Chapter 9

It's been approximately two weeks since that night—the party, waking up at Macklin's, and all the confusion that followed. But I haven't had much time to dwell on it. Nursing school has consumed every ounce of my energy, leaving no room for distractions. My routine is set in stone: wake up at 8 AM, hit the gym at UFC Fit, sweat my soul out on the stairmaster, unwind in the sauna, then head straight to class. After that, I grab something to eat and fuel myself with a Philz coffee before hunkering down to study, usually at the library or at Philz if I'm lucky enough to snag a table with an outlet. Evenings are for cooking at home and rewarding myself with episodes of How I Met Your Mother. I've watched it once before but I loved it so much that I wanted to rewatch the whole series to appreciate the funny scenes and inside jokes.

Between all that, I squeeze in occasional calls with my parents, updating them on college life—or, more accurately, the never-ending study grind. But the highlight of my days? Late-night talks with Gabi.

She and I have fallen into this comfortable rhythm, sprawled on our couch or in one of our beds, talking about everything and nothing. We swap stories about our day, complain about professors, and analyze the tiniest details of our lives like they're the plot twists of a movie. But strangely enough, in all our conversations, one particular topic—or rather, one particular person—has never come up.

Until now.

The sun is setting as I finally return to our apartment after a grueling five-hour study session at the library. The place is dim, the only light coming from the TV in the living room. And the sound? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, blasting through the speakers. My brows furrow in confusion.

I step further in, only to be greeted by the sight of Gabi... with her head resting on Will's shoulder.

I freeze. She freezes. And then she bolts upright, gasping.

"Lex! I didn't know you'd be coming home this early," she blurts out, eyes wide with guilt.

My own eyes narrow. I point between them accusingly. "So this is what's been going on while I'm out there being an academic weapon? You two are just canoodling and watching movies without me?" I cross my arms, feigning betrayal. Then, realization strikes. "Wait... ARE YOU GUYS TOGETHER?"

A grin spreads across my face before I can stop it. Oh, this is good.

"No! We're just hanging out!" Gabi insists.

"Right, just hanging out!" Will echoes, a little too quickly.

"Nothing more," Gabi adds.

"Nothing more," Will agrees, nodding.

"We're just friends," Gabi emphasizes.

"Just friends?" Will repeats unknowingly but it came out as more of a question than statement.

"Just friends?" I repeat, dragging out the words, watching Will's reaction like a hawk. He turns to Gabi, his expression momentarily flickering with something—confusion? Hesitation? Ohhh, he's got it bad.

"Doesn't seem like it," I quip, smirking as I march over to grab a handful of popcorn from their bowl. I toss a piece into the air and catch it in my mouth, reveling in the sheer chaos of this moment.

Gabi shifts uncomfortably. "Will, I'll text you later. I think we should wrap this up."

Shit. Did I just cockblock them?

"No, no, I'll leave!" I hold my hands up, backing toward my room. "I'll pretend nothing happened."

"Nothing did happen!" Will insists, looking vaguely panicked.

"Uh-huh. Sure." I wiggle my fingers in a wave. "But you—" I point at him as he stands to leave, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "You've got some explaining to do later."

He smirks, like he knows he's got something on me too. "Oh, by the way, Lex, don't want to forget—Macklin asked for your number. He'll probably text you later tonight."

I blink. My glare sharpens. Oh, you little—

Will smirks even harder, saying it loudly enough that I know Gabi's ears have perked up like a bloodhound on a scent. He escapes out the door before I can retaliate.

I barely turn back before Gabi is on me. "Girl, check your phone right now." Her eyes are practically sparkling.

I groan. "Don't change the subject! How long has this been going on?" I narrow my eyes, pointing back to where Will had been sitting moments ago.

Gabi bites her lip, looking guilty but also like she's dying to spill. "Not that anything crazy has happened... but after the party, he dropped me off here. I was still drunk and rambling about my interests, and when I mentioned binging movies, I found out Will had never watched or read Harry Potter."

I gasp. "I know! I've been trying to get him to at least watch it for years, but he always says he's too lazy and would rather spend his time practicing hockey."

"Right?! So that led to this—us watching Harry Potter together in our free time. And him coming over while you're out." She hesitates. "Please don't be mad."

"Mad?" I snort. "Gabi, you and Will are my two best friends. I would be ecstatic if you guys got together. I mean, I would give the gnarliest maid-of-honor speech."

She waves me off. "Whoa, whoa, slow down. I don't even know if I'm into him like that."

I narrow my eyes. "Don't lie to yourself. I see it in your eyes. Please let me play Cupid."

She groans. "No, I gotta let it happen organically. But..." Her voice lowers. "There was one moment. The other day, he was coming over, and I had a lot of free time before, so I did my makeup really nice and put on this cute navy satin sleep set. And I swear, I swear I caught him looking a couple of times."

I gasp. "Gabi. You gotta go for it! You're so in!"

"Nooo, organically, Lex. If it's meant to be, it'll happen."

"But that's the thing! He makes time for you. A guy like him, who's constantly busy, chooses to be here with you."

She sighs, shaking her head. "I fear you're getting too excited over this."

"And I fear you're chickening out for a man who was scared of his training wheels coming off."

That gets a laugh out of her. "You're impossible."

I smirk. "But for real, you guys never even kissed? Not even when you were drunk?"

She hesitates. "I wanted to. But... I was scared. Not just about Will, but about you. I didn't want to ruin anything between us."

That catches me off guard.

"Gabi." I reach for her hand. "You're one of my best friends. You don't have to hide this from me."

She exhales, nodding. "I promise, I'll be more transparent. And if something does happen, you'll be the first to know."

Satisfied, I nod. But just as I'm about to say something else—

A loud ding echoes from my phone.

Gabi and I make eye contact. Then we dive for it.

She's faster. "Who is it? Is it Macklin?" She gasps as she sees the preview.

'Hey, it's Macklin...'

I sprint out of the room, clutching my phone to my chest before she can read any further.

"LEX, GET BACK HERE!" Gabi shrieks, chasing after me, laughter ringing through the apartment.

And just like that, for the first time in weeks, my routine doesn't feel so predictable anymore.

-=+=- Idk if even like the name of the fanfic lol idk if I should change it. I also feel like the font of the book cover should be bigger/bolder.. decisions decisions 😔