Thinking of You (JOSHLIA)

Part 14 - Julia

A bell chimes.

"Welcome to Vintage Soul!"

Joshua just came in and it seemed like he's not with anyone today.

He waved at me with a shy smile and proceeded to sit at the table that has a window seat surrounded with cabinet walls full of vintage stuffs. Nice choice, I thought to myself. It's actually my favourite spot here. Not that it means anything.

"Hey," he greeted when I approached him. I said 'hi' back and wished that it didn't sound more like a squeak.

I handed him the menu which he took happily.

I was standing awkwardly in front of him as he scanned the menu. I knew I should've said something. Anything! But I just couldn't find the words. I've been imagining this kind of scenario ever since last week happened. However, now that he's actually here, I just short circuited!

The bell chimed again and this time it was Cynthia and her gang. My heart fell. Oh, I knew today wasn't going to be perfect.

"Welcome to Vintage Soul!"

Cynthia saw us and to my surprise, she gave me a cheerful smile. Was that intended to me?

And it turned out that it was for Joshua. I never knew she had a thing for Joshua. She kept glancing at him and giggling with the other girls.

"Is it just me, or--?"

"I know right?!" Anne cut me off with a confused look on her face. I guess it's not just me who noticed.

I could see Joshua looking uncomfortable with Cynthia's scrutiny that I could almost pity him. I mean, Cynthia could come off as...overly expressive, if not, a bit too much?

When I got over to Joshua for his order, he looked really grateful for the distraction.

"You, ok?" I asked, sympathetic.

He chuckled and with a slight whisper he said. "I just wanted to eat here in peace."

"Do you think it'd be too much if I move my seat here?" He added jokingly. Implying that he'll eat with his back against Cynthia's table. To which he couldn't because it'd be real obvious. With Cynthia, you'll never know. She would probably pounce on him if she had a chance.

Thankfully, Mia arrived. Although, she looked pissed off with Joshua today. Or perhaps with Cynthia since I caught Mia giving her the eye. It was pretty funny, the way the girls give off a kind of energy to say 'back off' without actually saying it.

That's when I realized, I was actually watching a love triangle unfold.

Huh. And I wasn't sure how to feel about that.