Chapter 4

I rechecked the address Kian had sent me earlier for the third time, making sure I wasn't in front of some random person's apartment. The neighbourhood seemed fine, but this building was a bit decrepit, with squeaky wooden stairs and a bit of grafitti lining the walls, probably from other college students that lived here.

Only when I'm certain it's the right house, do I ring the doorbell. A series of loud thuds resounds on the other side and I can hear a few male voices yelling things at each other. I was already starting to question why I agreed to this when I know it's just gonna be a bunch of guys, namely Kian's group of friends from before. Before I had the time to change my mind and turn back however, the door creaked open.

Kian stood there, a big smile on his face, "Hey!" Then his eyes fell onto the bag I was carrying.

"I bring goodies with me," I lifted the bag so he could see the pizza and beer cans.

His eyes lit up even more than before, if that was possible, "you didn't have to..." I could tell he was jumping on the inside though. Kian has been working his ass off to pay for his college bills, even with his 50% scholarship. Luxuries like free pizza and beer don't come by very often for the guy.

"I just wanted to see you look at me like I'm your saviour," I shrugged, a smile on my face when he nodded, as if to say I'm on point with that description.

"Here, I'll carry it."

I gave him the bag, taking off my shoes and hanging my coat at the entrance. The inside of the house was a complete contradiction to the outside, with nicely tiled mahogany flooring and clean white walls. There was little to no furniture, with only one couch and a TV set in the tiny hall, but that's to be expected in a shared apartment I guess.

Kian showed me into the room everyone was in, yelling "we have pizza and beer!" as he did.

A series of hoots and cheers for me followed, courtesy to Park and Aiden. Noah gave me a sweet 'thank you', as quiet and polite as I remember. I hadn't seen much of Noah, but Park and Aidan always stop to talk if they see me, so it's not quite as awkward anymore.

Unexpectedly though, there's a girl sitting beside Noah. She waves at me, a welcoming smile on her lips, "Hey, I'm Catherine."

"Margaret," I smiled back, until I suddenly realised, "Oh, I'm sorry, I only got enough food for five of us."

"Oh, it's totally fine," she brushed it off with a flick of her hand, her smile staying on, "we were thinking of ordering something anyway."

"Then I'll go get plates before this gets cold," Kian announced to the lot, turning around to head for the kitchen.

"I'll come with you," I said, following him out.

Once we were clear out of their earshot, I poked his ribs with my elbow, "why didn't you tell me Noah's girlfriend was coming too?"

He mumbled something about me being too violent, but I ignored it until he replied. "She came sort of last-minute too. Plus, I didn't know you were bringing stuff. What if we'd already eaten?"

I shrugged, "I figured you could always do with more pizza."

"That's..." he smiled like he was genuinely proud of me, "absolutely right. Wow, you've grown so much in 3 years, Magz."

"Don't call me that," I rolled my eyes, but really, I felt a pang in my chest at hearing him say it. The stupid nickname brought back too many memories of our childhood, and I wanted to forget as much of it as I could. Remembering any of our past will bring up the romantic parts to my mind, and that was the last thing I needed.

I wasn't sure that he wouldn't be able to sway me, and the thought was terrifying.

"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing my shift in mood as he was setting the bag down on the counter.

"You know..." I sighed, "life."

"Hmm..." he eyed me curiously, "can I ask what?"

How could I talk about my relationship issues now after what I did to him all those years ago? Oddly enough though, I really wanted to.

"Aren't you getting a bit too chummy there, bud?" I teased instead, forcing on a smile. I think he noticed, but he didn't mention it.

"Geez, I was just trying to help," he grumbled as he got the plates, but I'm sure I saw the corners of his lips turn up in a smile. And just like that, my smile had turned genuine too.

I'd missed this for so long. It was nice to be his friend again, even if it meant that I was constantly battling my emotions.

He's always been worth it, anyway.