Author's Note: Happy New Year, everyone!

My apologies for not updating in a while, my personal life has gotten busy and writing fell to the wayside. I had hoped to get through the season 1 storyline of Runaway Love by the time Riverdale season 5 premiered…but you know what, whatever. I'm going to take it one day at a time, one step at a time. I will be reading season 5 episode recaps online and watch little sneak peeks on YouTube.

So, in honor of Riverdale's return with season 5, here's the new chapter!

I want to give a shout-out to the following people who favorited & followed: Alex876, Lumpialover, and Lary Klaroline; I'm glad you're catching on. I hope you enjoy future chapters of Runaway Love. And thanks again to Boris Yeltsin & CrimsonCommander688 (formerly known as GiJoefan985) for the kind reviews, hope you both enjoy the new chapter.

Read on, everybody! Riverdale doesn't belong to me.

Chapter 71

That Monday, Archie returned to Riverdale High after two weeks of suspension. Now that the student body is aware of Archie's torrid affair with Ms. Grundy, everyone gave the male red head weird looks. Some even whispered about him behind his back.

"How hard would it have been to give me a little heads-up?" Archie asked Jughead, who is handing out flyers for closing night at the Twilight Drive-In; to passing students.

"Look, I am, by nature, a conscientious objector." Jughead pointed out. "Not saying anything to either you or Betty…"

"…was the most moral, apathetic choice I could make." The loner finished.

"Jug, what else is she gonna do? Continue writing about me and Grundy? It's already in the Register." Archie inquired.

"Not like with Chuck?" He added.

Jughead gives him a pointed look.

"Dude. Seriously?" He retorts.

"Okay, come on." Jughead leads Archie away. "Think about what you're asking."

"If there was even an iota of a chance that something could hurt you in any way…Betty wouldn't do it." He continued. "Probably,"

"Oh, my God." Archie sighed.

"I'm kidding," Jughead assured. "But maybe she has a point."

"What do you think will happen with Grundy, long term?" He questioned.

"Ugh. At first I wanted to be with her. But after everything that has transpired, I don't want anything to do with her…I want to move on." Archie answered.

"Mm…well, I, on the other hand; am trying to hold on to something a lot older than me too." Jughead said.

"Just if Betty's gonna do anything, can you please let me know so I can help?" Archie asks.

End of chapter.

A/N: Well, I hoped you all liked it!

Up next, Betty pays a visit to Grundy in jail. I will be working on that as soon as I can, plus update one or two of my other stories.

Until then, I will see you next time. Don't forget to favorite, follow, & review; bye!