Honestly, I began regretting inviting Miguel to accompany me shortly after he called. However, I actually enjoyed the afternoon with him. He arrived at 1 pm promptly and even paid for the uber to get to the center.

I enjoyed admiring the pieces at the center, but I could tell that Miguel wasn't anywhere as into them. To his credit, though, he did his best to feign interest and even threw out a few jokes about some works now and then. We spent about two hours at the center before I got my fill.

After we headed outside, I smiled at Miguel. "Thanks for coming along; this was nice."

He grinned. "Ahh, don't mention it."

"Do you need me to get a ride for you?"

He furrowed his brow, still smiling. "Wait, you wanna leave?"

"Well, yeah. Or do you wanna see more of the center?"

"No, but I was hoping to hang out for a bit longer. What's the rush?"

"I've gotta eat."

"Perfect! I can take you to my favorite food joint."

"I have food-"

"Aww, come on, don't say no! Please?" He hit me with puppy dog eyes, pouting.

Rolling my eyes, I smiled. "Fine, just stop doing that stupid face."

He grinned. "Stupid? Pshhh, it's cute, and you know it."

"I don't know who has been lying to you, but sorry to say, it's not."

"It was cute enough to get you to change your mind."

My mouth dropped open, but no words fell out. Miguel smirked.

I looked away, scoffing as I hid my smile. "I did that out of pity."

"Mhmm, sounds believable."

"Whatever. Should I order the ride?"

"Nah, I will."

"Alright." I looked at Miguel. "Where are we going, though?"

He smirked, placing a finger in front of his lips. "You'll see."

. . .

Miguel took me to a waffle restaurant. When we got inside, I was happy to find that it wasn't crowded, although it was far from empty.

As if reading my thoughts, Miguel said, "It's a lot more crowded early in the day and later at night."

"You hit the sweet spot then." I smiled at him. "I like that you chose this place."

He gave a bow, beaming. "I'm glad you like it. Have you been here before?"

"No, but I love waffles."

"Then you'll love this place: they have the best waffles."

I raised an eyebrow, still smiling. "I'll be the judge of that."

. . .

Miguel hadn't been lying: shortly after I took a bite out of the waffle I'd ordered, I knew that I was bound to become a regular at the place.

Miguel smirked as I scarfed down my food. "I told you!"

After chewing through the food stuffed in my mouth, I replied, "This proves nothing; anything can taste good when you're hungry."

"Uh-huh. So I won't catch you here again?"

"Never."

"Interesting. Well, I'm a regular here, so if I ever happen to see you pop in, I'll make a scene."

"If you dare, I'll pretend like I don't know who you are."

He burst out laughing. Despite myself, I began giggling.

After the laughter subsided, I went back to eating. Wow, this day is turning out much better than I expected. In fact, I'm kinda glad that I went with Miguel and not Angelo-

My eyes widened. Oh, I almost forgot!

Pulling out my phone, I asked Miguel, "Do you mind if we take a pic together?"

"Am I going on your Snap story?"

"I mean, as long as you don't mind..."

"Why would I? I'm honored!"

"Great!" I quickly walked over to his side of the table, then took the picture. I posted it on my story, tagging it with a heart and the caption 'No one I'd rather see art with.'

Miguel asked, "Oh yeah, I don't think I have you on Snap. What's your user?"

I gave it to him. He added me, then viewed my story.

Grinning, he looked at me and drawled, "Aww! I'd rather go see art with you than anyone else as well."

My cheeks warmed, and I looked away. Fuck, I forgot adding him would allow him to see it! I hope he doesn't read too much into-

"...art?"

I looked back at Miguel, blinking. "Huh?"

"I asked if you've always been into art."

"Oh, um....yeah. Not so much into making art, but I love admiring pieces. How about you?"

"Me? I'm quite the artist."

My eyebrows rose. "Oh?"

"Yeah. Not a good one, but I'm pretty sure I can splatter paint onto a canvas."

I rolled my eyes, then burst out laughing.

Grinning, he said, "What? You doubt my-"

A ping rang through the air. Miguel looked at his phone; his eyes widened. "Oh shit!"

As my laughter reduced to chuckles, I asked, "Something wrong?"

"No, uh..." He stood up quickly. "I have to go. Sorry to cut this short, but I forgot that I had something planned with the boys."

"The boys?"

"Jack and the others, my friends."

I frowned. "Oh. So you're just leaving?"

He smiled sheepishly. "I'm really sorry about this. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

I sighed. "Whatever." I should have expected this.

"Uh..." He began fishing for his wallet. "I'll cover your bill if you like-"

"No thanks, I'll handle that."

He paused, furrowing his brow. "You sure?"

"Yes." I don't want your fucking money.

"Ok." He walked towards the exit while saying, "This has been fun! Next time I'll ensure you have my undivided attention, I promise."

I scoffed, getting out cash from my purse. The audacity of him to believe that there'll even be a next time! Ugh, why the fuck did I accept his offer earlier? I'm so stupid!! I should have just fucking gone home. Lesson learned!

After paying my bill and packing up my remaining waffles, I remembered why I had even asked Miguel to accompany me in the first place. I checked my stories' viewers. A smile stretched across my face: Angelo was among them.

He hadn't messaged me about it, but I didn't need him to; I intended to message him. However, I decided to hold off on that till after I was back in my room.

. . .

I'd been planning to send Angelo a passive-aggressive message regarding not wanting him to follow me to the art center anymore. That changed when I finally opened his unread message.

It read: 'Damn wtf, I didn't actually want you to leave :('

I read that repeatedly as if expecting to spot a secret message embedded in the words. What do you mean you didn't want me to leave? You suggested it to me in the first place!

But if he said this then... My eyes widened. He does care about me!

Warmth blossomed in my heart, spreading across my body. My plans did a 180: I called Angelo.

I waited with bated breath as his line rang. No reply. My face fell.

Sighing, I texted him: 'I think the break was the best idea at the time.'

Barely after I sent it, he replied: 'Hiiiiii, wait!'

Then he called, and the cycle started up again.

.      .      .

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