Strings of Fate: The First Loop

CHAPTER 56 -THE MEMORIES WILL BREAK OUR FALL

🎵 Long live the walls we crashed through / How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you... 🎵

Inez yanks me from the daze. "Picture time. No arguments."

We huddle near the banner that reads Congratulations, Class of 2017. Seven of us. Matt on the far left, then Drake, then Corey. Tim on the far right, flashing peace signs. Inez, a perfect hurricane of chaos and care. And then in the middle: James and me. We hold up our diplomas. We smile.

Click.

Then, as if planned, and of course it was, Inez gives me a not-so-subtle shove toward James. Corey nudges him too. We stumble. My body hits his chest. His arms circle my waist instantly, steadying me.

We freeze, just for a second.

He smells like cologne and summer sweat. His usual Versacè Dylan Blue perfume. His breath is warm against my cheek. My heart punches against my ribs. Our eyes meet.

Click.

Another photo.

My face flushes crimson. I step back like I touched a flame. "S-sorry..."

But he just chuckles, eyes soft. "You look gorgeous... B."

Then, before I can say a word, the basketball team descends on him, shouting his name, pulling him into their frame. He disappears into laughter and limbs. Inez sidles up beside me, arms crossed.

"So... what's it gonna be?"

I don't answer her. Instead, I look at James, his robe askew, eyes laughing, heart unhidden. And for the first time in months, my own heart... settles.

No more maybe. No more someday. Inside me, quietly but firmly... A decision is made.

🎵 Long live all the magic we made / One day, we will be remembered... 🎵

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The restaurant was loud, half-chaotic, half-cozy. Wood-paneled walls, string lights overhead, the scent of grilled meat and melted butter swirling in the air. Our table was tucked into the corner, a little island of noise in a sea of louder laughter. Tim was already halfway through his burger. Corey twirled pasta like he was on a cooking show. Drake was dipping fries into a milkshake with zero shame.

And then,

"Medium rare is objectively the best," Inez declared, waving her fork like a weapon. "It's soft, juicy, flavorful, it melts in your mouth like a dream."

Matt didn't even look up from his perfectly aligned silverware. "It also melts bacteria. Ever heard of that? Well-done steak is safer. You're not a vampire, Inez."

Inez scoffed. "You're just afraid of flavor."

"I'm not afraid of flavor. I'm afraid of e.coli." Matt noted back.

"God, you're such a dad." Inez rolled her eyes.

"Well, someone has to be responsible while you gamble your intestines on undercooked meat." And Matt went on.

Drake reached for a roll without looking up. "I just eat what's on the plate."

Without missing a beat, both Matt and Inez turned and chorused, "You're a pig!"

"Well at least you both agree about one thing for the first time." I laughed while saying.

Laughter exploded around the table. I was smiling before I even realized it. The kind that sneaks up and settles in the corners of your mouth. This, this was what home felt like. My fingers ran absently over the edge of my napkin as the others kept talking, teasing, arguing over sauce versus seasoning. But then,