This Romantic Novel [√]

Chapter 4: The Start of This Repeated Unrequited Love

I waited for Julian (who was still talking to Luke) while one of his friends, Alex, asked for an autograph; which I gladly did.

"Your detective stories are cool," Alex complimented, giving me a smile on my lips.

"Thank you. I hope you'll continue to support me," I told him, patting his head.

Beaming with glee, he eagerly nodded his head before dashing back to Jordan, who waited for him. Alex waved back at me once more, allowing me to do the same until I couldn't see him anymore, giving me a chance to look around to see only Julian and Luke in the dance studio.

"Okay," I mentally said, "Just act as if nothing happened.".

I gave myself a really good pep talk.

Preparing mentally, I stood up from my seat and casually strolled towards the two with my newfound confidence.

"Julian, your mum is expecting you home soon. We should hurry," I told him kindly.

He stops his conversation with Luke to look at me before nodding.

"Okay, but I need to get something real quick," He reported. My nephew reported

               Agreeing to my nephew's statement, I watched his figure hastily disappear through the door. However, I realised without his presence that it was just him and I alone in the studio. It was during this time that our eyes were directed literally anywhere except each other, and our voices were silent until he decided to speak.

"Your nephew is very talented," Luke complimented Julian.

"Well, he gets it from his mother," I told him as I laughed

For some reason, I decided to laugh at my statement to ease the awkwardness between each other, only for it to become silent once again. Fortunately, he decided to speak again.

"Listen, I was wondering if. . . if. . if you would like to come to dinner with me?"

"What?" I hurriedly said, facing him. "Is he asking me out?" I thought, not realising I missed the last few words towards the end of his sentence.

"Well. . . I know it's only been a few days since we met, however, with he invitation for our high school reunion, I was wondering if you wanted to go together?"

I process everything in my mind for a mere moment, repeating his words in my head until the light bulb (in my mind) lit like Christmas lights.

"Oh, the high school reunion," I muttered. "Well, the thing is... James and I were planning to go together." I felt guilty for rejecting his offer.

A disappointing expression was forming on his face, making me feel even more guilty. No girl. I need to stay strong.

"Oh," He spoke in a sad tone.

"Don't feel disappointed. We can hang out during the reunion and even go out whenever you're free," I smile at him, doing my best to cheer him up.

And it seemed that did the trick as I noticed a smile on his handsome face.

"Aunty, I got it." Julian ran towards us. "Let's go,"

I turn to Julian and give him a slight nod before averting my attention back to Luke to give him a goodbye in the form of a smile and wave.

"Bye," Julian said to Luke before following me out.