle," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "You two seem... close."

Lauren blinked, clearly confused. "Belle? She's cool, I guess. We just hang out in the same group for chem."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "That's all?"

"Yeah." He looked genuinely puzzled. "What else would it be?"

I wanted to believe him. I really did. But the way Belle looked at him-and the way he didn't seem to notice-drove me insane.

"Nothing," I muttered, stabbing a fry with unnecessary aggression.

Lauren tilted his head, watching me for a moment. "You're acting weird today."

"Gee, thanks."

"No, I mean it in a good way." He smirked. "It's like you're-"

"Don't finish that sentence," I warned, though a small laugh escaped before I could stop it.

He chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied look. "See? There's the Marie I know."

After we finished eating, Lauren suggested taking a walk. The sun was setting, casting everything in shades of orange and pink, and for a moment, it felt like the world had slowed down just for us.

We strolled along the quiet campus pathways, talking about everything and nothing. Lauren had a way of making even the most mundane topics-like the cafeteria food or his gym playlist-feel interesting.

At one point, we passed a street vendor selling ice cream, and Lauren insisted on buying me one, claiming it was "part of my emotional recovery plan."

"Recovery plan?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," he said, handing me a cone. "Step one: cheeseburger. Step two: ice cream. Step three: probably therapy, but I'm not certified, so you'll have to settle for this."

I laughed, genuinely amused. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously charming, maybe," he shot back with a grin.

As the sky darkened, we found ourselves at a quiet spot near the school gardens. The air was crisp, and the stars were just beginning to peek through the clouds.

"Thanks for today," I said, breaking the silence. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."

Lauren shrugged, but there was something softer in his expression now. "You're welcome. I guess I just... wanted to make sure you were okay."

He looked at me then, really looked at me, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

And then, before I could second-guess myself, I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Lauren froze, his eyes wide as he turned to face me. "What was that for?"

I felt my face heat up. "I... I just wanted to. You've been really sweet today, and I-"

"Marie," he interrupted, his voice quieter now. "You're... different tonight."

"Different how?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know. It's just... you seem happier. Or maybe it's me." He scratched the back of his neck, looking uncharacteristically nervous.

I laughed, though my heart was racing. "Maybe it's you. Maybe you're finally paying attention."

Lauren blinked, clearly trying to process what I meant, but before he could say anything, I took a step back.

"Anyway, I should go," I said, glancing at my watch. "Big test coming up, remember?"

He nodded slowly, still looking a little dazed. "Yeah... Right. Good luck with that."

As I walked away, I couldn't help but smile to myself. It wasn't a full confession, but it was something. A step forward.

And as much as I appreciated Dave's kindness and attention, my heart had made its choice.

It was Lauren. It had always been Lauren.

Now, I just had to figure out how to make him see that. For real this time...

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