Chapter 5..

As the class ended, Michael felt a sense of relief wash over him.

He was glad to have made it through the embarrassing moment, and he was grateful for Alex's kind words.

"Hey, Alex, want to grab lunch together?" Michael asked, trying to sound casual.

Alex smiled. "Sure thing, Michael. I'd love to."

As they walked to the cafeteria, Michael felt a sense of excitement.

Maybe this was the start of a real friendship.

But when they got to the lunch line, Michael's anxiety returned.

What if they ran out of food? What if he spilled something on himself?

Alex seemed to sense his tension. "Hey, Michael, relax. It's just lunch," he said with a chuckle.

Michael forced a laugh and tried to shake off his worries.

Maybe Alex was right. Maybe he just needed to relax and enjoy the moment.

As they sat down at a table, Michael realized that he was actually having fun.

Alex was easy to talk to, and they shared a love for science fiction and video games.

For the first time in a long time, Michael felt like he was being himself around someone else.

As Michael and Alex sat at the lunch table, laughing and chatting, Michael's eyes suddenly landed on a familiar figure across the cafeteria. Sarah.

His heart skipped a beat.

Sarah was sitting with her friends, looking radiant and confident.

Michael felt a pang of nervousness and insecurity.

What was he doing, trying to make friends with Alex, when Sarah was still out of reach?

Alex noticed Michael's gaze and followed it to Sarah. "Ah, Sarah, right?" he said, his voice neutral. "You two have history?"

Michael nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "We used to be friends, but...it's complicated."

Alex nodded sympathetically. "I get it. Well, don't let it get to you.

You're doing great, Michael. Just be yourself."

Michael took a deep breath and tried to focus on Alex, but his eyes kept drifting back to Sarah.

She was laughing and smiling with her friends, seemingly carefree.

Suddenly, Sarah's eyes met Michael's across the room.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, a tense silence between them.

Then, Sarah looked away, and Michael felt a sting of rejection.

He quickly turned back to Alex, trying to shake off the feeling.

"Hey, Alex, let's talk about something else," Michael said, forcing a smile.

But Alex just nodded thoughtfully and said, "You know, Michael, sometimes you have to face the past to move forward."

Michael's heart raced. What did Alex mean? Was he talking about Sarah?

Alex's words hung in the air, leaving Michael feeling unsettled.

He didn't know what to say or how to process his emotions.

He felt like he was stuck in a rut, unable to move forward.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.

Michael and Alex gathered their things and headed out of the cafeteria.

As they walked, Alex turned to Michael and said, "Hey, I know it's tough, but you can't let Sarah define your happiness.

You deserve better than that."

Michael nodded, trying to absorb Alex's words.

He knew he was right, but it was easier said than done.

As they approached their next class, Michael saw Sarah walking towards them. His heart skipped a beat.

"Hey, Michael," Sarah said, her voice soft. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Michael hesitated, unsure of what to say. But Alex just nodded and said, "I'll catch you later, Michael. Good luck."

Alex walked off, leaving Michael alone with Sarah.

"Hey, what's up?" Michael asked, trying to sound casual.

Sarah looked at him with a serious expression. "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. For everything. I know I hurt you, and I regret it."

Michael's heart raced. He didn't know what to say or how to react.

(Word count 644).