I arrive at the grill fifteen minutes late. As soon as I walk in, she stands up from the booth and comes over to me, her expression giving away her annoyance. Despite her anger, she still looks beautiful.

"You're late," she says sharply.

"Sorry, love,"I shrug, knowing I should have left earlier to avoid this situation.

"Come on. Cami is excited to meet you. Just please, be on your best behavior." I force a fake smile and we walk over to the booth.

"Cami, this is Klaus."

"Hi, nice to meet you," Cami says with a smile.

"Klaus, is there something you'd like to say?" Caroline clears her throat.

"Oh, yeah, nice to meet you too, Camille," I take her hand and kiss her knuckles, flashing my dimples.

"Alright, let's order some food," Stefan says, signaling to the waitress.

I sit next to Cami, mentally counting down the minutes until it's over. Throughout the dinner, Caroline prompts Camille to talk about herself, which I have little interest in. I nod in agreement, but my focus is on Caroline absentmindedly picking at her fries. I am distracted by Caroline playfully swatting at Stefan's arm as he steals some of her fries. I find myself wishing it was my arm she was touching. I can't help but admit that I have strong feelings for her. Man, I've got it bad.

"Klaus" a small voice from beside me asks.

"Sorry, what?"

"I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner with me next weekend," she asked me with a hint of disappointment when I showed little interest.

"Um, I believe I have to work next weekend," I fibbed.

"Oh, I see," she responded, looking away.

Caroline is giving me a dirty look, but I couldn't care less. There is no way I'm going on another fucking date next weekend. The dinner continues with Caroline and Camille sharing amusing stories from their dance class. I pretend to laugh, but I'm not really listening. My attention is fixed on Stefan putting his arm around Caroline. I have to remind myself that he's my friend, even though all I want to do is rip his arm off. Once we finish our meal, the girls excuse themselves to go to the bathroom before we head to the movies.

"Do you think Cami is attractive?" Stefan asks as he watches her walk away from the table.

"Why, are you interested in her or something?" I reply rudely.

"No, I just don't want you to feel like a third wheel anymore," Stefan explains.

"Gee, thanks for the concern mate." I sarcastically say as I roll my eyes.

"So, what do you really think of her?" Stefan inquires.

"I mean, she's okay," I reluctantly admit.

I find her appearance pleasant, she seems nice, and we have a few common interests. I can't help but notice similarities between her and someone else. She's definitely not Caroline, I ponder to myself.

"Make sure to show more interest in her during the movie, alright? I don't want you to end up going home alone tonight." He winked at me.

I was tempted to reach across the table and strangle him just to make him stop talking, but then the girls returned.

"Are we all set to go, guys? The movie starts at 8, so we should hurry."

We made our way to the movies and I felt relieved that half of the night was already over.

When we reached the movie theater, I stepped into the line to purchase tickets for both myself and Cami. Care jokingly warned me to be a gentleman and pay for her ticket.

I have no clue what movie we're seeing, but just the title suggests it's probably a boring chick flick that will make me wish I could choke on popcorn to escape watching it.

As I wait in line to order snacks, Caroline subtly nudges my shin as a gentle reminder to also get what Cami wanted. I pick up the mm's and diet coke from the counter and walk over to Cami to hand them to her.

Stefan gives Caroline her snacks, and we head into the theatre to find seats. Cami and I end up sitting a few rows back from where they choose to sit. I sigh, realizing this means I'll have to endure watching them be all mushy throughout the entire movie.

As the movie is about to begin, Camille leans over to me and asks, "What did you end up getting?" in a curious tone.

I reply, "Just some buttered popcorn and a Coke."

"Oh, I can't stand popcorn!" she begins to explain all the reasons why.

Ignoring her, I can't help but feel like the night is dragging on forever. The previews start and thankfully she finally falls silent. I start munching on my popcorn as the movie starts, but Camille shoots me an irritated look, perhaps annoyed by my loud chewing. Frustrated, I clear my throat loudly and chuckle to myself, knowing I am getting under her skin.

The movie is slow and tedious, just as I expected. It's a dull romantic comedy that makes me feel like gagging on my popcorn. Camille's incessant laughter at unfunny moments is annoying.I keep rolling my eyes in the hopes she will realize and stop, but unfortunately, it doesn't happen.

Stefan wraps his arms around Caroline and draws her close to him, causing me immense discomfort. He continues to whisper in her ear, prompting her to smile affectionately at him. Witnessing their intimacy makes me feel nauseous.

I can't tell how long we've been sitting through this terrible movie because my attention has been solely on them. To my dismay, the situation worsens as I watch in horror when he begins to nibble on her earlobe, and she seems to be relishing the moment.

"Why doesn't he just have sex with her right in front of everyone?" I mutter quietly.

"What?" Cami asks me, looking puzzled.

"Oh, nothing love." I reply, stuffing popcorn into my mouth.

I spend the rest of the movie switching between glaring at them hatefully and eating popcorn to avoid talking to Cami. When the movie finally ends, I don't hold back with my criticism. Camille gives me a awkward smile and as we leave, we find them already waiting outside.

"So, are we up for anything else tonight?," Stefan inquires.

Cami promptly responds, "Actually, I need to head home. It was quite an interesting night, thanks." With that, she leaves with Care, seeming eager to get away from me.

"Well, that couldn't have been more awkward",Stefan laughs.

"Fuck off mate" I retort, showing him my middle finger.

I'm relieved that she drove herself, as it would have been an uncomfortable car ride."

"Klaus!" Caroline calls out my name as she walks towards me. "What the heck, I won't have any friends left if you keep treating them like that."

"Well, then stop setting me up with them, sweetheart," I reply.

"Maybe I'll continue to do it just to annoy you. Perhaps then you'll learn some manners."

"Yeah, not likely," I retort rolling my eyes at her.

"So, since Klaus is going home alone, I guess it's okay if you come back to our place," Stefan says to her with a big grin.

I understand the implications. I'll be spending the night trying to block out the sounds of the couple next door.

"Sure!" Caroline replies him happily.

"Alright. Let's go," he says, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"See you later, Casanova," he says, winking at me.

I show him my middle finger once more as before walking towards my car.

As I sit inside, I am grateful that the night is finally over but also hesitant about returning to the apartment. If only I had another place to stay, i would be there in a heartbeat. I feel a pang of loneliness, wishing I had more friends.

.

.

.

.

Upon entering the apartment, I see Stefan and Caroline heading to their bedroom for the night. I say a quick goodnight and quickly make my way to my own bedroom.

I can hear muffled voices and Caroline's giggles from his bedroom, so I immediately grab my sketchbook ,and started to play some music. This has become my usual routine whenever she stays the night. I crank up the music as loud as I can stand and focus on my sketching. I refuse to spend the rest of the night listening to her pleasure sounds with someone who isn't me. Despite my frustrations, I find solace in my art and drift off to sleep, dreaming of a world where Caroline is wrapped in my embrace instead of someone else's.