𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞 | 𝘋. 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘰

Chapter 2 - Part 1

So let's take a trip down memory lane of how Daniel and I met three years ago. Wow it sounds weird to think about the fact that it was three years ago even though it feels like we've known each other much longer than that.

Since my parents have their own business, in order to keep the family business running for many more years my parents had decided the best choice was for me to be apart of it and innovate my own ideas to grow it bigger than it was. Taking the responsibility to be the first one and last one to leave the office has made my parents more understanding to when it came to my breaks during the year.

I had a set salary for every month which I'd save most of the portion of money for overseas trips that I would go on during the year. My parents still worked in the business - not yet retired so it's not like I'm being irresponsible - they've seen how hard I've worked and know that I deserve the break.

It was around summer break at the time and Michael had insisted to meet up since we haven't seen each other through out the year, talking on the phone and face timing him didn't count.

I was due to go on break soon, a getaway vacation that I take on my own at least once a year and then during winter break I travel along with my parents. Michael was in Los Angeles at the time, I haven't been before so I was looking forward to it and especially seeing my now best friend. He was going to be there for quite a while and my mum especially was more than happy to send me to see Michael since she's one of those mums who think 'if I set up my best friends son with my daughter then theirs a chance of them getting married'.

As much as I tried to get her away from that fantasy bubble of hers, she won't stop going on about how she wants me to get with Michael. I know, Mikey is handsome af, he's funny, he's a sweetheart but sadly I only see him as just my friend. I don't think he's seen me as anything more than his friend, as long as the feelings are mutual and nothings changed between us then we shall keep it that way.

I took an afternoon flight out to LA so I'd reach there in the morning. I was so glad that I managed to sleep on the flight otherwise I'd be a literal zombie.

When I finally settled in my hotel room which was near the Santa Monica beach, I got a message from Michael to meet him there as he was on a run with a friend of his. I remember being so curious at the time like who could this friend of his be and why hasn't he mentioned this friend before ?

It could be a girl that he's just calling a friend or could be a guy that's maybe from here. After that long flight I was in much need of a shower so I did my morning routine before stepping out of the hotel. I had my hair up in messy bun (not giving a damn), wore a black graphic t-shirt with a pair of boyfriend jeans and nude sandals.

As I stepped out of the hotel I put on my sunglasses before taking a stroll to the beach. I received stares from other strangers but brushed it off. Ugh I could honestly punch the dudes who had the nerve to cat call me like excuse you.

I found a shady spot on the dry sand and settled my things down. I crossed my legs and took a seat on top of my beach towel as I then pulled out my phone. I dialled Michael's number in hopes that he was nearby, I need to get rid of the jet lag.

"Heyy" he answered cheerfully. "Hellooo, where are you ?" I asked as I looked around me in search of a familiar face. "I'm on the beach, where are you ?" He asked. I rolled my eyes, "You have to be a bit more specific than that. I'm on the left hand side of the pier but under it, I'm a few meters away from a lifeguard house" I said as I described my whereabouts. "Okay I'm not far away, I should be there in a few" he said. "Okay great ! Bye" I said lastly before ending the call. I leaned back on my elbows as I placed my sunglasses on my head and admired the scenery.

As much as I love the beach and summer, back home I don't even get the chance to go which is really sad considering I live 10 minutes away from a beach, I just admire the view from my room everyday and that's about it.

Just then I felt a pair of hands cover my eyes. "Guess who it is" said an all too familiar voice. "Yeah because it would be so hard for me to guess that and who would be brave enough to cover my eyes so casually ? It can only be one man" my lips curled into a smile as my hands moved to remove his. I looked up to be met with his familiar face. "Mikey !" I screamed as I got up from where I was sitting and pulled him in for a hug.

Hugging people slightly taller than me felt good since I for once felt shorter and now I know why shorter people go on about hugs from taller people. "It's so good to see you since like what ? 5 or 6 months ago. Man Christmas just flew by like a passing wind" he said as he released from the hug to look at me. "I swear it feels like we met yesterday but really it was about 6 months ago and we're still going strong" I said with a surprised look on my face as I had my brows raised.

"But anyways how's work been ? How's your parents doing ?" He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Work has been stressful as always so this break is much needed. My parents are doing good, it's because of you that I was allowed to come here on my own" I admitted as I then let out a laugh.

"Because of me ? How so ?" He asked confused. I will admit that the way his biceps were bulked when he flexed made me fan girl inside...I need to calm down. "They trust me to go on my own if I'm meeting someone they know otherwise my break would be taking time off work to stay at home" I said as I shook my head at the thought of it. "Ohhh I see" he said as he nodded his head. "The perks of having overprotective parents" I smiled. He shook his head, "So how are you liking LA so far ?" He asked as he looked around. "Well, I haven't seen anything besides the beach for a minute" I said as I shrugged my shoulders. Just then he had a phone call, which disrupted our conversation.

"Hello" he answered. "Yeah...okay sure...I'll see you in a few...Bye" he said as he ended the call and I already began frowning. "You have to leave already ?" I pouted. "Sorry (Y/N/N) but we'll meet up later tonight okay, I promise" he said as he engulfed me in a hug. "What's the rush ?" I asked as I looked up at him. "I have to go back to my friend" he said. I broke away from his embrace to ruffle his hair. "Does this person know you longer than I do that they're worthy enough to steal you away from me ?" I asked as I pursed my lips. "You'll know soon" he smiled as he then gave me one more quick hug before walking away.

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A/N: Hey guys ! Hope you're enjoying the story so far. I'm sorry that updates aren't as often as I do more writing for my F1 oneshots book but nevertheless, I'm still on break so I have time now to update more. Be sure to vote and comment. Much love .xx