Cyrus spent the next few days brooding over his encounter with Selena. Despite his usual aloof attitude, her cold dismissal lingered in his thoughts. He hadn’t texted her or tried to reach out, figuring she’d only push him further away. Yet, he couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling that he needed to see her again, even if it meant facing her anger.
One afternoon, as he wandered through the school courtyard, he spotted Selena with a new group of friends. He noted how unusual this was-Selena typically only hung out with Eva. Seeing her laugh and interact with others sent a ripple of unease through him. She seemed to be moving on, finding solace in new company. But was this genuine happiness, or was she masking her pain?
He really wanted to talk to her so he walked over, ignoring the curious looks from her friends. “Selena,” he called out, his voice steady and composed. The laughter died down, and Selena turned to face him, her smile fading into a wary expression.
“What do you want, Cyrus?” she asked, her tone edged with irritation.
“We need to talk,” he said coolly, glancing briefly at her friends before focusing on her. “Alone.”
Selena exchanged a look with Eva, who shot Cyrus a glare but nodded to Selena, prompting her to step away from the group. Her friends whispered among themselves but kept a respectful distance, watching the interaction closely.
“Well?” Selena said, crossing her arms, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. “What do you want to say?”
Cyrus took a deep breath, his face calm but serious. “I’m not good at this kind of thing, but I need to clear the air. I handled things badly the other day, and I shouldn’t have treated you the way I did.”
Selena raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “That’s your version of an apology?”
“It’s not about apologies,” Cyrus replied, his tone even, though his eyes were intense. “I didn’t think about your feelings, and that’s on me. I was caught off guard, and I reacted like an idiot.”
Selena’s eyes narrowed. “You made me feel like I was just some problem you wanted to get rid of.”
“I get that,” he said, his voice calm, yet firm. “And I didn’t mean to. But I’m not here to beg for forgiveness or make excuses. I just wanted to let you know I recognize that I screwed up.”
Selena’s expression remained guarded, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You hurt me, Cyrus. And now, you think saying this makes it better?”
“No,” Cyrus said, shrugging slightly. “It doesn’t make it better. I’m just telling you the truth. What you do with that is up to you.”
She studied him for a moment, her gaze searching his face for any hint of insincerity. “I don’t know if I can just move past what you did. You acted like I didn’t matter.”
“I won’t pretend to understand how you feel,” Cyrus said, his voice softening just a bit. “But you do matter. I just handled it wrong.”
Selena shook her head, a flicker of hurt passing through her eyes. “That’s not good enough, Cyrus. You made your choice, and now I’m making mine.”
“Fair enough,” Cyrus replied, nodding. “I’m not here to change your mind. Just wanted to set things straight.”
Selena sighed, her expression conflicted. “Fine. You’ve said your piece. Now, let’s just leave it at that.”
“Sure,” Cyrus said, his tone final. “Take care, Selena.”
He turned and walked away, feeling the weight of the conversation but keeping his composure. As he headed down the hallway, he couldn’t shake the image of her with her new friends. She was rebuilding, finding a new way to cope. And while it stung to see her moving on without him, he knew he couldn’t change what had happened.
Cyrus wasn’t the type to dwell on emotions, but Selena had gotten under his skin in a way no one else had. He’d given her space, respected her decision, but a part of him couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever get another chance to make things right.
For now, he’d have to live with the consequences of his actions and the realization that he’d hurt someone he didn’t realize he cared about until it was too late.
~~
~~SELENA~~
Ever since I started avoiding Cyrus and actively tried not to think about him, my feelings for him were slowly but surely fading. Each day, I found it easier to focus on my own life without his shadow hanging over me. I could see him at school, walk past him in the hallways, and still concentrate on whatever I was doing, as if he no longer had the power to derail my thoughts.
The first time he tried to talk to me after our encounter, I walked away from him without a second thought. Seeing the shock on his face, the disbelief that I could actually just walk away, was strangely satisfying. For once, I felt in control, and it was a feeling I cherished.
When he approached me the second time, it was clear he wasn’t the kind to apologize. He barely said the words “I’m sorry,” but I could tell he knew he was in the wrong. He maintained that cocky, self-assured demeanor, as if apologizing would somehow undermine his persona. It was frustrating and infuriating.
He acted like he was on top of the world, as if showing any vulnerability or genuine regret would somehow tarnish his image. What a dickhead. But, in a way, his attitude made it easier to detach myself from the feelings I once had for him.
With Cyrus out of my mind, I started socializing with some girls at school, making an effort to connect with people I’d never really talked to before. My mom was right; engaging with their stories, hearing about their daily lives, their crushes, their family dramas-it all helped distract me from thoughts of Cyrus. I felt lighter, less burdened by the emotional chaos he had stirred in me.
Instead of brooding over what happened, I threw myself into new friendships, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I was truly moving on. Each conversation, each laugh shared with my new friends, chipped away at the hold Cyrus had over me. I was starting to see the world beyond him, and it felt liberating.
In the end, I realized that I didn’t need Cyrus to validate me or my worth. I was stronger than I had given myself credit for, and I was determined to keep building a life that didn’t revolve around him or the pain he had caused.
“See you Tomorrow,” I said to my group of friends before walking towards my car.
“Don’t be late!” Stephanie called out, waving. I nodded, smiling, and then started rummaging through my bag for my keys.
“Where did I keep them?” I muttered, my hand digging through my bag. After a few moments, I finally felt the cool metal and pulled them out triumphantly. “Got you,” I said, raising my head just in time to collide with something-or rather, someone.
“Ow! Fuck!” I cursed, stumbling backward and landing hard on my butt. My books spilled across the pavement. I gasped and frowned, glaring at the unexpected obstacle.
Looking up, I saw a guy standing there, already bending down to my level to help gather my scattered books. He had a rugged, handsome face under a baseball cap, but all I could think about was the fact that I’d just ended up on the ground because of him.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice calm and sincere, as he picked up my books.
I grabbed the last notebook still on the ground, irritation flaring. “Don’t worry about it,” I said curtly, clutching my notebook and rising to my feet.
He handed me the rest of my books, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Really, my bad. Wasn’t looking where I was going.”
I took the books from him, resisting the urge to snap at him further. His apology seemed genuine, and it wasn’t like he’d meant for me to fall. “It’s fine,” I replied, my tone softening a little. “Just… be careful next time.”
“I will,” he said, nodding. “Hope I didn’t ruin your day.”
I shook my head, brushing off my skirt. “No, just gave it a rough end.”
He chuckled lightly. “Fair enough. I’m Marco,” he said, then extended his hand.
I looked at him, noticing how striking his eyes were but quickly brushed it off. “Selena,” I said, shaking his hand. His grip was firm yet gentle, and his hand felt warm and strong.
“It was nice bumping into you,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Rather, making me fall ” I corrected with a smirk, and we both burst into laughter.
“Sorry about that again,” he said, shaking his head slightly.
“Don’t worry about it,” I replied, smiling back at him. Despite the rocky introduction, I found myself relaxing. “It’s not every day you get knocked off your feet-literally.”
Marco grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Well, if you ever need help picking up the pieces again, you know where to find me.”
I chuckled, feeling unexpectedly at ease around him. “Thanks, Marco. I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, he smiled and then turned and walked away. I sighed, adjusting my grip on my books and glancing back at my car. The encounter had been annoying and very nice , but not disastrous. At least he’d helped me pick up my stuff. I looked at his retreating figure for a moment longer before heading to my car, hoping the rest of the day would go more smoothly.
~~
After my unexpected encounter with Marco yesterday, I went home feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement. His presence had caught me off guard, but there was something about his genuine apology and easy charm that lingered in my thoughts. I couldn’t help but replay the moment in my mind as I drove, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself.
When I got home, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the neighborhood. I parked my car in the driveway, gathered my books, and headed inside. The familiar scent of dinner wafted through the house, a comforting reminder of my daily routine.
“Hey, Mom,” I called out as I entered the kitchen, dropping my bag on a chair.
Mom looked up from the stove, a knowing smile on her face. “Hey, sweetie. How was your day?”
“Eventful,” I said, grabbing an apple from the counter and taking a bite. “Met someone new today. Marco. He’s, uh, different.”
“Oh?” Her eyebrows raised in interest. “Different good or different bad?”
“Different good, I think,” I said, shrugging. “He’s nice. We bumped into each other-literally-and he helped me pick up my books.”
Mom chuckled, shaking her head. “Sounds like a meet-cute from a rom-com. Just be careful, okay?”
“I will,” I assured her, smiling. “It’s nothing serious. Just someone new to talk to.”
We chatted for a while longer, and then I headed upstairs to my room. As I settled in to study, my thoughts kept drifting back to Marco. Despite my initial irritation, I couldn’t deny that there was something intriguing about him. His kindness and easygoing nature were a refreshing change from the drama with Cyrus.
The next morning, I woke up feeling oddly refreshed. The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves outside my window. I got ready for college, choosing a simple yet comfortable outfit-a soft blue sweater and my favorite pair of jeans. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of quiet anticipation about the day ahead.
At college, I met up with my new group of friends in the student lounge. Stephanie, a lively redhead with a contagious laugh, noticed my cheerful demeanor and wasted no time teasing me.
“Selena, you’re positively glowing today,” Stephanie grinned mischievously, nudging me with her elbow. “Got a secret admirer we don’t know about?”
I chuckled, rolling my eyes at her playful teasing. “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.”
Rachel and Mia, our other friends, joined in, exchanging knowing glances. “Come on, spill,” Rachel urged, leaning forward with interest.
Before I could respond, Eva walked over, her expression guarded as usual. “What are you guys gossiping about now?”
Stephanie flashed a playful smile at Eva. “Nothing much, just Selena’s mysterious new friend.”
Eva raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to me. “Oh?”
I sighed inwardly, trying not to blush. “It’s nothing, really. Just someone I bumped into yesterday.”
“Well, well,” Mia teased, winking at me. “Someone’s being mysterious.”
~~
As the morning classes passed by, Marco’s unexpected presence kept popping into my thoughts. Despite trying to focus on lectures and assignments, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would run into him again.
When lunchtime rolled around, Stephanie approached me with a mischievous glint in her eyes
“Selena, you’re coming with us for lunch, right?” Stephanie asked, nudging me playfully.
“Of course,” I said, smiling. “Where are we going?”
“There’s this cute little restaurant a few blocks away,” she said.
“They have the best sandwiches and salads. You’ll love it.” As we walked to the restaurant, the warm sun on our faces, I felt a sense of camaraderie with my friends.
The air was filled with laughter and chatter, and I felt more relaxed than I had in weeks. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with rustic wooden tables and a light, airy atmosphere. We found a spot by the window and settled in, studying the menu and debating our choices.
I decided on a grilled chicken salad, and as we placed our orders, I glanced around the room, enjoying the lively ambiance. As our food arrived, the conversation flowed easily. We talked about our classes, shared funny anecdotes, and made plans for the weekend.
It was a welcome distraction from the lingering thoughts of Cyrus, and I felt a sense of normalcy returning to my life. Just as I was about to take a bite of my salad, the bell above the door jingled, and I looked up to see Marco walking in.
He was dressed in a casual t-shirt and jeans, his hair slightly tousled, and he carried an easy confidence that immediately drew attention.
Our eyes met across the room, and he smiled, a warm, genuine expression that made my heart skip a beat.
I couldn’t help but smile back, a soft, involuntary reaction to his presence.
There was something about his easygoing demeanor that put me at ease, and I felt a flutter of excitement at the sight of him.
Stephanie, noticing my reaction, followed my gaze. “Someone’s caught your eye,” she teased, nudging me before waving enthusiastically at Marco.
I felt a flush creep up my neck as Marco noticed Stephanie’s wave and made his way over to our table. “Hey, everyone,” he greeted, his warm smile sending another ripple of excitement through me.
Stephanie grinned up at him. “Hey, Marco! Join us!”
Marco pulled out a chair beside me, and I suddenly felt a mix of surprise and nervous anticipation. As he settled in, Rachel and Mia exchanged curious glances. “Wait, Marco? How do you know him?” Rachel asked, clearly intrigued.
Stephanie leaned in with a playful twinkle in her eye. “Oh, you didn’t know? Marco’s actually my cousin. Selena, meet Marco. Marco, this is Selena.”
I glanced at Marco, who chuckled, clearly amused by Stephanie’s playful introduction. “Small world, right?” he said, looking at me with a grin.
Eva, sitting across from me, raised an eyebrow. “Of course, he’s your cousin,” she said, shaking her head with a smile. “Welcome to our little lunch gathering, Marco.”
As we settled into conversation, I found myself relaxing around Marco. He fit in effortlessly, joining our talks about college life and sharing amusing anecdotes. I was struck by how natural it felt to have him there, as if he had always been part of our group.
Throughout lunch, Marco’s easy charm and genuine interest in our conversations kept the atmosphere light and enjoyable. I found myself laughing more than I had in weeks, the earlier tensions and thoughts of Cyrus fading into the background. By the time we finished our meal, I felt a surprising sense of comfort and curiosity about Marco.
As he all stood to leave, Marco turned to me with a warm smile. “It was great seeing you again, Selena. Maybe I’ll bump into you around campus sometime?”
I smiled back, feeling a flutter of excitement. “Yeah, maybe you will,” I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of anticipation.
As Marco waved goodbye and walked out of the restaurant, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of optimism. This unexpected encounter had added a refreshing note to my day. Not bad though.
TBC