Chapter 18 - Pierre, You Never Told Me!

There are few things in life as satisfying as watching Pierre's confidence shatter in real-time.

He walks into the bodega, looking annoyingly smug, and for once, I don't think it's entirely unjustified.

A girl is watching him. A hot girl. And she's actually making her way toward him.

For a moment, I wonder if the universe is broken.

And then—Devin steps in.

"Oh, sorry, babe. He's taken."

The moment the words leave his mouth, I freeze mid-sip.

Luis? Pen dropped. Mouth open. Already shaking with laughter.

And Pierre? Oh. Poor, poor Pierre.

His entire body locks up. His face morphs from casual smugness to sheer, existential horror.

It's beautiful.

I gasp, slapping a hand over my chest. "WAIT. You guys are DATING?!"

Pierre's head snaps toward me, eyes wild. Perfect.

"I can't believe you never told me!" I say, voice dripping with betrayal. "I thought we were friends!"

Luis makes a strangled noise.

The girl, bless her heart, looks so apologetic. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to intrude—"

Devin sighs, shaking his head. "It's okay. He's just so handsome. I get it."

Pierre is vibrating with rage.

And then—the final blow.

The girl smiles at him. "Well… we can still be besties!"

Perfection.

Luis fully collapses. I have to brace myself against the counter.

Pierre is just standing there, broken.

Luis, weakly, from the floor: "Man… that was art."

Pierre turns to Devin, shaking with rage. "I AM GOING TO KILL YOU."

Devin pats his shoulder. "Relax, bro. You got a new bestie out of it."

I nod, wiping away a fake tear. "Yeah, and a strong support system. We're all really proud of you."

Pierre looks like he's about to throw himself into traffic.

Tonight? A masterpiece.