*Sam's POV*
It was a holiday, which meant no classes, but that didn't mean I could slack off. Even without lectures to attend, law school never really gave us a break. My readings had piled up over the past few days, and I knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate at home.
Millie and Cass had other plans, so I decided to go to the old city library alone, where I wouldn't have any distractions. There, at least, I wouldn't be tempted by my bed, my phone, or the enticement of just lying down and pretending law school didn't exist.
When I arrived at the library, I wasted no time. I spent hours buried in case laws and annotations.
I used too much of my highlighters that anyone would probably mistake my textbook as a coloring book.
My hand cramped from all the notes I was taking. It wasn't until my stomach let out a loud embarrassing growl that I realized how long I'd been sitting there. I checked my watch, it was already getting late. I sighed, rubbing my temples. Time to go home.
As I walked home, my path led me past the park... that park. The same park where everything had gone wrong with Nate. The memory of that conversation still hurts, but at the same time, the park itself was undeniably beautiful. The golden hour light cast a warm glow on the trees, and I could hear the distant laughter of children playing.
Despite the painful memory tied to this place, I couldn't help but appreciate it.
I hesitated for a moment before deciding to sit on one of the benches.
I watched the kids running around, effortlessly making friends with each other. A simple game of tag was enough to connect them, no second-guessing, no complications. Must be nice, I thought, to be that young and carefree.
I sighed, leaning back and closing my eyes. And then, I was suddenly hit with a memory... one of my favorite ones.
*FLASHBACK*
It was a warm afternoon. I was around eight years old, and we had found the perfect spot under a large acacia tree. The smell of home-cooked food mixed with the scent of freshly cut grass as my mom laid out the checkered blanket.
My family and I were having a picnic here. My dad was alive. He was smiling, laughing, and teasing me about how many friends I had already made in just a few minutes.
"Sam, slow down!" my mom had laughed as I ran off the moment we arrived.
"I just wanna say hi to the other kids!" I had shouted back before dashing toward a group playing by the swings.
It didn't take long before I had introduced myself to every single person in the area—kids, parents, even the old man feeding the pigeons. By the time I returned to the picnic blanket, I had already formed a temporary alliance with three kids for a game of hide-and-seek.
"Ms. Congeniality," my dad had called me, grinning as he reached for another sandwich. "You really do make friends with everyone, don't you?"
I giggled, proudly showing off the group of kids I had gathered to play with. "They're nice! I like them."
"You're something else, kiddo," my dad had said with an amused chuckle, ruffling my hair. "You could probably befriend a rock if you tried."
"I bet the rock would have a great personality!" I had giggled.
"You know what, Sam?" he had continued, his tone turning a little more serious. "I hope you never change. You have a kind heart, and that's the most important thing in this world. More than being smart, or strong, or right, being kind will always make you the bigger person. If you ever have to choose between being right or being kind, choose kindness."
I nodded enthusiastically, stuffing a cookie in my mouth, not entirely understanding the depth of his words, but I held onto them anyway.
I was just a kid. Back then, life was so simple. I had no idea how hard it would get.
And then... years later, he was gone.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
I opened my eyes. My dad had wished I'd never change. But I had. When he passed away, something in me shut down. I stopped making friends so easily. I was no longer that outgoing, bubbly kid. I withdrew, kept to myself, and shut everyone out except my mom.
The first people I allowed into my life were Millie and Cass. I had forgotten what it was like to be open, to be the friendly, sociable kid I once was.
Then there was Nate, whom I allowed into my life. For a brief moment, he had also felt like a real friend. Boy was I wrong.
What the hell did I do to make him treat me like I was some kind of disease?
He had approached me first. Every single time, it was him. So why was he suddenly acting like I never mattered? If I truly meant nothing to him, why had he helped me that night when I was in trouble? None of it made sense.
I exhaled sharply. Maybe it was Ashley. Maybe she didn't like how close we were.
I shook my head. I was tired of thinking about it. If he wanted to act like that, then fine. Not my problem. If that's their drama, then fine. Don't involve me in it.
I sighed, deciding I had spent enough time drowning in my thoughts.
My mom was right. I should focus on the people who actually appreciate me. Millie and Cass are my constants, and I should be grateful for them.
With that thought, I stood up with a newfound lightness in my chest. With a smile, I took one last look at the park, then made my way home.
Before heading straight home, I stopped by the convenience store to grab some snacks. I deserved a snack for all the studying I did.
As I browsed through the shelves, a familiar voice suddenly called out.
"YO, SAM! My #1 joke-listener!"
I flinched. Oh, dear God.
I turned and saw Josh grinning at me, holding what seemed to be an absurd amount of candy and energy drinks. His usual playful, cheeky energy was at full force, and I could already tell this would be an entertaining (yet exhausting) conversation.
"Fancy seeing you here! What brings you to my humble shopping territory?" He gestured dramatically to the shelves of chips and instant noodles.
I raised an eyebrow. "Your 'shopping territory'? It's just a convenience store, Josh."
"Correction: this is THE convenience store. The holy grail of late-night cravings. The promised land of broke students. The—"
"Okay, I get it," I interrupted before he could go on forever. "I just stopped by for snacks."
"Ah, an excellent choice!" he nodded proudly. "Law students like us need fuel for the brain. What's it gonna be? Sweet? Salty? Or... a mystery flavor?" He wiggled his eyebrows and held up a huge bag of chips with a label I couldn't even read.
I shook my head. "Just my usual, thanks."
"Do you live around here?" he asked, picking up another bag of chips and examining it like it held the secrets of the universe.
"Yeah, just a few blocks away. You?"
"Nah, I'm just passing through. My mission is classified, though. Top secret." He wiggled his eyebrows again, stuffing the chips back on the shelf. "But if I tell you, I might have to eliminate you."
I chuckled. "Oh no, not elimination. Guess I'll have to keep my distance."
Josh gasped dramatically. "You wound me, Sam. I thought we were bonding here."
I rolled my eyes with a smile and picked up my snacks.
"Interesting, interesting," he said, nodding like he was collecting vital information. "So if you live nearby.... hmmm, so if I were, say, dying of hunger, hypothetically, you'd be able to rush over and bring me food?"
I rolled my eyes. "Josh, you're literally holding enough sugar to fuel a rocket launch."
"True, but I like knowing my emergency food delivery options."
I chuckled. "You're ridiculous."
As I walked up to the counter, I could feel Josh following behind.
He tossed a random chocolate bar into my basket. "A gift from me to you."
I sighed, but couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "Gee, thanks, Josh."
"Don't mention it! But actually, do mention it. Tell everyone how generous and kind I am. Spread my legend."
"I will do no such thing."
"Fine, fine," he said, waving me off. "Anyway, as an apology for disturbing your very serious snack shopping mission, let me pay for your stuff."
I blinked at him. "What? No, it's fine."
"Come on, I insist," he said, placing a hand over his chest as if he had just made the noblest decision of his life. "It's the least I can do for disturbing your peaceful shopping experience with my chaotic energy.... and you know, for tolerating me without calling the authorities."
I shook my head. "That's unnecessary."
"But Sam," he said, putting on a serious face, "what if I told you... this is my grand gesture of friendship? A sign of goodwill? A noble sacrifice?"
"A noble sacrifice? You're buying me snacks, Josh."
"Exactly. A sacrifice for the greater good."
I laughed so I decided to give in and let him pay. "Alright, if it'll make you shut up faster."
He grinned. "Sam, I will never shut up. You should know this by now."
After he paid for my snacks (and sneakily added more weird-flavored chips into my bag), we walked out together.
Josh winked. "See? Hanging out with me has perks."
Josh stretched his arms dramatically. "Well, this has been an absolute pleasure, Sam. A truly delightful experience. 10/10, would hang out again."
I smirked. "I'm sure it was life-changing... Alright, I'm heading home"
"Beyond words." He saluted. "Anyway, see you on Monday! Or... maybe sooner? Or later? Or never? Who's to say? MYSTERY!!"
I shook my head and chuckled. What an absolute menace.
That conversation was more exhausting than the hours I spent studying in the library.
As he walked away, he was already opening a pack of candy like an overgrown child.
Maybe, just maybe, some new friendships weren't so bad after all.
As I walked home, I felt lighter. It was funny how a childish conversation could make me forget all the heavy thoughts I'd had earlier. Maybe I really should stop overthinking everything. Maybe I just needed to let things happen and focus on the people who made me happy.
And as of tonight, I decided. I was done thinking about Nate.
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