Game Over, Pretty Boy. ♕ || STGOPB

♕ Chapter Two ♕ - Knock Knock...

A good amount of people were already there, filling the space with a lively energy, but it didn't feel overcrowded. The soft glow of hanging lights created an inviting ambiance, making it look like the perfect spot for a relaxing meal.

Maya tugged on my arm, her excitement palpable. "It looks like something out of a fairytale, doesn't it?"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, momentarily distracted from my own thoughts by the sheer joy in her voice. The restaurant did look like the perfect escape, a place where the outside world seemed to melt away.

Milo studied the restaurant with a critical eye, his brow furrowing slightly. "You know," he began, "the forest-like design is actually a clever way to evoke a sense of tranquility, probably tapping into our innate—"

Before he could finish, Maya cut him off, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, please, Milo. Not everything needs to be a deep analysis. It's just pretty!"

Farkle and I couldn't help but laugh a little at the exchange, the way Maya effortlessly derailed Milo's train of thought. Milo, however, shot Maya a glare, clearly annoyed by the interruption. He opened his mouth as if to retort, but instead just huffed, shaking his head.

Maya smirked, clearly pleased with herself. "See? Sometimes, less is more, professor."

Milo rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.

As we made our way to the restaurant's doors, the warmth and inviting atmosphere drew us in. The soft glow of the lights and the gentle murmur of conversations created a cozy, almost magical feeling. But the moment we stepped inside, that magic shattered for me.

I spotted Billy Ross, one of Lucas's best friends, serving a table near the back. My heart skipped a beat, panic surging through me as memories of the past rushed back in an overwhelming wave. Without thinking, I grabbed Maya's arm, my fingers digging into her sleeve.

Maya instantly noticed my change in demeanor and stopped in her tracks, looking at me with concern. "Riley, what's wrong?"

I couldn't find the words to answer, my gaze locked on Billy as he moved from one table to another, oblivious to the turmoil he'd just triggered in me.

Maya followed my gaze, her eyes landing on Billy as he weaved through the tables. She let out an annoyed "Crap," before turning back to me, her expression quickly shifting from frustration to concern.

"Riley, just ignore him," she said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on mine. "He probably won't be serving us, and even if he does, there's a good chance he won't remember us. It's been a while."

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing, but the knot of anxiety in my chest refused to loosen. Maya squeezed my hand, offering a small, comforting smile. "We're here to enjoy ourselves, okay? Don't let him ruin that."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to look away from Billy and focus on the warm, inviting atmosphere around us. Maya was right. This was supposed to be a good time, and I wasn't about to let old memories ruin that.

A short redhead came up to us with a bright smile, greeting us warmly as she handed over the menus. "Welcome! Follow me, please," she said, leading us to a cozy table near the window. The view outside was serene, with sunlight filtering through the leaves of nearby trees, but I could barely appreciate it. My mind was racing, my heart still pounding from the sight of Billy.

As we sat down, I tried to control the rising panic, focusing on anything else to keep myself grounded. Across the table, I noticed Farkle whispering something to Maya. She nodded, understanding the unspoken concern between them. Farkle then turned his head and gave me a reassuring smile, a silent message that everything would be okay.