Into You

05 // awestruck

Skyler and Chloe's laughter quickly deceased as surprised expressions took over their faces. I hesitantly turned around only to meet the most beautiful green eyes I had ever known; they were a stunning forest green with hints of jade. There stood the one who got away, the one I could not let myself hold back.

Asher smiled shyly and ran his fingers through his hair, "Hey, sweets."

I didn't know what the protocol was when it came to talking to an ex you haven't seen in months. I took a wild guess and stood up to hug him while chirping out a, "Hey you!"

He held me tightly in his arms, making it incredibly noticeable that his cologne hadn't changed since I last hugged him. I almost didn't want to let go, but I knew that would have been the most awkward thing I could do. However, I did give my friends a chance to greet him.

They seemed excited, but once they each had their moments, they made sure to check up me. Sky gave me a reassuring smile to let me know she was with me, while Chloe linked our arms together.

"How have you girls been? It's been a minute," he smiled charmingly.

"We've been good. How's big boy school?" Skyler asked.

He chuckled and folded his arms, not really knowing what else to do. "Big boy school is great. Lots of new things going on," he answered.

My head instantly replaced things with flings and my heart sank. "Well, it's great that you're having fun," I half-smiled.

"What brings you around to the diner?" Chloe questioned. This had been our place while we were dating so he knew we would be here.

"I'm meeting with a couple of old buddies," he glanced around the diner until he waved at table sitting his former bandmates. Asher would play guitar and sing lead vocals in the Gnarly Vipers, a name they came up with when they were 14. He was joined by Ryder Hogan, Dylan Myrtle, and Benjamin Tyler - his ride or dies; also known as the boys I somehow managed to avoid after the break up.

"We don't wanna keep you much longer," Sky mentioned.

"Right," he said, his eyes traveling down to mine. "I'll see you around." I expected him to move on, but he didn't. He just stood there, looking at me.

I nodded and clumsily moved back into my seat in the booth, forgetting Chloe was clinging onto my arm, pulling her down with me. I felt my cheeks heat up and immediately covered my eyes and refused to look up until the coast was clear.

"And...he's...gone," Chloe informed. "Naomi, what happened? You were fine when you first saw him."

Coming out of hiding, I slouched and held my face up with the palm of my hand. "I froze up. It was like I couldn't talk. He was looking at me and it was like I could've melted right then and there."

"You are so not over him, honey," Chloe rubbed my back and moved a loose strand of hair away from my face.

"And I mean, what's with him too? He called me 'sweets'. We aren't together anymore, it's not okay. It threw me off completely!" I protested, crossing my arms with a frown on my face that probably scared our waitress as she smiled nervously while serving us our food.

"Maybe it's just a force of habit. He seemed pretty in awe, too," Skyler added, taking a fry from our large tray of cheese fries.

"You know, at least you got over it. You were so worried about how this would go, but it could've been so much worse," Chloe said.

I nodded and tried to focus on my food, "Let's just talk about something else that isn't him."

"You got it," Sky smiled.

Once again, the girls brought up homecoming plans. We eventually came to a conclusion to screw the previous plans and to go together, just the three of us, in Jared's nice car and going to Bryson's after party. It was simple and foolproof.

"I can't wait! You guys, this is our last homecoming. Then, we're doomed to adulthood," Skyler dramatically claimed, pouting her lips.

Usually I would have played along, but it wasn't something I was up for as of right now. I kept glancing at Asher's table. The boys were laughing and having fun; it was reminiscent of the way things used to be. A few minutes into Chloe and Sky talking about how things would change, I saw Pyper Mells walk over to them.

Pyper was the girl I deemed competition all throughout mine and Asher's relationship. She was his go-to girl before me. Everyone believed it would've been her. I guessed now she was taking her leap at what she thought should've been. I had heard from her friends that she took time to travel and visit Asher while he was at college. Apparently things got a little "wild" according to my sources.

Seeing them together worked me up.

"Well guys, I think it's time for me to head out. I have a lot of work to do that's due tomorrow, so this procrastination extraordinare is going to be busy tonight," I lied.

We said our goodbyes and I rushed out of the diner. I got a whiff of fresh air and leaned against the diner's window. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it during his whole stay. I could barely see him from thirty minutes straight without having all of those feelings come rushing back. I felt like passing out.

"Clark? You alright?" Wesley interrupted my train of thought, waving his hand in front of me.

I opened my mouth to tell him I was fine, but I couldn't. My eyes focused on his and started watering. "I don't think so," I croaked.

His eyebrows furrowed and he was clearly puzzled. Not knowing what else to do, he took my hands and asked me if I wanted to talk. I shook my head and told him he could go on and eat since that's what he was here for.

"I can wait. Come on, we can talk in my car," he offered.

I didn't want to inconvenience him, but he was the type to insist. I obliged and we went to his car. There, I just started babbling in between sobs. "Asher is back in town... he's in there a-and we talked. Well, he talked and I just stood there, like an idiot. I mean, he's been in the back of my mind for ages... and now that he's here and in front of me, I feel like he never left. It can never be the same again. And then there's Pyper... Pyper's there and taking her chance and it's not even like I should care... but I do. And I really don't want to, Wesley."

Wes put his hand on my shoulder and massaged it gently, "I'm sorry. I know what it's like. Not getting over someone no matter how hard you try, it sucks. Especially with that kind of history."

I got closer to him and leaned on his shoulder, trying not to get his shirt wet. He was doing his best to comfort me and although I thought he'd be the last person to see me like this, I'm glad it was him. Sky and Chloe are the kind of friends who push me to move on, and even though I know I need that, I also need to sulk in my feelings and vent before I do that.

"You're going to be okay, Clark."

♡♡♡

A/N: I know, today is not Saturday. But, I couldn't think of what I wanted to happen next so I took some time to think and I really liked what I came up with. The characters are not the same as in the original. Their backgrounds have definitely changed which will come into play later on.

Asher is now not a relationship ruiner, so trust me. It's going to be harder to choose ships ;)

Thank you guys for sticking around, I love you guys so much. (sometimes too much for my own good)

Our spotlight reader this week is none other than FucckingTrash! I think Jesse is woke too girl haha, thanks for your votes and comments.

I will talk to you guys next week!

xoxo