"We're quitting."

Lily knew the words would come at some point, but that didn't make it any easier to hear. During the middle of a crisis, did they have to leave? Did they not have any perseverance? The moment a company goes down, they back out?

Cowards.

"Why?" Lily asked resignedly. She was so tired, so done. She wanted to go and snuggle up with Buddy in her bed and fall asleep. Under her warm, cozy, blankets. She wanted to relax, to be drinking some hot chocolate.

She did not want to be here, facing her stupid employees who had decided to leave the company because they were running short on funds.

But hey, so be it. Less people to pay. Which meant saving more money.

But the problem was that they'd already done downsizing. Meaning that the only people left were crucial for the business's running. And if they left…

"Oh, curse it."

"Excuse me?"

Lily shook her head, rubbing her forehead. "Nothing, nothing, continue. Uh, never mind everything I said. Just complete the paperwork. You can be gone next week. Next Thursday will be your last day."

She surveyed the people who had decided to quit. There were four of them.

What the…

Four?

She groaned. This company was going to the dogs now. It was going to be ruined. She'd have to start thinking of other jobs in case it crashed.

No, when it crashed.

"Done," announced an employee, handing Lily the papers. "So we can get out of here next Thursday?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Okay. Thank you. It was a pleasure working with you."

Then why would you leave, you complete idiot? "Uh-huh. Bye."

The employees all waved and left the room. Lily groaned and slammed her hand down on the table, causing a few magazines to fall off and hit the ground. Lily really couldn't care less.

She needed to take a break and get her mind off things. On a normal day, she would've called James, but today? Definitely not.

She wasn't in a great mood right now. She'd probably end up snapping at him and then all chances of being with him would fly out the window.

It had taken her a while to get used to the fact that she liked him. As in, liked him. And she knew for a fact he didn't like her back. He was a soccer player. She was a small-time fashion designer.

What was there to like? She wasn't overly pretty, she was stubborn, could be bossy and snobby, and she wasn't… perfect. She wasn't even a fan. She had had no clue who he was until a few weeks ago.

So, a celebrity like James would never like her.

But that wasn't the main reason. Lately, he'd been acting kind of weird around her. Kind of awkward, and whenever they met, he'd blink and then put on a too-enthusiastic smile and then would say he had to go once she started talking to him.

She sighed. She really missed James. She wondered what she'd done wrong. Did he not like her anymore or something?

You know that's not true! encouraged the voice in her head. He's probably going through a tough time. He's not talking to anyone else or anything, most likely. He'll talk to you once he's over it.

Yeah, she really hoped so. Ever since that day in her apartment, he'd been acting like a total stranger.

"Rich, snobby celebrities," she muttered. "Totally like them to forget about normal people."

Just then, her phone started ringing. She picked it up as she left the building. "Hi?"

"Hey, Lily!"

"Oh. Hi, Marlene. What's up?" Man, Marlene had a knack of calling at her lowest moments. Could she not call her when she was in a good mood for a change?

"Eh, nothing much. I mean… yeah, nothing."

"Cool."

"So how's that man of yours? Charlie?"

"Charlie?" Lily frowned, it all coming rushing to her. "Oh! Right, Charlie. Oh, um… neither of us have really initiated a second date. I don't think I want to."

"Well, does he?"

"No clue. He hasn't said anything, so I'm assuming… no?"

There was a pause, and then, "So do you like James?"

Lily spluttered. "What? Who?"

"Can't lie to me, you know. I know everything."

Lily snorted. "Like you have secret cameras in my apartment flat."

"Does that mean you like him?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "What is it with you and assuming that I like every male I meet? If you're gonna start speculating everytime I make a friend from the male gender, there will be a lot of speculation."

"Hah. You know me better than that. It's okay to like James if you do, you know. I have a crush on Shawn Mendes."

"Yeah, but he's a really famous singer."

"And James is a really famous sports person! And he's your friend, right? So you have a higher chance of dating him than I do with Mendes."

"Isn't Mendes already dating someone? So you have no chance with him anyway."

"Ugh. That was just an example. I'm saying, you are literally a floor away from James! Don't ruin your chance! If you like him, go for it."

"But… How would he even like me back? I'm just… normal. Wouldn't he date a model or actress or singer or something? Why would he like me?"

"You're worrying too much, Lily! If you like him, don't doubt anything. Just go up to him and ask him out. You say you've been friends for a long time now, right?"

"I mean, yeah…"

"So that's it. Before someone else ruins it, before he moves back to his mansion, before anything, go and ask him out! Do it right now!"

Lily gulped. "Now? I'm not ready…"

"If you're gonna think like that, you'll never be ready. Go and ask him out. Or at least, tell him how you feel. But if you call me tonight and say you didn't try, I will make sure that when I come to New York, I will rip you to pieces and make you watch as I feed them to a stray cat."

Lily gagged. "You genuinely have no better threats or something?"

"Stop changing the topic! Go ask him out. You can do it. And, don't call me until you've done it. Okay? Bye!"

"Marlene, what the-"

But she'd already hung up.

Lily rolled her eyes furiously. Today was the worst possible day for her to be put on the task of asking James out. Like, seriously. She was an angry mess right now, and she'd end up yelling at him.

Yelling at someone to go on a date with you was probably not the best way to get someone to agree.

She took a deep breath and left her office, stopping in the restroom to check her appearance in the mirror. She looked fine, a long-sleeved coral shirt with slight frills and dark blue jeans, a black handbag swung over her left arm.

Then she left and got in her car, driving back to the apartment. She was going to do it. She was going to ask celebrity James Potter out. There was a little chance that he liked her back, and… Well, she'd just have to count on that chance.

She took the elevator up to the second floor and went to James's room before seeing that the door was already slightly cracked open. She peeked through to see what was going on inside. And the sight threw a punch to her stomach.

James was inside with the blonde model woman, and the two of them were sitting (rather closely, in her opinion) together. He was laughing at something she'd said, and Lily's mood immediately soured.

They could just be friends.

Hah. Yeah, right. 'Just friends'. Alone in his apartment, too close for normal comfort, arms slightly brushing? Lily stood rooted to the spot, watching the scene. Well, there was no way she was going to ask James out in front of her.

James straightened up. "No, but, seriously. You're the best, Mari."

Mari? Oh, that woman was gonna get it.

"Of course, James. No problem." He pulled her in for a hug, Lily growing angrier with every passing second.

"No, but seriously, you're awesome. I mean, I'm not really experienced with romance and crushes and stuff…"

Tears stabbed at Lily's eyes, because that was confirmation. Confirmation that James liked another woman, and the two of them were definitely dating.

Lily's heart stung, and she felt completely empty. Tears pricked in the corners of her eyes as she turned away and started to leave and never see him again, but fate had other plans. She crashed her shoulder against the wall, making a rather loud sound.

"Darn you," she muttered, as James and the woman (wasn't her name Marilyn?) came out.

"Hey, Lily!" greeted James, grinning. "What're you doing here?"

A bitter feeling piled up inside her. "Nothing," she managed, trying her hardest not to be mean and blow up on him. She turned and started to leave, but he caught her arm.

"Lily, what-"

"Leave me alone."

James blinked, turning to Marilyn, and then back to Lily. "What?"

"I said," she repeated slowly, "leave me alone."

"Why? What's wrong? Did something happen at work?"

"Don't you get it, James?!" she exploded. "I told you to leave me alone! Can't you get the hint that I don't want to talk to you? Get the heck away from me and I don't want to see your face ever again!"

"Lily, please," he started, gesturing to Marilyn. "Now isn't the best time…"

Lily had expected to scream in his face at that, but she couldn't. She just felt empty. Everything crumbled away inside her. She didn't feel anything.

"I get it," she said softly. "You're a celebrity and you have better things to do and better people to spend time with. If you-"

"Who said that?" James asked, narrowing his eyes at her. He looked annoyed. "I definitely didn't. Not my fault if you jump to conclusions and make up your own problems. I haven't said anything about not wanting to-"

"No, but it's obvious, isn't it?!" cried Lily. She'd finally snapped. "Is there any other reason for why you've been ignoring me for the past week? Every time I come near you, you make an excuse and pop off!" She turned to Marilyn. Now I know why, she thought bitterly. James has a girlfriend. "If you didn't want to hang out with me, you could've told me once, y'know. I wouldn't have cared. You didn't have to ignore me. You didn't have to hurt me."

His hardened face crumbled, and he looked shocked. He reminded her of a puppy dog, hurt in his expression. "I… You… I didn't mean to-"

Shoot. Why was he so sad? Lily turned away. Another glance at his expression and she probably wouldn't be able to take it. "Cut the pretense."

"Lily-"

"Shut up," she interrupted. "You clearly don't want to talk to me. Fine. The feeling's mutual. I don't want to talk to you or see your face."

He didn't say anything back, which angered her. He probably was making lovey-dovey faces at Marilyn or waiting for her to end her speech so he could go and do what he wanted.

Whatever he wanted.

"Bye, James," she managed out, her voice cracking as she left the hallway and getting into the elevator, just as a tear streamed down her face. She wiped it away furiously, not wanting James to see that he'd made her cry.

She went back to her room and flopped against her bed, sobs escaping from her mouth. She let it all loose, and what hurt her most was that he hadn't even given her a reason. He'd argued with her, and then he just hadn't said anything. At all.

He hadn't bothered to correct her.

Which meant there was nothing to correct.

She wasn't in the mood to order dinner, and so she cried herself to sleep, clutching her pillow tightly like it was her lifeline.

When she woke up, it was eight o'clock. She'd slept for two hours.

So why did she want to sleep some more?

She groaned, about to bury her face in her pillow again, when she noticed that someone was sitting on her couch, with Buddy in her lap.

Who on Earth was…

"Petunia?" she asked, blinking as she looked up, seeing her sister's face through the strands of red hair covering her eyes.

"Hello."

Normally, Lily would scream and hug her, immediately suggest they go out somewhere, order some dinner for the two of them, or at least be extremely thrilled (because face it, they hadn't seen each other in at least a year), but not today.

"Why are you here?" she muttered. "When did you get here?"

"Flight arrived around four hours ago," she replied. "The Uber took an hour to get here, and you weren't home then, so I just stayed on your couch. And then you came in." She raised an eyebrow. "Without noticing me."

Oh.

Oops.

"Sorry, Petunia," Lily sighed.

"Don't apologize to me, Lily, look at yourself," Petunia replied, raising her eyebrows. "You're in a right state."

Lily grimaced.

"Would you like to explain what has you all upset?" Petunia continued, raising her eyebrows.

"No."

"Stubborn little girl," muttered Petunia under her breath, before raising her voice. "Well, maybe you'll tell me over dinner?"

"'M not hungry."

She sighed. "Why'd I know you were gonna say that?"

Lily scowled. "Why're you here?"

"To visit."

"Now?" Lily let out a groan and scrubbed her face with her hands.

"Yes, and I'm glad I did, because we can't have you starving yourself over something stupid."

Lily glared at her. "It's not stupid."

"I'm sure it is. Now, you're going to have some dinner, and we're going to talk about this."

Lily gave a noncommittal grunt and flopped back against the bed.

"I already called the pizza people," continued Petunia. "They should be here anytime now-" The bell rang. "Ah, speak of timing."

Petunia went and collected the pizza before walking over and nudged Lily with her knee. Lily groaned and scooted over a bit so Petunia could climb on. She handed Lily a slice of pizza, which she grudgingly took and sat up.

"Now," Petunia said, her voice surprisingly gentle instead of her firm, bark-y tone. "What's wrong?"

"Not-"

"Lily."

Lily sighed, and then she told her tale. Everything. From the day she met James at the mall, to the ice cream truck meeting, to her work dilemmas, to Marilyn, to today's incident, to everything.

It felt… weird. She hadn't told anyone everything yet, and it was weird to talk about it. But it also felt good, finally getting it off her chest. Finally being able to express all the emotions that had been getting pent up inside her for days. Her feelings for James. Her feelings about James. Everything. She finally got it out of her.

When she was done talking, she took a deep breath. Man. That was a lot.

"So… You're telling me that you had a famous soccer player move into your apartment complex, and you decided that it wasn't an important enough detail to tell me?"

Lily rolled her eyes.

"But, okay, on a serious note… Lily, you have a lot going on."

"I'll tell you what, Sherlock Holmes, you are unbelievable."

Petunia gave her a stern look and Lily fell silent. "Lily, why didn't you tell anyone?"

"'S'not a big deal."

"Yes, yes, whatever. Lily… Your feelings for James… Are they, ah, like, real love feelings? Or just celeb crush things?"

Lily scowled.

"Lily…"

Lily sighed exasperatedly. "As you put it, 'real love feelings'." Then she snorted dryly. "'Real love feelings'. Wonder why Vernon married you."

"You don't even have the guts to go and tell the guy you like that you like him, so I don't really think you have a right to talk," Petunia retorted.

Lily huffed.

"So, real love feelings," she mused.

"That was news last century, can we move on now?"

Petunia shot her another disapproving look. "Why are you so cranky today?"

"Why are you so nosy today?" she shot back.

Petunia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm only trying to help."

"Yes, and I'm saying that I don't need your help."

Petunia wisely ignored her and instead asked, "So, you sure that James and Marilyn are dating?"

"No. James and Marilyn were talking about romance, he called her 'Mari', he gave her a hug, and their arms were brushing throughout the entire thing. They could just be friends," she replied sarcastically, but Petunia seemed to be oblivious to it

"They could be," she hummed. "I see where you're coming from."

Lily groaned and looked around for a pillow to whack Petunia with. "They're not just friends, Marilyn. And besides, even if they were, if he was talking to her about romance, he likes someone else. Marilyn or not, he likes someone."

"You?"

It took a while for Lily to understand what she was saying, and her nose wrinkled. "Ew, no."

"Why not?"

"'Cause I said so."

"That's a sucky excuse and we both know it."

Lily rolled her eyes. "He's been ignoring me for the past week, y'know."

"Because he likes you?"

"No. Why are you being so stupid?"

"Why are you being so uncooperative?"

"Because."

Petunia huffed with exasperation. "For god's sake, Lily, you're acting like a child. I'm trying to help, no, I'm going to help. So you shut up and just respond to what I ask, okay?"

Lily groaned. She had a pain of a sister. Why couldn't she have a nice one? "Fine, fine."

"Okay. So. Now. Are you sure James doesn't like you?"

"Yes, you stupid piece of baloney-"

Petunia raised an eyebrow.

Lily rolled her eyes again. "Yeah. He doesn't."

"Have you asked him?"

"He's a darn celebrity, Petunia, he wouldn't like me. And I can't go ask him! What's gotten into your mind?"

"Soccer's that popular?" she mumbled disapprovingly. "Is he that famous?"

"Dude, he's got legit a bazillion followers on Instagram. Everyone's heard of him. Except you, because you've been living under a rock."

"Yeah, and you were the one who he pranked for like a week into thinking he was a stock broker."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Some people don't like to be reminded of some things."

"Sorry," Petunia mumbled, but she didn't look very sorry. "Back to what we were talking about. How do you know that he doesn't like you?"

Lily stared at her sister incredulously. Was she stupid? Didn't she realize that Lily was already so upset? Why was she making her repeat it? "Haven't you been listening?"

"Yes-"

"Then why don't you get it? There's nothing to like about me. I'm nowhere near pretty, I'm average, I'm stubborn, everyone says I'm short-tempered, I'm methodical, and I'm a perfectionist. What is there to like?"

"That… That's not true," came a voice from the doorway.

Lily's eyes widened and she let out a soft shriek as she whipped around.

Then she died.

Of embarrassment.

Because right there, standing against the doorframe, was James Potter.

"Who are you?" Petunia asked, raising an eyebrow. "How did you open the door?"

"You forgot to lock it," he replied with a shrug.

Petunia's eyes practically popped out of their sockets. "That doesn't mean you can just barge into anyone's apartment because they forgot to lock it!"

"I'm sorry that I happened to overhear Lily's completely untrue self deprecation and couldn't just walk past it as if I hadn't heard it," snapped James.

Petunia blinked, and then she turned to Lily. "You know him?"

Lily nodded slowly, her gaze not wavering from James's. "I… Yeah. He's James."

Petunia's eyes widened in realization. "Ohh. Well, uh, in that case, Buddy and I were about to go for a walk."

Lily turned and scowled. "No you weren't. I already let Buddy out this mornin-"

"Yes, but he wants to go for another run."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "It's getting da-"

Buddy interrupted them with a bark and went over to jump into James's arms. James smiled warmly and started to pet him before Lily snatched him away. She almost wanted to give him back at the hurt look that crossed James's face, but she didn't. She was rather angry.

Petunia gently took Buddy out of Lily's arms and left the room, leaving Lily and James together.

They stared at each other for a few moments before James opened his mouth. "I-"

"I don't want to hear it," interrupted Lily, turning away. She'd been expecting to yell at him or vent her frustration, but she just felt tired and upset. "Just… Please. Petunia will be back in thirty minutes. Can you please just… leave?" she asked softly, her voice cracking at the last word.

She walked over and sat on the French Rotunda by the window, sitting there for a few minutes. James remained silent. Just as she realized that he hadn't left, he walked over to her and crouched down on the carpet next to her, his eyes pleading with her.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I know I shouldn't have ignored you, Lily, and that was wrong of me, but…"

"But what?" she asked tiredly, not enough energy left in her to argue.

He stayed silent for a little bit, tracing random patterns on the carpet. "I don't… I don't really know. I don't know why I did that, and I genuinely am sorry. I want you to know that you didn't do anything wrong, and-"

"Then why did you do that?" she asked softly, tears building their way up to her eyes. "Why would you do that if I hadn't done anything?"

He looked like he was fighting an internal battle. "I… It's complicated, Lily, I don't even understand myself. I'm sorry, though, and I didn't mean to be a jerk when you saw me. I know why you would be upset. I hadn't been talking to you at all, but you saw me talking to Marilyn, so you thought I was ignoring you…" He closed his eyes. "You have no idea how guilty I felt after… after you said that you were… hurt by me."

Lily just stared at him, not sure what to say.

"Are we… Are we good?" James asked, his voice cracking. It made Lily's heart hurt and she just felt so overwhelmed. "Are we friends again?"

Lily's heart shattered into a bazillion pieces.

Friends.

Just friends.

Nothing more.

"Y-Yeah," she managed out, her voice shaky. "Friends."

And at that moment, she didn't think she'd ever felt worse.

A/N: Hang in a bit longer and the angst is gonna be over! All love stories have their dips, right?

Stay tuned for some awkwardness, confrontations, soccer, and dates!

Please, please, PLEASE review. It means the world to me ❤️