"Bloody hell!" I mutter as I grab my sketch books and prepare for class. It's Friday, which means Caroline will be going out with Stefan tonight. As if that's not bad enough, she'll also be waiting for me in class today to invite me on a double date with them. She's always trying to set me up with one of her single friends, but I always come up with excuses not to go. I've used every excuse in the book.
"Ugh let's just get this over with," I sigh and head to class. When I arrive at my art class, Caroline is already waiting for me. She waves at me with a big smile on her face. I give her a small wave back and take my seat next to her.
"Hye Nik," she says cheerfully.
"Hello love, you seem happy today," I reply.
"I am. I wanted to invite you out tonight with Stefan and me. I really want you to meet my friend Camille," she says.
"Friend?"
"Yeah, remember I told you about my friend from dance class? She's dying to meet you," Caroline explains.
"Oh, yeah," I say as I roll my eyes.
"She's a really nice girl. You guys have a lot in common. I figured if you like me, you'd like her too," she laughs.
"Caroline," I say.
"She's a lot like me so I'm sure you'll get along," she continues. I can't come up with an excuse, and Caroline's persistent pleading makes it hard to resist.
"Fine, I'll go," I relent.
Caroline is thrilled and exclaims that she knew she'd convince me. I reluctantly agree to the double date. As Caroline plans the evening, I can't help but dread how the date will go. But Caroline insists it will be fun and that I should give it a chance. I reluctantly agree to meet them at the grill for dinner and the movie at 8. This is going to be a long night.
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As I drove home, all I could think about ,was the upcoming date. I dreaded the thought of watching my best friend get cozy with the girl I'm head over heels for all evening.
In a perfect world, I would be excited to have dinner and watch a movie with Caroline, as she would be mine. We would be lost in each other, oblivious to everything around us.
However, the reality was far from perfect. Stefan, my best friend, was already home when I arrived. Ever since he asked Caroline out without warning me, things had been strained between us. I tried to hide my feelings, but it seemed Stefan was too engrossed in his relationship to notice my discomfort.
"Hey," Stefan greeted me as I entered.
"Hey."
"I heard you're finally joining us for the date," he remarked.
"Yeah, Caroline left me no choice," I replied, trying to sound casual.
"I wouldn't worry about it. Cami seems pretty cool. Don't tell Care, but she's hot too" Stefan laughed. "You're a lucky guy."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Stefan was the one who was truly fortunate to have Caroline.
"Caroline thinks we'll hit it off, but I'm not so sure. I'm not even looking to date right now," I admitted.
"Well, just give it a chance. She seems to like the bad boy look, so who knows, maybe you'll get lucky," he winked at me. I rolled my eyes and made an excuse to retreat to my room, as Stefan left to meet up with Caroline.
Alone in my room, I couldn't help but fantasize about Caroline, wishing I could spend the night with her instead. Eventually, I snapped out of my daydreams and reluctantly got ready for the date, knowing it was inevitable. With a deep breath, I left for the grill, feeling like it was going to be a night of torture.