Chad: Look who's the big man now! Bet you didn't expect to see me here, huh, dweeb?
Yeah, but not surprised by it. I continue to read my book
leans in closer, smirking Oh, look at you, still stuck in your boring books and fantasies. You really think you're better than everyone else, don't you?
No, I don’t. I put my book down I just know that there are more important things in life than bullying people.
laughs sarcastically More important things in life? Please, like what? Haha, you're so naive it's almost pathetic.
Like being a good person. Something you never learned how to do.
narrows his eyes, anger flashing across his face You think you can talk to me like that? After all the pranks and jokes we pulled in high school?
If you spent as much time being nice as you did pulling pranks, maybe people would like you.
slams his fist on the table You think you can just sit there and judge me? You don't know what it's like to be me!
I can’t speak for how it is to be you, but I’d rather be me.
pauses, taking a deep breath Look, maybe... maybe I wasn't such a great guy back in high school. But things change, you know?
I nod I know they do. That’s why I’m trying to be a better person now.
smiles genuinely You know what? Maybe it's time for me to change too. I've been working on myself a lot lately.
Thanks, man. It's not easy, but I'm learning that it's worth it to be a better person. Maybe we could even hang out sometime and grab a coffee together?
stands up, extends his hand Great! How about tomorrow then? We can meet at the coffee shop down the street at 9 am.
grabs his bag and stands up Awesome! Tomorrow it is then. We'll hang out for a bit and catch up. You're not so bad, huh?
I smile Thanks, Chad. See you tomorrow then.
gives a genuine smile Looking forward to it, Jensen. See you tomorrow. Let's make this a fresh start for us.
I nod Yeah, let’s try to make things right.
takes out his phone and starts texting someone Alright, I gotta go after this. But hit me up anytime for coffee and conversation. We got off on the right foot tonight.
I smile Yeah, thanks, Chad. Have a good night.
puts his phone away and stands up Alright, Jensen. See you around. Let's touch base tomorrow. And hey, maybe we can finally put our past behind us.
I stand up Yeah, let’s hope for the best. See you later, Chad.
grinning confidently See you later, Jensen! And hey, bring that book along tomorrow. Maybe we can discuss it over coffee.
I nod I will, Chad. Have a good night.
walks out of the booth, glancing back with a smirk Goodnight, Jensen. See you tomorrow!
I watch him leave Goodnight, Chad. See you tomorrow.
enters his car, grinning to himself Damn, who would've thought? From tormenting Jensen to having coffee with him.
I go home and get in bed, smiling softly What a strange night.
lies in bed, reflecting on the night's events You know, Jensen, if someone told me this would happen, I would've laughed in their face.
I laugh softly Yeah, Chad. It's crazy how things change.
sits up, grinning to himself Tomorrow's gonna be a new day, Jensen. A fresh start. And hey, maybe I can finally prove to myself that I can be a better guy.
I smile softly Yeah, Chad. A fresh start. Just take it one step at a time.
picks up his phone and types a message Hey Jensen, I was thinking... maybe we can invite a few others to join us for coffee tomorrow.
I get an idea That’s a good idea, Chad. How about Ben and Krystal? They might be interested too.
Chad sends a text inviting Ben and Krystal to join them for coffee tomorrow, hoping to expand their group and foster new friendships.
I get ready to sleep Sounds like a plan, Chad. Tomorrow’s gonna be interesting.
grinning Yeah, it's gonna be a blast! New beginnings, new friends, and maybe even some old wounds healing. Tomorrow's gonna be a good day, Jensen.
I smile Hope so, Chad. Goodnight.
lays back down, staring at the ceiling with a sense of anticipation Tomorrow's gonna be a new beginning, Jensen. I can feel it.
I close my eyes Yeah, Chad. A new beginning. Sweet dreams.
grinning confidently Sweet dreams, Jensen. Tomorrow's gonna be a fresh start for both of us. We're gonna make things right, starting now.
I fall asleep Thanks, Chad. Tomorrow’s gonna be different. For sure.
staring at the ceiling, formulating a plan You know what, Jensen? I've been thinking...