Game Over, Pretty Boy. ♕ || STGOPB

♕ Chapter Two ♕ - Knock Knock...

Riley's POV.

When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I noticed was the light streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over my room. For a brief moment, everything felt normal—just another day beginning like any other. But then, the events of the previous evening came rushing back, and I felt that familiar weight settle in my chest once more.

I rolled over, reaching for my phone on the nightstand. Maya had texted me late last night, a simple "Goodnight" with a couple of heart emojis. It was her way of checking in, making sure I was okay without directly asking. I sent her a quick response, letting her know I was up and fine, even if I didn't entirely feel that way.

As I sat up in bed, I couldn't help but think about how much time had passed since everything with Lucas had fallen apart. I should've been over it by now—moved on, healed, left it behind. But for some reason, I just couldn't let it go. Maybe it was because he was the first boy I ever truly loved, the first person I'd really opened my heart to. That kind of connection didn't just disappear, no matter how much I wished it would.

I sighed, pushing those thoughts aside as I dragged myself out of bed and moved through my morning routine on autopilot—brushing my teeth, washing my face, pulling on some clothes. The motions were familiar, grounding me as I tried to shake off the lingering sadness from last night.

In the kitchen, I made myself a quick cup of coffee, the strong aroma filling the air as I leaned against the counter, letting the warmth of the mug seep into my hands. It was a small comfort, but I'd take whatever I could get.

But as much as I tried to focus on the present, the past kept creeping in, making it impossible to move forward completely. I wondered if it was because Lucas had been my first love, the first person I'd let into my heart in a way that had felt real and lasting. It had made the betrayal that much harder to bear, and maybe that's why I couldn't just get over it like I wanted to.

I sipped my coffee, the bitterness reminding me to stay grounded, to not let myself get lost in those memories. I needed to focus on today, on what was right in front of me. There were classes to attend, friends to see, a life I was still trying to piece together.

Today had to be different. I had to be different.

But as I stood there, trying to convince myself that I could move past it all, a part of me still wondered if I'd really seen him last night. And if I had, what that meant for me now. I shook my head, trying to clear it. I couldn't let myself get lost in those questions.

I needed to find a way to let go, even if my heart wasn't ready to.

As I stood in the kitchen, sipping my coffee and trying to push away the thoughts of Lucas, a sudden knock on the door pulled me from my reverie. The sound was firm but not urgent, followed by a familiar voice calling out, "Riley."

I frowned, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was still early—too early for visitors, especially unannounced ones. Milo's voice drifted through the door again, and I couldn't help but feel a little confused. What was he doing here this early?

Setting my coffee down on the counter, I walked over to the door, my curiosity growing. Milo wasn't exactly the type to drop by uninvited, especially at this hour. As I opened the door, I found him standing there, his usual look of determination mixed with a hint of something else—concern, maybe?

"Milo?" I asked, still trying to wrap my head around his unexpected visit. "What are you doing here?"

He gave me a small, slightly sheepish smile. "Good morning to you too, Riley. I, uh, thought we could walk to class together today... unless, of course, you've suddenly developed a preference for solitary morning strolls."