Form: Love - Side note: If you're a 1975 fan, you may have caught the similar title to their song '102', however, this imagine doesn't correlate with it at all. Thank you, enjoy.
You sat in the corner of your school's library. It was lunch and that meant spending your time reading or studying. Sure, you had friends that could accompany you in the cafeteria, though, you like to save them for after school or the weekends. You hate the stress of homework, so you rush to do it anytime you can before heading home.
Right now, you were delved into yet another book after your Chemist teacher, fortunately, didn't assign another packet of work due the next period. You were at peace with your book and everyone kept you from feeling otherwise. Well, almost everyone.
"Hey, cutie!"
Lauren Jauregui, one of the biggest flirters in this school. She's winked at everybody at least once and before finishing her Junior year, it was like she was determined to earn the power she could flatter anyone. If you allow her close enough to you and your heart, she can make you melt just by saying the right words. Although she rarely ever accepts dates from people who do work up the courage to ask her, she's notorious for having long-lasting crushes. And perhaps she'll stop at nothing until she gets her crush to like her back.
Now, don't get it twisted. Her crushes have always been secretive between her and her closest friends. If any crush of hers got out, the world would never want to guess what consequences would occur. Anyone Lauren allows into her heart has to be special if she has a crush on them and rumor has it, she doesn't have them often. Emphasis on long-lasting.
In the past, that has given people hope. They try to get as close to Lauren as possible in hopes she'll open up to them. Except that almost never works. She has said once before when you overheard her speaking to her friend, Normani, saying, "If they're really trying to get into my heart, they wouldn't have to try so hard. It would be like they're already there because that means they understand me."
After hearing that, you realized the girl either had a soft spot or a thing for cheesy romantic movies, but regardless, you understood exactly what she meant. And that is why you're at such a halt when she approaches you. With that pretty smile on her face and when the two of you lock eyes, she instantly sends a wink like it was no decision in her mind whether to or not. Sometimes, you didn't know if you knew the girl like the back of your hand or you didn't know her at all. Either way, you were still cautious so you don't end up hurt in the end.
Lord knows Lauren may have a thing for long-lasting crushes, but is even worse at breaking hearts.
"Uh, hey, Lauren." You say, watching as Lauren plopped down next to you against the wall. She scooted closer to you, enough to where you could smell her fruity scent.
"I knew I'd find you here. I saw you with that book, this morning. You know, in Chem?" She said, her eyes flickered from your book back to your eyes.
"You were looking for me?" You raised an eyebrow.
Lauren inhaled a sharp breath, though, you didn't notice. "No, I'm just observant." She shrugged her shoulders.
"Mhm," You nodded your head, "well, I'll be reading my book if you need me."
You and Lauren weren't close. You occasionally are paired together in Chemistry, sometimes you lock eyes after school when you're headed to the bus, and you two even comment on each other's Instagram posts. Not to mention, the one time she spotted you at the movies with your friends while you didn't notice her. But even if you were in the mix of a crowded room, you somehow would be the first thing she'd notice.
It was frustrating for you on your part because you knew you had tension with Lauren. The good kind of tension, whatever that means. The several conversations you've had with her have been filled with laughter and in your head, it was like you could recite everything she said because it was all you wanted to grasp onto. You loved it when she spoke, when she laughed, and especially when she smiled. And the even more frustrating part is you can't decipher whether you're the only person she says these things to or not. It hurts your heart thinking you could be overthinking all of this. You needed to get to the bottom of it before your heart breaks and falls to rock bottom.
You weren't good at confrontation or communication, you tried to avoid it at all costs. Including this time, where your head was buried in a book while your nose was filled with Lauren's scent. Her presence remained next to you as she awkwardly scrolled through her phone. You've only known her as the awkward girl who sent you a few winks every now and then, but your friends didn't recognize that. They just saw the confidence mistaken for arrogance side of Lauren. They weren't really fond of her.
However, her ears perked up at the sound of your sigh. She sensed something was wrong and acknowledged your new type of body language. She turned her head to the side, eyeing you as your eyes scanned each word on your page.
She asked, "Are you okay?"
You locked eyes with her once again, nodding with a weak smile, "Yeah, sorry." Lauren could see right through that smile. It wasn't the same one she grew to like so quickly.
You went back to your reading and she went back to her scrolling. Minutes later, you shifted in your spot as if you were uncomfortable. The second Lauren sensed it, she feared you didn't want her to sit beside you.
"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" She bit her lip, "Would you like me to leave?"
You placed your eyes off the page as they widened in her direction. "No, Lauren. God, no. I'm just... I don't know." You said.
"No, Y/N, say what you feel." You couldn't remember the last time she's said your name. She tends to replace it with a pet name like cutie or princess.
"I overthink everything so correct me if I'm wrong," Your heartbeat began to quicken, "I don't know if you think of me as a game to play that you can flirt with and flatter. I also can't even decide if I'm the only one considering I know your record of flirtatious behavior. I just can't allow my feelings to get involved if you're going to toy with them."
Lauren directed her eyes away from you, shutting off her phone. She gathered a few thoughts in her brain, not knowing what to start with. It felt like hours went by before you remarked, "Sorry I ruined your fun little game, Jauregui." you humorlessly snickered.
You stood up from your spot, then, you exited the library with no trace of Lauren running after you. You couldn't blame her, though. She was in too much shock that could have been you caught her in this torturous game she was playing or she genuinely didn't know how to reply when she has these larger than life feelings for you. Hint: you didn't even think of the second option as an option.
Your friends were surprised to see you at the cafeteria but were thrilled. You tried to enjoy the rest of lunch, but you couldn't focus when your heart felt like it was stomped on. Just when you thought maybe, it bit you back once again.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
Who would have guessed that at last period, the school's kitchen would have a mini fire? Everyone filed out of each classroom when the alarm system went off. It was a free period for you and your friend, so you two exited the school safely with the classes closest to you. Once firemen arrived, the chef of the school already managed to take out the fire with a fire extinguisher. So, every fireman that came all prepared for a massive fire was in for a real treat.
However, the principle suggested all students should remain outside until firemen can check if the vents are safe so students don't come in breathing toxic air. You and your friend, Kevin sat on the grass beside a Juniors P.E. class. Your eyes were on Kevin as he was telling a random story about God knows what, frankly, you didn't remember. You were too busy in your own little world, imagining everything you couldn't be with Lauren.
You hated sulking and anyone who sulked, though, right now, you were more than just disappointed. You allowed yourself to get so involved in something that wasn't real. Maybe it was from hope, maybe it was because you've always had a tiny crush on Lauren, you didn't know and you no longer cared. Except in a strange aspect, you did. You cared in every sense and it would be so hard getting over not having Lauren approach you with a pet name, her not winking at you, you two not laughing when you're together. It would all be difficult to get over.
Then, in the burning hot sun, you felt a finger tap your shoulder. You looked up to see as you guessed! The notorious, heartbreak Jauregui. Anyone with a brain could read by her face, she was sad. She was sad in her cute, little P.E. uniform—Shut up, Y/N!
"Y/N, I don't like how we finished things in the library. Can we talk?" She asked.
You turned back to Kevin as he wore the most evident look of confusion. He mouthed, 'what?' in your direction. You replied, mouthing, 'I'll tell you later.' you wore a reassuring smile.
You cleared your throat, your gaze traveling up to Lauren's. "Where?"
Lauren scanned her surroundings until her eyes landed on a tree, "How about under the tree over there?"
You stood up from your spot on the grass and told Kevin you would be right back. Lauren led you to the tree she was referring to. The two of you sat under the shade of every leaf and branch hanging above you. There a moment of silence of Lauren collecting her thoughts while tapping her finger nervously on her knee. Your eyes were low, watching the light wind blow grass from its direction.
She began, "So... um, how do I start this?" she allowed her face to fall into her hands, looking absolutely frustrated. You raised an eyebrow at her.
Then, she tried lifting her head up from her hands with courage. When she met your eyes, that made it ten times more difficult for the words stuck at the tip of her tongue to actually fall out.
"Y/N, this is going to be tricky for me to say this and," She sighed, "you have to understand that just because I have a dumb fuck reputation doesn't mean I don't have a heart, or I don't have a personality. I'm human and humans have... feelings."
Your face of curiosity only went further to appearing more confused than ever before. "Go on..." You say, gently to not alarm her.
"I realize I kind of flirt with everybody, but there's a reason why I do that." She continued, "In an aspect, I'm like a child who has these little girl crushes, but I don't keep my eyes scouting from person to person. There's just... a person."
Your eyes widened, but you calmed yourself before Lauren noticed. "I flirt with everybody, including that person, so that person doesn't realize I like them, but I guess it kind of bit me back in the end because I made her think I treat her like everyone else. I understood, totally, though, now I think my shot with her is long gone." A frown made its way across Lauren's face.
Another moment of silence approached except this time, it was you collecting your thoughts. Not Lauren. "So, I'm that person?" You asked with emphasis.
Lauren's gaze fell down to the ground, "Yeah," that frown was still evident on her face.
"Why didn't you just tell me?"
"Just tell you? Sure, like it isn't difficult enough trying to spark some conversation with you without exploding."
"It seemed pretty easy considering you've called me every pet name in the book and you wink at me constantly."
"Yeah, that's true, but it's harder when it's you. Y/N, I hate rejection, as everyone does. You should know that you're the only person I've ever had my eyes on. So, imagine that mixed with rejection from you. That's a picture I didn't want to see."
"I get that."
"For so long, I've been trying to come up with ways to speak to you without directly showing I'm interested. Let me tell you, it's fucking hard. Just walking through the library doors was a hard task for me because you have no idea how much I like you." Tears began to slowly flood out of Lauren's eyes. You scooted closer to her, closing the far distance between you both to wipe away the tears streaming down her cheeks.
She let out a croaky chuckle, "Fuck, I'm so lame for crying."
"No, Lauren, you're not lame. I understand, I so understand." You assured.
"Thanks for not making me feel crazy." Even with tears in her eyes, she still attempted to smile. You admired that in her.
"Of course not, I would hate it if I made you feel that way." You said, "But I feel the same way."
"What do you mean?"
"If I didn't feel the same way about your feelings for me, I wouldn't be able to understand how fucking hard it is to talk to someone like that. I like you, Jauregui. I really do."
Lauren's eyes lit up, "Wait, really? I didn't blow my chance?"
"You never did... Well, I take that back. For a minute there, I thought you were a fuck-girl." You teased, earning a gentle punch on the shoulder from Lauren. You both broke into a fit of laughter.
"Damn, Y/N Y/L/N actually has feelings for me." She grinned, "It's mind-boggling."
"You act like I'm Beyonce." You rolled your eyes playfully.
Lauren sent you a wink, "In my book, you're better than Beyonce."
"Gee, Lo, I tell you my feelings for one second and you're already flirtier than the girl I knew before." That's when you felt another fist collide with your shoulder, but you just started giggling even more. "Damn, so physical."
"You know, I could so say 'That's what she said', but I'm restraining myself." Lauren flipped her hair dramatically, "You're welcome."
"Yeah, didn't help. You still said 'That's what she said'." You shrugged, a teasing smile at your lips.
"So ungrateful, I might just have to reverse my feelings toward you."
"Oh, really?" You pulled your phone out of your pocket into Lauren's sight, "So, if I told you that you can no longer have my number, you'd be cool?"
She rolled her eyes, "Just give me the damn phone."
As she began typing in her phone number, you smirked, "How's reversing those feelings working out for ya?"
"Whateverrrrr," She sang as she handed you back your phone, "I just texted myself so I'll add you to my contacts. Hold up, I'm gonna text you something."
You waited several seconds until you felt your phone buzz. You pressed your home button, eliciting the screen on. Gazing at the notification, you couldn't help but blush.
Jauregui 💚 | 1:02 PM
Heyyy, pretty girl. Saturday, I'm taking you to that new movie you said you wanted to see so badly on your Instagram story. That's right, I peep your Instagram stories. No judging. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm really good at remembering tiny details about a person. ;)
"You are the biggest flirt I know."
"Now, only for you, girlie."