Game Over, Pretty Boy. ♕ || STGOPB

♕ Chapter Two ♕ - Knock Knock...

"Interrupting physicists wh—" Maya began, but Milo cut her off.

"Muon!" he exclaimed, the word practically bursting out of him.

There was a brief pause, during which Maya looked utterly perplexed. But then, Farkle's face lit up, and he burst into laughter, clutching his sides as if the joke was the funniest thing he'd heard all week.

Maya, on the other hand, glanced between the two of them, clearly trying to piece together what she'd just heard. "Wait... what just happened? Is that even a word?"

Farkle finally caught his breath, wiping away a tear of laughter. "It's a subatomic particle, Maya. A muon! That was brilliant, Milo."

Maya just shook her head, giving me a look that said, "I have no idea what's going on, but I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves."

I couldn't help but laugh, too, not so much at the joke but at the scene itself. "Don't worry, Maya. Sometimes it's better to just smile and nod when the boys get all science-y."

Milo smirked, clearly pleased with himself, while Maya rolled her eyes once more, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "You guys are ridiculous," she said, though her tone was more affectionate than annoyed.

With that, we continued walking, the air light with the sound of Farkle's residual chuckles and Milo's subtle satisfaction.

The boys walked ahead of us, and Maya interlocked our arms, letting out a sigh. "So..." she drawled, nudging my shoulder, "wanna tell me what's been wearing you out, making you almost fall asleep in the library?"

I bit my bottom lip, letting out a short chuckle, unsure how eager I was to hear Maya's usual speech after I tell her what's been weighing on my mind. I knew she cared deeply and was always looking out for me. But right now, I wasn't in the mood for the same lecture she'd given me months ago. "It's nothing."

Maya sighed deeply. "Riles." She squeezed my arm, probably feeling me tense up. "Don't make me ask again." Her tone was stern but caring.

I tried to push aside the uncomfortable feelings stirred by the memories, thoughts, and that accidental sighting of Lucas. "It's just... I thought I saw him yesterday."

"Where?" Maya asked, holding me back slightly, slowing our pace to keep a safe distance from Farkle and Milo.

"Across from the ice cream shop," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maya's expression softened, though she remained calm. "Riley, why are you letting this affect you still? You need to find a way to move on and not let yourself 'hallucinate' him everywhere." She looked at me with a mix of concern and resolve. "I care about you, and I love you, but you have to talk to me about these things if you want me to help you. I can't support you if you keep everything bottled up."

Her words hit home. I knew she was right. I needed to face this and not let my past keep me stuck. Maya's care was genuine, and she only wanted to help. I took a deep breath, "I love you, too, peaches. I know," I said, nodding slowly, knowing that opening up was the first step to moving forward.

We continued walking, the conversation still hanging in the air between us. Just as I was about to say something, Maya let out a sudden squeal of happiness, practically bouncing on her toes as she pointed ahead.

"There it is!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

I followed her gaze and saw a beautiful restaurant tucked between the buildings, its design a perfect blend of modern chic and natural, forest-like details. The exterior was adorned with lush greenery—vines climbing up the wooden beams, and potted plants spilling over the railings. The large windows were framed by dark, rustic wood, giving the place a cozy yet elegant vibe. Inside, I could see warm, earthy tones, with wooden tables and chairs surrounded by leafy plants that added to the woodland atmosphere.