10

It was a rainy afternoon, the kind where the coffee shop felt especially cozy

It was a busy afternoon at the coffee shop where Chas worked part-time. The line was long, the air thick with the smell of espresso and freshly baked pastries, and the clinking sound of mugs and plates echoed around the shop. Chas was juggling orders, trying to keep up with the rush, when a confrontation with her senior, Carla, started to build up.

Carla had always been hard on her. Chas, being younger than her, often found herself the target of Carla’s frustration. That day, tensions were higher than usual. Carla snapped at Chas for something that wasn’t entirely her fault—an order mix-up that Chas had been trying to fix. But before Chas could explain, Carla’s voice grew louder, accusing her of making the shop look unprofessional.

"Chas, why can’t you get anything right?” Carla snapped, her tone sharp, cutting through the noise of the café. Chas flinched, her heart sinking in her chest.

“I—I’m sorry. I’ll fix it,” Chas stammered, trying to keep her voice steady, but the words came out in a rush. She felt the weight of Carla’s glare on her, but tried to stay calm.

But Carla wasn’t done. She moved closer, her frustration spilling over. “You’re just slowing everyone down. Maybe you shouldn’t even be here,” she hissed, her words sharp and laced with venom.

The situation escalated quickly. In the heat of the argument, Carla shoved Chas slightly—just enough to make her lose her balance. In an attempt to steady herself, Chas reached out, but her wrist collided with the counter with a painful jolt. It left a bruise almost immediately, and Chas's breath hitched in her throat as the pain rushed through her.

She was stunned for a moment, her mind racing as she stood frozen in place, trying to keep the tears at bay. The customers had started to notice, their murmurs filling the air, but Chas pushed the pain aside. She didn’t want to cause a scene. She forced herself to continue working, even as her wrist throbbed beneath her apron.

As she finished the last of her shift and cleaned up, Chas couldn’t ignore the ache in her wrist. It had swelled slightly, the bruise darkening beneath her sleeve. She felt embarrassed by the whole situation, her face flushed with a mix of humiliation and frustration. But what hurt most was how Carla’s words stung—how she had pushed her to the edge in a way that made Chas question herself.

When she finally left the coffee shop, the evening air hit her face, and she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the fight on her shoulders. She didn’t want to burden anyone with it, especially Nick, but she knew she couldn’t keep pretending like everything was fine.

Later that night, she came home late full of tears it was. 12:00 o clock at night, Nick already waited for her eversince he had dinner earlier, he also worries about her.

"Hey, how was work?” he asked casually, setting the tea down.

Chas hesitated for a moment, but then let out a sigh. “It was… a tough day,” she admitted quietly.

Nick noticed the slight tension in her posture, the way she was holding her wrist.

“What happened?” he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

Chas shrugged, trying to downplay it, but the moment she moved her sleeve, Nick's eyes caught the bruise. His face darkened with concern. “Chas, what happened to your wrist?”

She looked at him, unsure how to explain. “It’s nothing, really,” she said quickly, trying to brush it off. “Just… a little accident.”

Nick stood up, walking toward her. “Chas, don’t lie to me. What happened?” His voice was gentle, but firm, as he took her hand in his, inspecting the bruise.

Chas finally let out a breath, feeling the weight of the day catch up with her. “It was a fight at work… with my senior Carla,” she confessed, her voice quieter now. “She shoved me. I just… I didn’t want to make a scene, so I kept going. But it hurts, Nick.”

Nick's face hardened, his jaw clenched. He gently cupped her face with his other hand, forcing her to meet his eyes. “You shouldn’t have to go through that. Nobody should treat you like that.”

Chas swallowed, her eyes welling up slightly. “I don’t want to make it worse. I just… didn’t want to let it bother me.”

Nick's expression softened. He pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. “You don’t have to carry it alone. You’re not weak for feeling hurt. We’ll figure this out together.”

In that moment, Chas felt the weight of her emotions finally lifting, knowing she didn’t have to go through it on her own anymore. Nick wasn’t just her housemate anymore. He had become someone she could lean on, someone who would help her through the tough moments, no matter what.

As Chas buried her face into Nick's chest, his arms tightened around her, offering a sense of safety she hadn’t felt all day. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothed her as tears silently fell.

“You’re not alone, Chas,” Nick murmured, his voice steady and reassuring. “I won’t let anyone treat you like that.”

Chas nodded against him, finally letting go of the tension she’d been holding since the confrontation. Nick held her until her breathing steadied, his hand gently running up and down her back in soothing motions.

After a few moments, he pulled back slightly to look at her. “Let me see that wrist again,” he said softly. Chas hesitated but extended her arm, letting him inspect the bruising more closely.

Nick frowned, his brows furrowed in concern. “This looks worse than you said,” he muttered. “We need to put some ice on it.”

He guided her to the couch, settling her down as he went to the freezer. When he returned with a makeshift ice pack wrapped in a towel, he crouched in front of her, carefully pressing it against her wrist. Chas winced but didn’t pull away, letting him take care of her.

“You didn’t deserve that, Chas,” Nick said quietly, his voice filled with quiet anger—not at her, but at Carla. “Nobody does. You’re working hard, and someone like her has no right to treat you like that.”

Chas looked down at her lap, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. She’s my senior, and I thought maybe it was my fault—”

“No,” Nick interrupted firmly, his eyes locking onto hers. “It’s not your fault. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like it is.” His tone softened as he added, “You’re better than that. Don’t let her tear you down.”

His words made Chas's chest tighten, a mix of gratitude and relief washing over her. She hadn’t expected him to care this much, but the sincerity in his voice made her believe it.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nick offered her a small smile, his hand brushing a stray tear from her cheek. “You’ll never have to find out. I’m here, okay? Always.”

They stayed like that for a while, the ice pack resting on her wrist as Nick sat beside her, his presence steady and comforting. For the first time that day, Chas felt like things would be okay. She wasn’t alone, and she knew that with Nick by her side, she could face whatever came next.

As Chas sat in Nick's warm embrace, her tears began to dry, but the emotions still lingered. Nick's hands gently stroked her back, his touch firm yet soothing. After a moment of silence, his voice broke through, low and steady.

“Chas,” he began, his tone serious, “I don’t want you going back to that coffee shop.”

Chas blinked, leaning back slightly to look up at him. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice still soft from crying.

Nick cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek with care. “I mean it. I want you to quit that job. Today. You don’t have to deal with people like Carla, and you definitely don’t need to get hurt like this again.”

Her eyes widened in protest. “But Nick, I can’t just—”

“You can,” he interrupted firmly, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Listen to me. You don’t need to keep working there, putting yourself in situations where people can hurt you like this. I’ll take care of whatever you need.”

Chas's brows furrowed, confusion and hesitation crossing her face. “Nick, I can’t let you do that. I already owe you so much. You’ve let me stay here, you’ve helped me in so many ways… I don’t even know how to repay you.”

Nick's jaw tightened, and a faint smile tugged at his lips, though his eyes remained serious. “Chas, stop. You don’t owe me anything.”

“But I—”

“No,” he interrupted gently, leaning closer so their foreheads almost touched. “You don’t owe me anything, Chas. I want to take care of you. From the moment you walked into my house, I wanted to make sure you were okay. I’ve never wanted anything in return.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. She felt a lump rise in her throat as his sincerity washed over her. Nick continued, his voice softer now. “All I want is for you to feel safe. To be happy. That’s it. You don’t need to prove anything to me, and you don’t need to struggle on your own.”

Tears welled up in Chas's eyes again, though this time they were tears of gratitude. “Nick… I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he replied, pulling her back into his arms. “Just promise me you’ll leave that job. Let me handle the rest.”

She hesitated for a moment, her pride clashing with the overwhelming relief she felt in his embrace. Finally, she nodded against his chest. “Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll quit.”

Nick let out a breath, a weight lifting off his chest. He tightened his hold on her briefly before pulling back, his hands still resting on her shoulders. “Good,” he said with a small smile. “Now, no more worrying about paying me back or anything like that, alright? Just focus on yourself. I’ve got you.”

Chas gave him a watery smile, her heart swelling with emotion. “Thank you, Nick. For everything.”

He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You don’t have to thank me, Chas. This is where you belong, and I’ll always be here to make sure you’re okay.”

In that moment, Chas felt something shift between them—a deeper connection, a sense of trust that went beyond words. Nick wasn’t just someone she lived with; he was her safe haven, her anchor. And as she nestled back into his embrace, she allowed herself to believe, for the first time, that maybe she truly didn’t have to face life’s struggles alone.

As Chas rested in Nick's embrace, she felt his steady heartbeat beneath her cheek, a calming rhythm that eased the remnants of her tears. The warmth of his arms wrapped securely around her made her feel safe in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. “Nick… can I stay like this for a while?”

Nick's arms tightened around her slightly, as if reassuring her that she didn’t need to ask. “Of course,” he replied, his voice low and soothing. “Stay as long as you need.”

Chas closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. In that moment, the weight of the day seemed to fade, replaced by the quiet strength of Nick's presence.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. She wasn’t just thanking him for the hug or his kindness tonight—it was for everything he had done for her since the day she’d walked into his life.

Nick pressed his chin lightly against the top of her head. “You don’t ever have to thank me, Chas,” he said softly. “Just let me be here for you.”

She didn’t respond this time, but the way she relaxed fully against him said everything she couldn’t put into words. For now, the world outside didn’t matter. In Nick's arms, she felt sheltered, as if nothing could touch her, and she wasn’t ready to let go of that feeling just yet.

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Later that night, after Chas had finished showering and changing into her comfortable pajamas, she settled into her bed, letting the quiet of the house soothe her. The events of the day still lingered in her mind, but Nick's earlier embrace had already begun to ease her heart.

Just as she was about to switch off her bedside lamp, there was a gentle knock on her door. She hesitated for a moment, then got up to answer it. When she opened the door, Nick stood there, his expression soft but earnest.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay… and, um, I thought maybe… one more hug before we call it a night?”

Chas's heart swelled at his thoughtfulness, a warmth spreading through her chest. She nodded with a small smile. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Nick stepped closer, pulling her into his arms once again. His embrace was just as warm, just as reassuring as it had been earlier. Chas rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes and letting herself sink into the moment. She could feel his steady breathing, the quiet strength in his arms that made her feel so protected.

“You’re going to be okay, Chas,” Nick murmured softly. “And I’m always here, no matter what.”

Chas's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried a depth of emotion. “Thank you, Nick. For everything.”

He pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her, his hands still resting gently on her shoulders. “You don’t have to thank me,” he said with a small smile. “You’re important to me. That’s all that matters.”

Chas felt her eyes well up again, but this time with gratitude rather than sadness. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and leaned into him one last time.

“Goodnight, Chas,” Nick said softly as he pulled away, his hand brushing lightly against her arm before he turned to leave.

“Goodnight, Nick,” she replied, her voice steady but full of warmth. As she closed the door and returned to her bed, the weight of the day felt even lighter. She knew she wasn’t alone, and for the first time in a long time, she felt truly cared for.

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The morning light streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a soft glow on the room as Nick poured a mug of coffee for Chas. The faint scent of toast and eggs lingered in the air. Chas sat quietly at the table, her wrist resting on the surface, still tender and slightly bruised. She hadn’t said much yet, still feeling the weight of yesterday’s events, but the warmth of Nick’s presence was enough to calm her.

Nick brought the coffee to her, setting it down gently before pulling out a chair to sit beside her. His sharp greyish blue eyes flicked to her wrist, and the concern from last night returned to his face.

“Let me see your wrist again,” he said softly, already reaching for the first-aid kit he had placed on the table earlier.

Chas blinked, her cheeks flushing faintly. “Nick, it’s really okay. You don’t have to—”

“Chas,” Nick interrupted, his voice calm but firm, “just let me take care of you, alright? You said it still hurts.”

She sighed, reluctantly extending her arm toward him. He took her wrist gently, cradling it as though it might break with the wrong movement. The bruise had darkened overnight, an angry mix of purples and blues spreading across her skin. Nick’s jaw tightened as he inspected it, the weight of his frustration at the situation still lingering.

“It looks worse,” he muttered under his breath. “You should’ve told me it hurt this much.”

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Chas said quickly, trying to reassure him.

Nick shot her a look, one eyebrow arching in quiet disbelief. “You always try to downplay everything, don’t you?” He opened the first-aid kit, pulling out a cold compress and a roll of bandage.

Chas bit her lip, watching him work with a surprising tenderness. He pressed the cold compress against her wrist first, and she flinched slightly at the chill.

“Sorry,” he murmured, easing his touch. “This will help with the swelling.”

“It’s okay,” she said quietly, her voice soft. “Thank you, Nick. For… everything.”

He glanced up at her, his expression softening. “You don’t have to thank me, Chas. You’re important to me. Of course I’m going to take care of you.”

Her chest tightened at his words, but she didn’t know how to respond. Instead, she watched as he carefully wrapped her wrist with the bandage, his fingers deft and steady.

When he was finished, he held her hand for a moment, his thumb brushing over the unbruised part of her skin. “Promise me you’ll quit today,” he said, his voice low but resolute.

Chas hesitated, looking down at their joined hands. “I will,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nick leaned closer, his eyes locking onto hers. “I mean it, Chas. You don’t need to stay there. Not with people like Carla. You deserve better.”

She nodded, her resolve strengthening. “Okay,” she said, more firmly this time. “Today will be my last day. I promise.”

A small smile tugged at Nick’s lips, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Good,” he said, leaning back slightly but still keeping her hand in his. “Now, let’s finish breakfast before it gets cold. No more worrying about work today, alright?”

Chas smiled faintly, the warmth in her chest spreading. “Alright,” she agreed.

For the first time since the confrontation with Carla, she felt a sense of peace settling over her. Nick’s steady presence and quiet care reminded her that she wasn’t alone—and that, no matter what, he would always be there to support her.

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The campus café buzzed with its usual energy—students milling around, chatting, laughing, and studying in clusters. Chas sat at a table by the window with her group of friends, her wrist tucked close to her side as she sipped her tea. Her long sleeves covered the bandage, but the dull ache reminded her of last night’s events.

Across the table, Gigi leaned forward, her sharp eyes catching Chas’s subtle discomfort. “Chas,” she said, her voice cutting through the chatter. “What’s wrong with your wrist? You’ve been cradling it all morning.”

Chas froze, her gaze darting to Gigi, then to the rest of her friends. Leon, sitting beside Gigi, raised an eyebrow. Nina and Katy exchanged concerned looks, while Martin and Josh stopped mid-conversation to glance her way.

“It’s nothing,” Chas said quickly, forcing a small smile. “I just… bumped into something at work.”

“Bumped into something?” Leon echoed, his tone skeptical. “You’re not exactly clumsy, Chas.”

“Yeah,” Nina chimed in, narrowing her eyes. “And you’ve been weirdly quiet today. That’s not like you.”

Katy leaned over, her expression soft with concern. “Chas, if something’s wrong, you can tell us. You know that, right?”

Chas sighed, realizing there was no way out of this. She slowly rolled up her sleeve, revealing the bandage Nick had carefully wrapped around her wrist. The faint outline of the bruise peeked out from beneath it.

A collective gasp spread through the group.

“Holy crap,” Josh muttered, leaning closer. “What happened?”

Martin’s jaw tightened as he stared at her wrist. “Who did that to you?”

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Chas said quickly, holding up her other hand to calm them. “It’s just a bruise. I got it last night at the café.”

“What happened?” Gigi pressed, her voice firm.

Chas hesitated, but the concerned looks on their faces made her relent. She took a deep breath and began to explain.

“Last night, Carla—the manager—was being her usual awful self,” Chas said, her voice tinged with bitterness. “She was yelling at me for something I didn’t even do, and things got… heated. She grabbed my wrist when I tried to walk away.”

“That’s insane!” Nina exclaimed, her hands slamming the table. “She grabbed you? Like, physically grabbed you?”

Chas nodded. “Yeah. Nick saw the bruise when I got home. He was furious.”

“Wait,” Martin said, leaning forward. “Nick knows about this?”

Chas swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of everyone’s attention. “Yeah. He was… really upset. He even helped me with this bandage.” She gestured to her wrist.

Leon frowned. “No offense, but if he was that upset, why didn’t he come to the café and rip Carla a new one?”

Chas let out a small laugh, despite herself. “He wanted to. Trust me. But instead, he told me to quit.”

“And?” Katy asked, her tone cautious.

“And… I’m quitting,” Chas admitted, looking down at her hands. “I promised him this morning that today would be my last day.”

There was a brief silence before Gigi spoke up. “Good,” she said firmly. “That place is toxic. You should’ve left ages ago.”

“I know,” Chas said softly. “But it’s hard to leave a job when you need the money, you know?”

“We get that,” Nina said gently. “But your safety is more important. Carla had no right to put her hands on you.”

“She’s lucky Nick didn’t show up,” Josh added with a wry smile. “The guy looks like he could bench press her.”

Chas couldn’t help but laugh at that. “He was definitely ready to. But he told me I deserve better, and… I think he’s right.”

“You do deserve better,” Martin said, his voice steady. “And if Carla tries anything today, you let us know. We’ll all show up.”

The rest of the group nodded in agreement, their collective support warming Chas’s heart.

“Thanks, guys,” she said, smiling genuinely. “I mean it. You’re the best.”

“Anytime,” Gigi said, raising her coffee cup in a mock toast. “Now, let’s make sure you never have to deal with someone like Carla again.”

Chas’s words lingered in the air as she spoke, her voice soft but steady.

“Nick doesn’t just want me to quit,” she admitted, glancing down at her tea. “He said he wants to take care of me… in everything.”

The table fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy. Gigi blinked, her eyebrows lifting in mild surprise, while Nina and Katy exchanged intrigued glances. Leon and Josh looked a mix of impressed and amused, as if imagining the lengths a rockstar like Nick would go to for someone he cared about.

But it was Martin’s reaction that stood out the most.

His relaxed posture stiffened, and his expression shifted from neutral to something unreadable—his jaw tightening, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. He tried to keep his features neutral, but the subtle flash of jealousy and regret betrayed him.

Chas noticed it immediately, though she pretended not to. Martin’s presence in the group had been easier to handle since they broke up, especially now that he was with someone new. But moments like these reminded her that some emotions never truly disappeared.

“Wait, wait,” Gigi said, breaking the silence with a teasing grin. “Nick wants to take care of you? Like… financially? Emotionally? Everything?”

Chas shrugged, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. “That’s what he said. He doesn’t want me to stress about money or… anything, really. He just wants me to focus on school and—” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “—and on us.”

“Damn,” Leon whistled, leaning back in his chair. “That’s next-level devotion. Dude’s serious about you.”

“He is a rockstar,” Josh added with a chuckle. “Guess it’s no surprise he’s playing the role of knight in shining armor.”

“It’s not like that,” Chas protested, laughing softly. “He just… he cares about me. That’s all.”

Nina leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Sounds like more than just ‘caring,’ Chas. Are you guys, like… official now?”

Chas hesitated, her lips parting as she tried to find the right answer but covered it with her playful side. “no silly...we were just housemates ,” she said finally, her tone laced with honesty. “but… I trust him.”

Katy smiled warmly. “Well, if he makes you happy, that’s what matters. And it sounds like he’s doing a pretty good job of that.”

Chas returned the smile, but her gaze flicked to Martin, who hadn’t said a word since her confession. He sat quietly, his hands clasped on the table, his expression carefully guarded.

“Martin, you okay?” Gigi asked, breaking the tension.

Martin blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said quickly, forcing a smile. “Just… thinking.”

Chas felt a pang of guilt as she looked at him. She and Martin had shared a lot during their time together, but it had ended for a reason. He had moved on, hadn’t he? Yet the subtle shift in his demeanor made her wonder if he was as content with his new girlfriend as he claimed to be.

“Well,” Martin added, clearing his throat, “I’m glad you’ve got someone looking out for you, Chas. You deserve that.”

His words sounded genuine, but there was a faint edge to them—a hint of something left unsaid.

“Thanks, Martin,” Chas said softly, offering him a small smile.

As the conversation moved on, Martin found himself distracted, replaying her words in his head. The thought of Chas living with someone like Nick—a famous, charismatic, and clearly devoted man—gnawed at him. Their time together had been good, hadn’t it? Better, even, than what he had now?

He glanced at Chas, her laughter lighting up the group as she teased Josh about something trivial. A pang of regret settled in his chest, sharper than he expected.

But he pushed it down, forcing himself to focus on the present. After all, Chas had moved on—and so had he. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

As the group began to disperse, heading toward their respective classes, Martin lingered near Chas. He waited for the others to get ahead before stepping closer, his voice low enough so only she could hear.

“Hey,” he said, clearing his throat awkwardly. “You got a minute?”

Chas paused, glancing at him. “Sure, what’s up?”

Martin scratched the back of his neck, his gaze flickering to her wrist. “Are you… okay? I mean, really okay? With, you know… everything?”

She followed his line of sight, instinctively rubbing her wrist. A soft smile touched her lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m fine, Martin. Really. Nick’s been… well, protective. Maybe too much, but he means well.”

Martin nodded slowly, studying her face for any signs of discomfort. “If you ever need someone to talk to, you know you can call me, right?”

Chas blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “That’s sweet, Martin. Thanks. But I’m good—I promise.”

He hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “How’s it been, though? Living with him, I mean. These past few weeks?”

Her expression softened, and she let out a small laugh. “It’s been… different. Nick’s not what I expected, honestly. He’s thoughtful and kind, even when he’s overbearing sometimes. But it’s been good.”

“Good?” Martin repeated, his tone laced with curiosity—and maybe a hint of something else.

“Yeah.” Chas nodded, her eyes brightening as she continued. “He’s a bit messy, and he has this thing about playing soft rock in the mornings while making coffee, but… it feels like home, you know?”

Martin’s stomach tightened at her words. Home. The way she said it, with that warm, content smile, stirred something unpleasant in him.

“Must be nice,” he said after a pause, forcing a casual tone. “Living with someone like him.”

“It’s not as glamorous as you’d think,” Chas said, smirking slightly. “He’s just a person, Martin. Famous, sure, but still human. He has his quirks, his flaws… but he’s trying. And I appreciate that.”

Martin’s jaw clenched, though he quickly covered it with a weak smile. “Sounds like he’s doing a lot for you.”

Chas shrugged, brushing a stray curl from her face. “He is. It’s… complicated, but I think it’s working out.”

The bell rang in the distance, signaling the start of their next class. Chas adjusted the strap of her bag and gave Martin an apologetic look. “I’ve got to go. See you around?”

“Yeah,” Martin said, his voice quieter now. “See you.”

As she walked away, Martin stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing. He couldn’t shake the image of her smiling as she talked about Nick, her eyes lighting up in a way he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Was it really working out? he thought bitterly.

For Chas, it seemed like it was. And that, more than anything, made him realize just how much he had lost.

As Chas walked toward her next class, Gigi and Leon flanked her on either side, their mischievous grins spelling trouble.

“Well, that was interesting,” Gigi said, breaking the silence with a dramatic drawl.

“Very interesting,” Leon echoed, flipping an imaginary scarf over his shoulder. “Our dear Martin, swooping in for a little private tête-à-tête. Who does he think he is? A rom-com lead in the third act?”

Chas groaned, rolling her eyes. “Don’t start, you two. It was just a quick conversation.”

“Quick conversation?” Gigi snorted, clutching her chest as if she’d been mortally offended. “Honey, the way he was looking at you? That wasn’t a conversation. That was a poorly disguised ‘Oh no, I let her go, and now she’s living with a rockstar’ crisis.”

Leon clapped his hands together with glee. “I saw it! The twist of regret on his face, the tinge of jealousy! It was delicious. Like watching a reality show unfold live.”

Chas laughed despite herself. “You two are impossible. He was just being nice, checking in. That’s all.”

“Nice?” Gigi repeated with a raised brow. “Girl, he was practically screaming, ‘I miss the way you used to make me playlists and share your fries.’”

“And don’t forget,” Leon chimed in, wagging a finger, “he’s definitely regretting trading you for, what’s her name again? That Insta-model who can’t spell ‘psychology’?”

“Ana,” Gigi supplied, wiggling her eyebrows. “Or as I like to call her, ‘Chas 2.0 if you squint in bad lighting.’”

Chas shook her head, her cheeks flushing. “Stop it! Ana's a sweet girl. And Martin seems happy with her.”

Leon gasped dramatically, grabbing Gigi’s arm. “She’s defending them! Gigi, are we in the Twilight Zone?”

“Or maybe,” Gigi said, narrowing her eyes, “she’s just trying to avoid admitting that Martin is clearly kicking himself for losing her. I mean, come on, Chas. You’re living with Nick freakin’ Sinclair. Do you realize how insane that is? You’re living every fangirl’s dream!”

Chas sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not like that, you guys. Nick and I—”

“Are in a fanfiction!” Leon interrupted, throwing his hands in the air. “Martin is the brooding ex! You’re the relatable lead! And Nick is the rockstar who’s fallen for you despite all odds.”

Gigi cackled. “And the plot twist? The ex realizes too late that he downgraded.”

“You guys are the worst,” Chas muttered, though she couldn’t stop laughing.

Gigi looped an arm through hers, smirking. “We’re not the worst. We’re just honest. And honestly? Martin is so yesterday’s news.”

Leon nodded solemnly. “Meanwhile, Nick Sinclair is the front page. Headlines, darling. Headlines.”

Chas rolled her eyes again, but this time, she couldn’t suppress the grin spreading across her face. No matter how over-the-top Gigi and Leon could be, they always had a way of making her laugh—even when she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

Leon snapped his fingers. “I mean, does she even know how to stay up late binge-watching cheesy movies or eat fries while overanalyzing life choices? No! Because Ana probably orders a side salad with lemon water and calls that a wild night.”

Chas couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “You’re making stuff up! You don’t even know her!”

Gigi gasped, her jaw dropping as if Chas had insulted her personally. “I don’t need to know her, babe. I’ve seen her Instagram. Her idea of a good time is taking blurry photos of sunsets with captions like, ‘Lost in my thoughts.’”

“Not to mention,” Leon added, tapping his chin thoughtfully, “her outfits? No offense, but she looks like she walked out of a ‘How to Dress Neutral and Bland’ Pinterest board.”

Chas covered her face, laughing harder. “Stop! You guys are being so mean!”

“Mean?” Gigi raised an eyebrow. “No, darling, this is observational humor. And let’s face it: Martin is already bored out of his mind. That’s why he’s over here sniffing around you, the fun ex.”

Leon pointed dramatically at Chas. “The ex who could beat him at video games, make him laugh until he choked on his drink, and actually knew how to be a good time. Meanwhile, Ana is probably like, ‘Let’s spend date night meditating and journaling our gratitude lists.’”

Chas doubled over with laughter, clutching her sides. “Okay, you two need to stop! What if someone hears you?”

Gigi smirked, completely unbothered. “Oh, let them. They know we’re right.”

Leon sighed wistfully, linking arms with Chas. “Honestly, darling, Martin doesn’t deserve you. Ana can have him. But just remember: You’re the limited-edition original that he’s never going to forget.”

“And we,” Gigi added, looping her other arm through Chas’s, “are here to remind you of that every single day.”

Chas shook her head, still laughing as they walked into the lecture hall. No matter how chaotic Gigi and Leon could be, they always knew how to make her feel like the main character of her own story.

-------------------------------------------------------

The bustling sound of the café felt different today—tinged with a bittersweet undertone as Chas entered through the glass door for the last time. The familiar aroma of roasted coffee beans and pastries lingered in the air, but today it didn’t feel as comforting. Instead, it was a gentle reminder that this chapter of her life was coming to an end.

Her manager, Chloe, greeted her at the counter with a knowing smile. “There’s my favorite barista. Ready for your last shift?”

Chas managed a soft laugh, adjusting her apron. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Feels weird, though. Like, I’ll miss all of this. I’ve been here for five years, Chloe. Five years. It’s like leaving behind a whole part of me.”

Chloe patted her shoulder, her expression softening. “I know, sweetheart. You’ve grown up here. But you’re moving on to better things. And you know what? You’ll always have a place here if you ever want to come back.”

Chas nodded, though her heart felt heavy. Throughout her shift, she found herself lingering a little longer with each task—polishing mugs, wiping tables, and chatting with the regulars she had grown fond of. The café had been more than just a workplace; it had been her safe haven during tough times, a place where she found friends, solace, and purpose.

Midway through the day, she was wiping down the counter when Maya, one of her closest coworkers, approached her. “Hey,” Maya said gently, leaning against the counter. “How’re you holding up? Especially after yesterday… with Clara.”

Chas froze for a moment, the memory of Clara’s harsh words stinging anew. She had replayed the encounter in her mind too many times, doubting herself despite Nick’s comforting words. “I’m okay, I guess,” Chas finally said. “It’s just… I didn’t expect her to come at me like that. And on top of everything else, it’s a lot.”

Maya reached out and squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Clara’s words were out of line. You don’t deserve to carry that weight. Honestly, Chas, she was just being bitter because you’re moving on with your life. Let her be miserable in her little bubble.”

Chloe joined them then, overhearing the conversation as she placed fresh croissants in the display case. “Maya's right,” Chloe said firmly. “Clara’s problems have nothing to do with you. If anything, take it as a sign you’re making the right choice. You’ve outgrown this place, Chas. And there’s no shame in that.”

Chas blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear those words. “Thanks, you guys. Really.”

Maya grinned, nudging her playfully. “Come on, no tears yet. We’ve got a little surprise for you later, and I don’t want you all puffy-eyed for it.”

Chas laughed softly and got back to work, finding comfort in their support. The rest of the day flew by in a blur of orders and farewells. Near the end of her shift, her coworkers gathered near the espresso machine, whispering and glancing at her. Chas raised an eyebrow. “What are you guys up to?”

Maya stepped forward with a small box in her hands. “Surprise! We couldn’t let you leave without giving you something to remember us by.”

Chas opened the box to find a collection of little keepsakes: a keychain shaped like a coffee cup, a small notebook for her studies, and a photo of the team taken during last year’s holiday party. Her throat tightened as she tried to hold back tears.

“You guys… this is so sweet. Thank you.”

“We’re going to miss you, Chas,” Maya said, pulling her into a hug.

Finally, the clock struck the end of her shift. Chas took off her apron for the last time and hung it on the hook by the register. Chloe walked over and handed her a coffee to-go, made just the way she liked it.

“For the road,” Claire said with a warm smile.

Chas chuckled, taking the cup. “Thanks, Chloe. And thanks for everything. This job… it really helped me a lot. I don’t even know how to say goodbye.”

“You don’t have to,” Chloe said, pulling her into a hug. “Because this isn’t goodbye. You’ll always be part of this family, Chas.”

Chas gave one last wave to her coworkers before stepping out into the evening air. The weight of the day hit her as she walked away from the café, her heart both heavy and light.

When she got home, Nick was waiting for her in the living room, his guitar resting on his lap. He looked up as she entered, noticing the mix of emotions on her face.

“Hey,” he said softly. “How was your last day?”

Chas placed the coffee cup on the table and sank into the couch beside him. “It was… harder than I thought. But also kind of relieving. I didn’t realize how much I needed to let go of that place until I finally did. Still… it feels weird.”

Nick studied her for a moment, then reached out to take her hand, his thumb brushing over her wrist where the bruise had faded. “I know it wasn’t easy, but you did the right thing. And now, you can focus on what really matters.”

Chas looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Nick. For everything.”

Nick smiled, leaning back and strumming a soft tune on his guitar. “Anytime, Chas. Anytime.”

As the night deepened, Nick and Chas settled on the couch, the comforting glow of a dim table lamp casting a warm hue over the room. Nick draped a blanket over Chas, who was sitting with her legs tucked under her.

“What’s this for?” Chas raised an eyebrow but clutched the blanket tighter around herself.

Nick leaned back against the armrest, crossing his arms. “You looked like you were seconds away from freezing. Thought I’d be nice for once.”

She snorted, tugging the blanket playfully. “I’m not cold. You just don’t want me complaining later.”

“You caught me.” He smirked, then gestured toward her with his chin. “You seemed distracted today. You alright?”

Chas hesitated, her fingers brushing against the fabric of the blanket as she avoided his gaze. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… last day at the café, you know? It was harder than I thought.”

Nick nodded slowly, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Five years, right?”

She blinked at him. “How’d you know?”

“You told me once. I remember stuff.” He glanced at her wrist subtly but didn’t mention it. Instead, he said, “You’re allowed to feel weird about leaving something that’s been part of your life that long. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right decision.”

Chas smiled faintly, fiddling with a loose thread on the couch cushion. “It’s just… the café was my escape back then, you know? I met some of my closest friends there, figured out who I was… It’s hard to let go. But at the same time, it feels… I don’t know, like a weight’s been lifted.”

Nick watched her thoughtfully. “That’s good, though. Sometimes letting go is what you need to move forward.”

Her eyes flickered toward him, and a small, genuine smile formed. “When did you become so wise, old man?”

Nick rolled his eyes. “Keep calling me that, and I’ll take the blanket back.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” She grinned, sticking her tongue out at him.

Nick laughed softly, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

Chas shifted in her seat, pulling the blanket tighter around herself as a more comfortable silence settled between them. But as Nick picked up the remote, flipping aimlessly through channels, her mind wandered to earlier that day. She bit her lip, considering whether to say anything about Martin’s awkward conversation.

Before she could decide, Nick glanced at her. “You sure there’s nothing else bothering you?”

Chas blinked, startled. “Uh, no! Nothing major. Just… adjusting to all these changes, I guess.”

Nick raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. “Fair enough.” He gestured toward the TV. “Wanna watch something?”

Chas grinned, the weight in her chest lightening. “Only if it’s something good. No boring documentaries.”

Nick feigned offense. “I’ll have you know documentaries are—”

“Boring,” she cut in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “We can save those for when your real friends visit.”

Nick smirked. “Alright, fine. What’s your pick, then?”

She grabbed her phone. “Actually, I have a TikTok video I need you to see. It’s about this cat that—”

Nick groaned dramatically. “Not another cat video. I swear, you’ve shown me enough to last a lifetime.”

“You’ll love this one,” she said, scooting closer and shoving the phone in his face.

Despite his protests, Nick found himself chuckling halfway through the video. Chas beamed, triumphant.

“I knew you’d laugh,” she teased.

“You’re impossible,” he muttered, shaking his head, though he couldn’t hide his smile.

As the night wore on, they swapped jokes and laughed at silly videos, the tension from earlier fading into the background. By the time they decided to call it a night, Chas was curled up on one end of the couch, her head resting against the cushion.

“Thanks, Nick,” she murmured, her voice soft as she fought off sleep.

“For what?” he asked, glancing at her.

“For making me laugh. For reminding me that I don’t have to do everything alone anymore.”

Nick’s expression softened. “Anytime, kid. Get some rest.”

Chas closed her eyes, her heart lighter than it had been in days. For now, this moment was enough.

-------------------------------------------------------

That night before they drift to sleep, the house was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Chas shuffled in, yawning as she reached for a glass from the cabinet. It was late, and after their cozy evening on the couch, all she wanted was a quick drink before crashing into bed.

As she filled the glass with water, she didn’t notice the faint sound of footsteps approaching behind her.

Nick, ever the opportunist, crept silently into the kitchen, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He positioned himself just out of her line of sight, crouching slightly for dramatic effect.

Chas turned, glass in hand, completely unaware of the impending ambush.

“BOO!” Nick suddenly leaped out from the corner, throwing his arms up like a monster from a bad horror movie.

“AHHHH!” Chas screamed, nearly tossing the glass into the air. She stumbled back, her eyes wide as saucers, clutching her chest.

Nick burst into laughter, leaning against the counter for support as tears formed in the corners of his eyes. “Oh my God, your face! I wish I recorded that!”

“You idiot!” Chas huffed, setting the glass down on the counter with a loud thud. “I could’ve dropped this and spilled water everywhere!”

“That’s the risk you take for being so easy to scare,” Nick teased, grinning smugly.

“You are the absolute worst!” she shot back, but her tone lacked any real venom, especially as her lips twitched with the urge to laugh.

“Admit it, though,” Nick said, straightening up. “That was hilarious.”

“No, it was not!” Chas crossed her arms, glaring at him. “You’re like an annoying big brother from a bad sitcom.”

Nick smirked. “And you’re the dramatic little sister who screams at everything.”

Chas narrowed her eyes. “Oh, you think you’re so funny, huh? Just wait.” She lunged forward, jabbing her fingers into his ribs in retaliation.

“Hey! Stop that!” Nick protested, dodging her tickle attack and holding his hands up in defense.

“Oh, you can dish it out, but you can’t take it?” Chas taunted, chasing him around the kitchen.

They ended up on opposite sides of the kitchen island, both breathless and laughing. Nick raised a hand, signaling a truce. “Okay, okay! I surrender. No more jumpscares tonight. Promise.”

Chas gave him a mock glare before breaking into a grin. “You’d better not, or I’ll find a way to get you back when you least expect it.”

“Good luck with that,” Nick quipped, still smirking.

Chas grabbed her glass of water and turned to leave, pausing in the doorway to look over her shoulder. “For the record, your monster impression was terrible.”

Nick chuckled. “I wasn’t even trying. Imagine if I had.”

“Don’t,” she warned, shaking her head as she walked back to her room, still smiling to herself.

Nick leaned against the counter, watching her retreat with an amused look. “Goodnight, scaredy-cat,” he called out.

“Goodnight, jerk!” she replied, her voice echoing down the hall.

Nick chuckled to himself before heading to his own room. Despite their bickering, the playful moment had left the house feeling lighter, their bond stronger than ever.

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