Chapter 3: Another Encounter

The afternoon sun hung low, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets. Julie and Emma sat at their favorite table by the window, a pile of fries between them. Their laughter mingled with the hum of chatter in the eatery, the familiar scent of burgers and milkshakes filling the air.

"So, are you gonna talk to him again?" Emma asked, dipping a fry into a pool of ketchup.

Julie shrugged, twirling her straw in her milkshake. "I don't know… I mean, what would I even say?"

Emma grinned. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe something like, 'Hey, remember me? The girl who forgot how to speak when you said hi?'"

Julie groaned, hiding her face behind her hands. "Ugh, don't remind me. I was so awkward."

Before Emma could respond, the door chimed, and a familiar figure walked in. Julie's heart stopped.

Noah.

He looked effortlessly cool in a gray hoodie, his hair slightly tousled as he scanned the room. Julie felt her pulse quicken as his gaze landed on her. For a split second, his eyes widened in recognition before a smile broke out on his face. He started walking toward them.

"Oh my God, he's coming over," Julie whispered, panic seizing her. "What do I do?"

Emma's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Play it cool. You've got this."

Julie barely had time to compose herself before Noah stopped at their table. "Hey, Julie, right?"

She looked up, heart racing. "Yeah… hi, Noah." She mentally patted herself on the back for not stuttering.

His smile widened. "I thought it was you. This place is pretty cool. Mind if I join you guys?"

Emma didn't hesitate. "Of course! Sit down." She scooted over, leaving no room for Julie to protest.

Noah slid into the booth, his shoulder brushing against Julie's. Her heart did a somersault.

"So," he started, grabbing a fry from the basket, "do you guys come here often?"

Julie tried to find her voice. "Yeah… it's kind of our favorite spot."

He looked around, his eyes taking in the quirky decor and the lively atmosphere. "I can see why. It's got a good vibe." He glanced at Julie, his blue eyes warm. "Nice to finally talk to you outside of school."

Julie's cheeks burned, and she quickly looked down, pretending to be fascinated by her milkshake.

Emma jumped in, effortlessly steering the conversation. They talked about school, favorite movies, and music, laughter flowing easily. Julie relaxed, finding it surprisingly easy to join in. Noah was funny, charming, and completely at ease.

But just as Julie was starting to feel comfortable, the door chimed again. She looked up and felt her stomach drop.

Madison.

Her perfectly curled hair bounced as she strutted in, her designer bag swinging at her side. Her eyes landed on their table, her gaze narrowing as she spotted Noah. A sly smile curled on her lips as she made her way over.

"Noah! Fancy seeing you here," she cooed, sliding up to their table without invitation. She didn't even glance at Julie or Emma. Her attention was fixed solely on Noah.

Julie felt her heart sink, her confidence evaporating. Madison was gorgeous, popular, and the last person she wanted to see.

But then she noticed something. As Madison leaned in, laughing at something Noah said, he didn't look as comfortable. In fact, his smile seemed strained, his shoulders tensing ever so slightly.

Julie's heart fluttered. Was she imagining it, or did Noah just glance at her, a flicker of irritation in his eyes?

Madison flipped her hair, her voice sickeningly sweet. "We should totally hang out sometime, Noah. Just the two of us."

Noah's jaw tightened, but he forced a polite smile. "Yeah… maybe."

Julie bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. Maybe Madison wasn't as charming as she thought.

As Madison finally sauntered away, Noah let out a breath, rolling his eyes. "She never gives up, does she?" He looked at Julie, his expression softening. "Anyway, where were we?"

Julie's heart fluttered again, warmth flooding her cheeks. Maybe, just maybe, she stood a chance.