“You should’ve been careful,” Christopher calmly told her and she scratched her head. She’s sitting down on a chair while he is kneeling while tending her wounded ankle.

Instead of going to the hospital, they went to the back since Christopher arrived at the coffee shop. Grian went out to buy medicine for her so she can get treated by Chris. He was reluctant to leave her but he agreed anyway because it’s for her sake.

“So you’re a doctor?” Fatima asked and he nodded.

“And a CEO,” he added to what she said.

“Pretty cool, huh? CEO and a doctor,” he boasted about himself and she rolled her eyes. He never changed, he’s still the same as he was before.

“The wound should heal after a few weeks, it’s not that deep,” he explained and she watched him bandage her up. She moved her ankle when it suddenly hurt again. “Be careful next time, Fatima.” He looked up at her and her eyes widened.

“M-my name is uh.. Glen.” She cleared her throat and he blinked a couple of times. “Right, you just remind me of her.” She nodded as they stared at each other. She looked away after she felt the awkwardness of the situation.

She cleared her throat again and Grian entered the room. He rushed to the two and handed the bag he bought to Christopher. “It’s taken care of now. Just put that in the cabinet.” Grian did what was told before approaching Fatima.

“I told Nikki to prepare food for you. They’re uh- sandwiches.” He handed the food to her and Chris stared at him.

“How about me?” he asked like a kid and Grian raised an eyebrow at him before turning to Fatima. “I’m really sorry you got hurt, I should’ve been more careful.” She smiled and stood up and patted his shoulder.

“I’m fine now, don’t worry about it.”

“How about dinner? I’ll take you to dinner to make up for it,” he suggested while smiling and Fatima didn’t know what to answer.

“No way!” They both turned to Chris who shouted. He paused for a moment before standing up from the ground. “I meant.. uh- I’ll come as well,” he said.

“Why? You’re not the one hurt.” Grian frowned and eyed Christopher.

“I helped her! Let me come too!” he exclaimed and Grian sighed in defeat.

“Fine. Food is on me later.” Christopher smiled and yelled yes before he helped Fatima go out of the back room. “Thanks for helping...” Fatima whispered and he smiled at her.

“Make sure to clean the wound every night, okay?” She nodded before sitting down on a chair. Since there’s not many customers at this hour, they let her rest for a bit.

She watched as Christopher sat at another table. While examining his face, she noticed a scar on his neck that wasn’t there before when they were still together years ago. His face though, it still looks handsome but it got more masculine than before. He really did mature.

“Glen?”

“Glen?”

She turned to the side and noticed Nikki trying to talk to her. The woman smiled and gave her coffee as well. “He can be really clumsy sometimes, sorry about that,” she said and laughed a little. Nikki seems to be the youngest out of anyone here, almost the same age as Philippe.

“Your name is Nikki, right?” She nodded.

“Nice to meet you,” Nikki said before going back behind the counter.

ONCE THE DAY ended, all four of them entered Grian’s car. Since Christopher is coming along, they decided to tag Nikki along so she wouldn’t be left out. They drove for a bit till they arrived at a restaurant. Fatima looked down at her clothing and frowned. “I look like I won’t belong here..” she whispered to herself.

“You look good, don’t worry,” Chris complimented.

(I shouldn’t befriend him, no! But he did help me though,) she thought to herself.

“Let’s go?” They all exit the car and Grian leads them inside.

“Table for four, please.” The person looked at the four of them and smiled.

“It’s nice to see you brought along your maid.” The four stood there in silence when she suddenly said that. Grian looked at Fatima and back at the woman.

“How dare you say that!” he exclaimed.

“She’s our friend, how rude of you,” Nikki added and the woman’s face turned red out of embarrassment.

“It’s fine..” Fatima whispered and tugged on Grian’s sleeves. Chris looked at them and frowned. Why do they seem so close?

The night is starting off awkward already. After the woman apologized, she brought the four to their assigned table. Fatima sat down on one of the chairs and Grian was about to sit next to her when Chris took the seat. Grian decided to sit on the other side, still beside her.

“Order anything you like,” he told her and she nodded.

“Uhm..” Fatima leaned towards Grian’s ear. He was taken back but stood still in place.

“C-can I order some food for my siblings too?” she whispered to him and he looked into her eyes. He smiled before nodding.

“What’d you tell him?” Christopher asked and eyed the two. She blinked a couple of times before shrugging. “Just order your food,” Grian told him.

“I want the stake!” Nikki butted in and Chris rolled his eyes.

“Don’t you order anything other than that? I’ll tell mom you don’t eat your veggies!” he exclaimed and she glared at him.

“Grian told me to order anything!” She crossed her arms and he laughed. Fatima looked at the pair in curiosity. “Did I forget to tell you she’s my sister?” Christopher asked and her mouth fell open. That makes sense as the two look alike.

“A-ah, right. Don’t you go to school though?” Fatima asked her and she nodded.

“I only go there on the weekends as well, though I didn’t have school today so I wanted to take the shift,” she explained to her.

“I love coffee, you see. So I always want to be at my brot- at Grian’s coffee shop.” Nikki is also in on the lie. The coffee shop is owned by her family, specifically her brother. She didn’t want to do it at first but she eventually got persuaded.

“I’ll get these for my brothers,” Fatima whispered to Grian which made Chris annoyed.

“If you’re going to say something, let us hear it as well,” he complained and she almost rolled her eyes. “Leave her be,” Grian said and sighed.

After they had their dinner, Fatima hurried outside when she found out what time it was already. “I’ll take you home, it’s dark now.”

“We’re coming as well-“ Nikki covered Christopher’s mouth and laughed.

“Both of you get going now, we’ll just call our driver. Bye!” She winked at Grian and gestured to them to go. Christopher tried to retaliate but the two already got in the car and left. “What was that for!” Chris exclaimed and she shrugged.

“They look good together,” she said and his eyes widened.

“What?! Are you insane!” He scoffed and crossed his arms. She eyed him before raising an eyebrow. “Why are you acting like you’re jealous? You’re marrying Hannah! Let Grian have a love life, besides, he liked her when all of you were still studying!” Nikki said and crossed her arms.

“How’d you know that?” he asked her sister.

“He told me before Fatima applied at the coffee shop.”

WHEN GRIAN AND Fatima arrived at her home, she bid him goodbye. He was about to return to his car when Timothy came running their way. “Fatima!” he exclaimed happily and hugged her.

“You’re very active today, did something good happen, hmm?” she asked and he nodded.

“The landlady gave me new clothes,” he said and she smiled together with Grian.

“I got food for you and Phil, go bring this inside.” He took the food and ran to their house. Fatima chuckled before turning to Grian.

“He’s my youngest brother.” His mouth agape before nodding.

“Who takes care of him when you’re gone and Philippe is gone as well?” He curiously wondered about their current situation.

“The landlady helps us even if we pay the rent late,” she said and chuckled. He smiled sadly as he watched her make light of their bad situation. “You can get going now,” she added.

“It’s nice to have dinner with an old friend,” he said and she chuckled.

“Yes, it was.”

“See you tomorrow, Fatima.” He entered his car and before driving off, Fatima waved at him. He smiled as he continued driving. Why does his heart beat fast even after years of not seeing her? She really is something.

[Flashback Start]

February 14, 6 and a half years ago

Grian was walking at the school grounds holding chocolate and flowers in his hand. It’s currently Valentine’s day and he can’t help but smile while holding his gifts. It’s been a while since he liked anyone, and he likes her too much to let this chance pass.

He looked at the court and saw Christopher sitting in a chair while playing his guitar. A flock of girls surrounded him while he played a song. “This song isn’t just for anybody, it’s for my lovely friend, Fatima Mendez.” The girls clapped and Grian watched from afar. Fatima was pushed to the front as he continued singing.

Grian started walking to them and Chris finished the song. “Will you be my girlfriend, Fatima?” Grian froze in place after hearing those words come out of his mouth.

(Please say no, please..) he thought to himself.

“Yes! Yes!” She hugged Christopher, shattering Grian’s heart. He lost his grip on the flowers and dropped them on the ground. He approached his friends and Fatima waved at him.

“Hey, Grian! Where’ve you been?” He forced a smile and showed the chocolate he’s holding. “Some girl gave this to me,” he said and she laughed.

“Why do a lot of girls like you, hmm?” she teased.

“And… we have great news! I’m dating Christopher now,” she said and Chris stood up and hugged her from behind. “Why don’t we all eat together later? My treat!” Chris exclaimed.

Grian clenched his jaw and fist. He forced a smile and uttered, “Congratulations.”

“I forgot something, I’ll go back to the classroom. You two love birds, enjoy yourself, okay?” He smiled fakely at the two before turning around and leaving. His tears started to fall as soon as he turned around. He gripped the chocolate harder as he walked to his classroom.

February 21, 6 and a half years ago

“Stop that!” Fatima frustratedly screamed at Grian who’s drinking alcohol.

“I thought you already quit! Now you call me in the middle of the night to pick you up because you’re drunk?! Are you insane!” She slapped his face, trying to wake him up from his half-asleep state. “Aish, you’re ruining my expensive dress.” She tried pushing him away but he leaned towards her and hugged her.

“Fatima..” he whispered and pouted.

“What now?!” She screamed in anger and he hugged her.

“I liked this girl.. b-but she l-liked my best frie..end. I didn’t kno..w she did, but if I knew, I would’ve stopped myself from liking her… Now I’m too late in pursuing her!” he said half-asleep. She sighed and patted his back.

“There’s a lot of girls out there, you can move on and date someone else. You’ll be fine, okay?” He chuckled at what she told him.

“How can I be fine when I see her every day?” He sobbed as he opened his eyes.

“Avoid her?” she said, not really knowing what to advise her broken-hearted friend.

“I can’t.. I can’t avoid you, Fatima.” She froze and stared at him.

“M-me?” She tried to comprehend what he said. She laughed, thinking he’s just drunk and has no idea what he’s telling her right now.

“You’re the person I like, stupid.” He closed his eyes and laid his head on her shoulder.

[Flashback End]