If Only (Paulie Merciadez One Shot)

* Paulie's POV *

Most people believed that guys that were involved in the entertainment industry, who sing their hearts out or dance with their passion, have a better opportunity finding the girl of their dreams and successfully having them in your arms, supporting your every show, and be there through thick and thin.

That would have been true, but things were different in my point of view. I may have found that girl in my life, but the latter part of having her in my arms wasn't true.

Melissa Hayes has been a friend since high school, and since then, we have been in contact. In fact, she supports Justice Crew and has been friends with the other boys, hanging out whenever she had the free time. But she hasn't seen me yet. No matter how huge Justice Crew has been getting nowadays, it's as if I was still invisible to her.

If only you feel the same as me…Then maybe, I wouldn't have this problem at all.

"You wouldn't have a problem if you actually talk to her. You're sending her mixed signals, Paulie." Samson told me. "You act like a normal friend and you think she would get that?" He lectured me as if he had been magically hearing the thoughts in my head. "You're staring at her the whole time. When are you going to walk up to her and tell her about your feelings?" He continued.

Justice Crew boys and some other friends were at the Pearce's house for barbecue sessions as we were celebrating some achievement that we had with our music – our single, a big hit not just in Australia, but other parts of the world. The twins' mum invited us all over to have the celebration here.

"How many cats have played with your tongue, Paulie?" Lukas asked as they all laughed, making fun of my love life. Every time I had the guts to finally talk to her about my feelings, I freak out and talk about food. "This would be the best time you could actually support her, you know. A little birdy told me that she's finally moving on from Axel, and wanted to date. Tired of being single, I guess." He pointed out.

Axel was a common friend, also someone from high school. The two were best friends and Melissa has this huge crush on him, the ultimate bad boy in school. Apparently, those cliques in school were present in ours, and I thought those only happened in the movies. Melissa would be that bubbly and talented girl who cared about everyone, especially Axel. Then, I would be that invisible dancer in Melissa's eyes.

However, Axel knew what he could do to girls and didn’t do relationships. He loves her, though, but I guess she wasn’t enough for him to be loyal man. Yes, they have tried dating, but it only cost them their friendship in the end, and it was all too late to save what was left. Ever since they have officially called it quits, which was a year ago, Melissa has never been the same when it comes to love and relationships.

If only I could simply make you see… That all this time, you’re all I ever wanted.

"Actions speak louder than words." Lenny piped in.

The boys were all ganging up on me, telling me how slow I was on acting up on my feelings. I'm quite shy when it's Melissa, but with other girls, I'm fine. I have no idea why I'm too nervous when we talk. And when there's someone else in the group, I tend to just listen to whatever they talk about and act like the creep I was as my eyes followed whoever that was speaking.

"If only you'd actually go out there, then maybe Harley wouldn't take your girl away." Len teased, and as I shifted my gaze back to Melissa, Harley was already pulling her to one corner, giving her a stem of flower he had picked from Flo’s flower pots, and talking about stuff I have no idea of.

And of course, instead of having the support of my friends, they all erupted in a chain of laughter. Some even clapping their hands together, cheering for Harley. I love the kid, but today he's getting on my nerves.