We Are Just Friends...right?- Justin Degryse × OC

Chapter 4 - The Greatest Hangout

* 2 weeks later. *

Crystalina has been a prick all right.

Every time she could, she tripped me, hid my books, spread rumors, or did anything she could to humiliate me.

Having Justin and Maya with me did help. Xavier and I have become as close as siblings. He usually calls me 'sis'. I reply with 'bro'.

The 'Regulars' turned out to be a hangout with friends. It had 6 members before I came along.
Max, Connor, Stan, Justin, Xavier, and Maya. She was the only girl but didn't mind it much. But of course, was glad to have me. I fit in right there.

We mostly hung out during lunch, so it was only rushed convos all the time. Well, that gave me a good idea.

"Hey guys,", I said, "Why don't we all hang out today after classes? We could meet up in the cafe around the corner and maybe walk to the Movies and have a good time together.".

"That's a great idea!! They say that 'Allegiant' is on repeat.", Justin said approvingly.

A lot of "Sure"s and "Why not"s followed. Even a "That's a great idea", from Maya.

"That's settled then. 4 pm. Sisterhood Café. See yaa fellas there then!", I said while walking away.

* Time skip brought to you by Chronos, Greek Primordial of time. (" Yeah, this is what we do when we fade") *

Geez, you'll think that internationally-known singers will be more punctual.

I waited for about ten minutes and was contemplating whether or not I should call them when Xavier and Maya showed up, laughing at something Stan said.

"Ahem, guys, mind explaining what took you so long ?", I looked at them as if they were 5-year-olds.

"Hey, it's not my fault Justin and Connor took so long!", Maya chided

"Speaking of Connor, where is he ?"

"Oh, he is just bringing a lady friend of his", Xavier said with a mischievous smile.

From the looks of it, itty bitty Conny has a crush. Let's see who it is.

"And what about Degryse? Don't tell me he decided to stay back to third wheel with Connor and his "lady friend".", I asked

Maya was immediate to point out my concern.
"Awww, you care about him. How cute!! Wasn't it the first sign when I liked you, babe ?", She nudged Xav.

"Oh, yeah, it soooo was. So, guess our sweet friend Intrise has a crush on pretty boy Degryse, eh ?", He said grinning at me.

I could feel the blush making its way to my cheeks as I tried to deny it.
"What? No! You guys are crazy...Me?? Like Justin??...Why I...Never!! What makes you think...ugghhh."

All three of them were smirking opening and laughing by this time.

"Aw, don't worry, girl, we won't tell him.....YET!!", Stan joked while I went red.

They were laughing so hard that we didn't even notice Connor and a girl make their way to us.

"What's happening here ?", Connor asked, clearly amused.

"Intrise...Has a crush on........ Justinnn!!!!!!!", Maya informed both of them, while I went redder, if possible.

"No, ughhhh, that's just what they say...Kon, that's not true!! They are assuming it because I asked where he was!!.. Come on, I need some support here!!", I tried to convince him. But those went to deaf ears.

"Hah, I knew it!! Hand me those euros now, Xavier!! Cough off, old chap, 20 euros!!", He shouted in glee.

"WAIT, YOU BET ON ME ???!!!! YOU PLACED A BET WHETHER OR NOT I LIKED A PERSON ?? WHAT THE TARTARUS GUYS!!!", I screeched while Xavier fake groaned and gave Connor his money.

"I-ughhh. Whatever, I am going to take revenge, Vrienden. Now, C, be the gentleman I thought you were and introduce us to the lovely lady you brought along.", I said, too eager to change the topic.

"Changing the topic, eh?", Connor smirked. "Not so fast, there. Since when do you have feelings for him? How long? Has it been forever? Or recent development?".

"What the hell? I don't- You know what? I am tired of it all. Seriously? I thought you did have a bit of sense! Who says I have to like him??!", I asked putting on a straight face. Acting was always my specialty.

"Well, it's just the fact that you knew who he was, you blushed when he chose you as his second in the game when he hugged you after the game, and not to mention you were red when-", Nina was cut off by a very angry angel. Namely, me.

"Geez, you do realize that he is an internationally known singer which means ANYONE'll know him? Also, I was just surprised and happy when I became his co-captain. And then I was red because I ran so much! Also, I was just embarrassed when-!"

"Okay, okay I get it. You are in denial. Denial ain't a river in Egypt. We can't help you there. But, mark my words, one day, you'll realize it. Now, this is Sarah. We've been friends for a while now. Sarah, this is our group. Informally know as 'The Dipper'.", Connor said.

"Hi guys.", Sarah smiled at all of us.
She got mixed responses of "Hi"s' and 'Hello' 's. I, however, was still staring at Connor with shock and betrayal.

The others, noticing my looks starting laughing AGAIN. Meanwhile, Connor was trying to defend himself.

I was so shook that I didn't realize someone creeping up behind me. So naturally, I was startled when I heard a deep, mature voice asking me

"Why is Intrise staring at Connor like that ?"

I gave a small hardly audible yelp and turned only to find Justin with a confused look on his face. He looked...I can't say it! Well, he looked....handsome. There, I said it. He looked so adorable! I could literally FEEL the heat rising up to my cheeks.

"Well?", Justin asked looking expectantly at me.

I felt the heat rush up to my cheeks. I just mumbled something like "Forget it", and started walking towards the cinema.

Behind me, I could hear them saying things like "She's just in denial", "Oh, it's nothing. She'll come around. She WILL face it AND admit it.", " I ship it" and "She is sooooo into him!" while coming towards me. I knew they were following me at their own pace.

I allowed myself a tiny smile.

Maybe, just maybe, I had found friends in an unexpected place.

And that I was walking and will be a part of the greatest hangout of all times.

And I was right.

.........................................

Just that peace and happiness don't last forever always. No matter how much I wish it did. This isn't my happy ending. It always takes just one more page in a story to turn things into a shitty mess again.

***********************************************************************************************

Word Count: 1147