Stole My Heart 💕

22 - Misunderstandings

The coffee shop buzzed with its usual afternoon crowd, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the hum of soft conversations and the occasional clink of porcelain against saucers. In the corner booth by the window—a favorite spot marked by worn leather seats and a view of the bustling street—Nick, Candice, Hanna, and Andy had settled in, their laughter and easy banter filling the air. Yet, for Nick, something felt different. A restless energy churned inside him, a feeling he couldn't quite name but couldn't shake either.

As he returned to the table with their orders, his steps faltered at the sight before him. The three girls huddled together, excitement lighting up their faces. Candice's phone rested on the table, the screen displaying Blake's face. She was laughing, her eyes shining in a way that sent a sharp pang through Nick's chest. He told himself he should be happy seeing her like this—carefree, radiant—but instead, a dull ache settled deep within him.

Blake's voice rang through the speaker, confident and teasing. "Candy, don't forget about the promise. I'll win this game for sure. Be ready to do what I ask of you."

A promise? Nick's jaw clenched. What kind of promise had she made to Blake? And why did she look so at ease with him? Jealousy, unbidden and irrational, coiled in his gut. His fingers curled into fists beneath the table, the effort to mask his emotions growing increasingly difficult.

Hanna and Andy, completely oblivious to Nick's inner turmoil, only seemed to encourage the conversation, throwing playful remarks Candice's way and nudging her toward Blake with exaggerated winks. Their teasing was lighthearted, but to Nick, it felt like a provocation. Were they trying to push her into Blake's arms? Candice, ever sweet and unassuming, merely laughed and sipped her coffee, seemingly unaware of the storm brewing beside her.

The call lasted longer than Nick could tolerate. By the time it ended, he could barely contain his frustration. His grip tightened around his phone, his thoughts racing. Candice was being reckless, too trusting. She needed to be more careful—she deserved someone who truly understood her, someone who cared.

Someone like him.

Determined to find out more, Nick seized the opportunity when Hanna got up to grab more napkins. Pulling her aside, he kept his voice low but firm. "What's going on with Blake?"

Hanna raised an amused eyebrow. "What's wrong with Blake? You sound a little... worked up."

"I'm serious, Hanna," Nick pressed. "Why is everyone acting like he's some kind of hero?"

Her smirk widened. "Because Blake and Candice? They're about to be the next big campus couple."

Nick froze. "What? That's ridiculous."

Hanna only shrugged. "You heard me. It's obvious they like each other."

"No way," Nick muttered, shaking his head. His chest tightened. "I doubt it."

"Then why do you care so much?" Hanna leaned in, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Unless... you're jealous?"

Nick scoffed, though his reaction was a little too quick, a little too defensive. "I'm not jealous," he snapped. "I don't fall for just anyone."

But Hanna wasn't convinced. She laughed, throwing him a knowing glance before walking away, leaving him alone with his thoughts, his frustration, and the undeniable truth clawing at him.

Meanwhile, Candice found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions she wasn't prepared for. Spending time with Nick had become a part of her routine—effortless, comfortable, and yet thrilling in ways she couldn't explain. He had helped her with stage decorations, offering unexpected creativity and attention to detail that both surprised and delighted her. But it was the small things—the way he noticed her preference for lighter shades, the way he leaned in when they spoke—that left her heart fluttering. Did he notice her the way she was beginning to notice him? Was there something more beneath the surface of their growing friendship?