Angel's POV
Waking up today was surprisingly uneventful. I didn't trip over thin air or smash the bathroom mirror out of trauma. Progress… or maybe I just blocked everything out. Selective memory is my favorite survival tactic.
Anyway, today's the day Samuel told me we're going out. And not in the way you're thinking—definitely not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter. This is more of a "let's be civil" hangout, not a date. Obviously.
Still, I need to get out of the house before I officially earn the well deserved "Couch Potato of the Year" award.
Maybe I should visit Roman before the inevitable chaos. His and Daniel's company always lifts my mood. They're like a walking serotonin boost… who just happen to be disgustingly adorable together.
---
ONE HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATER
I stepped into Roman's apartment and immediately dropped my jacket on the couch. Finally—a place where I don't have to worry about being stabbed. Immediately, anyway.
Roman emerged from the kitchen, wine bottle in hand, with Daniel close behind, grinning like sunshine personified.
"Angel! Perfect timing," Roman said, already pouring me a glass without asking. Typical. "We're celebrating."
Daniel flopped onto the couch beside me, his hand naturally finding Roman's. Their fingers locked like puzzle pieces.
"What's the occasion?" I asked, taking the glass. "Did Daniel finally realize he's out of your league?"
Daniel laughed. "Excuse me? I am the league."
Roman smirked. "Daniel just got promoted at the gallery."
I raised my glass. "Aww, congrats, Daniel! That's amazing. Roman must've bribed someone—though I'm not saying you didn't earn it, I'm just saying… it's Roman."
"It's okay," Daniel said with a smile.
Roman gasped in mock offense. "My love's talents speak for themselves. No bribery necessary."
"Yeah yeah, spare my single, spiteful, and miserable soul the lecture on love. I'm not in the mood to hear about your perfect relationship."
"That's why I keep telling you to get a boyfriend. Or girlfriend. Whichever you want," Roman said, throwing a wink my way.
"Shut it. I'm good. I like being single and spiteful."
"You might've changed your mind after spending time with this gorgeous boyfriend of mine," Daniel added, smug.
Their banter was endless. Cute, sickening, warm. I tried not to barf.
Honestly, I was starting to feel like the third wheel on a Ferris wheel that just won't stop spinning. Their chemistry was undeniable. It was gross. And beautiful. And a little infuriating.
God, I need to get laid.
Or maybe not. Casual sex seems like more trouble than it's worth. What if the guy catches feelings just because we hook up once and then I have to block him and move? Ugh. Too much.
Daniel interrupted my spiral by jumping up and grabbing a photo album from the shelf.
"What are you doing?" Roman laughed.
"Showing her single, bitter ass how cute we are," Daniel said, flipping through pages of obnoxiously adorable pictures.
I snorted. "You two are disgusting. In the best possible way. And FYI, being spiteful adds spice to life."
Daniel smiled. "Thanks, Angel. But seriously, you need to get with someone."
"Like a one-night stand? Because I was thinking that too, but then I realized—"
"A partner, Angel. Not a one-night stand," Roman interrupted, clearly regretting his decision to bring it up again.
"Ugh, not this topic again." I groaned. "I'll get someone when I'm ready."
Daniel reached for Roman's hand again—silent, sweet support. The room fell into a warm, crackling silence.
Then Daniel broke it. "Roman, show her the painting."
Roman's face lit up. "Ah, yes!"
He led me into the study, Daniel trailing behind. On the easel stood a vibrant painting of the two of them, caught in a perfect moment.
"Daniel painted it," Roman said proudly.
I turned to Daniel. "This is incredible. You're almost as talented as you are annoyingly charming."
Daniel blushed. Roman wrapped his arms around him, practically growling, "He's mine."
"Relax, Picasso. He's not my type," I smirked.
"What do you mean?" Roman frowned.
"She's kidding," Daniel said, before I could reply.
"I'm the luckiest man alive," Roman whispered.
Their eyes locked. I looked away. Yeah, I definitely need to get laid.
"Okay, lovebirds," I said, backing out of the room. "This third wheel needs to roll. I've got somewhere to be."
"Date?" Roman teased, raising that damn perfect eyebrow.
"What—? Heck no! It's just a... meeting. With a person. Who is not a date."
"Uh huh. Whatever helps you sleep at night," Roman grinned.
After a few more sarcastic remarks and an eye roll so aggressive it nearly gave me a headache, I finally escaped.
---
THIRTY MINUTES LATER — THIRD PERSON POV
Samuel sat at the ice cream parlor, nervously fidgeting with his napkin. Angel was late. Just a few minutes, but every second stretched longer than the last.
What if she changed her mind? What if she realized I'm not worth it? What if—
Then she walked in.
Her smile melted every worry like ice cream on asphalt. She spotted him and strolled over with that confident swagger, even if her heart fluttered just a little when she caught the look in his eyes.
"Hey," Samuel said, standing up quickly.
"Hey," she replied, amused by how pale he looked.
"Are you cold?"
"Oh—uh, yeah. A bit."
"Liar."
"I am not."
"You do realize I know when you're lying, right? You forget we were once close."
Ouch. Were. Past tense. That stung.
"Fine," he sighed. "I was nervous."
"Let me guess. You thought I wouldn't show?"
"Kinda…"
"I was late," she admitted. "But still… not a great look, doubting me."
"I do trust you—"
She coughed loudly, ears flushing. "Don't even try that cheesy line. I was joking."
They ordered ice cream. Samuel kept stealing glances at her. Her smile was guarded, but warmer than it had been in years.
They sat in a cozy corner, surrounded by pastel walls and the scent of waffle cones.
"This is heaven," Angel murmured after a bite.
"Told you."
"You told me nothing. You dragged me here."
"At least it's good."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
"So… how've you been?"
Angel paused. "Stuff happened."
"You can't talk about it?"
"Something like that."
"I'm sorry I asked."
"You were just trying to catch up."
A beat passed.
"Sooo… any new girlfriends?" she teased.
Samuel choked on his spoon. Angel doubled over laughing.
"Calm down, Sammy. I was kidding!"
"Give a guy some warning next time."
"It was a yes or no question!"
"No. I don't. But… I'm planning on pursuing someone." He looked her dead in the eyes.
Angel choked on air this time. He had the nerve to actually tell her that to her face. What an insult!.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"What happened?"
"Don't look at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like I'm your entire world."
"What?"
"Nothing. Just… finish your ice cream."
"You won't ask who I was talking about?"
"Should I?"
"Yeah."
"So who is it? Got someone special?" she asked, hating the lump in her throat.
"Yeah. But I'm not sure of her feelings anymore."
"Then ask her," Angel said, forcing a smile. I will not kill him in public. I will not kill him in public. She chants lightly.
"Okay. I will."
"Mhm."
"Angel… do you still like me?"
"WHAT?!"
"Answer me."
"I don't think I have to."
"I just wanted to follow your advice."
"I said ask the girl you like, not me!"
"I know. That's why I asked."
"…Me?"
"Yup."
"You're lying."
"Wouldn't blame you if you didn't believe me."
"Let's drop this topic."
"Fine."
They finished their ice cream. Samuel glanced at her again. "Want to take a walk?"
She nodded.
They walked in silence under the fading sun. The city glowed in orange and gold.
"I never thought I'd say this," Angel whispered, "but I'm glad I gave you another chance. I know you messed up… but I don't regret it."
"Me too," Samuel said, voice raw.
"Just… don't make me regret opening up again."
"I won't, kitten. I won't."
Angel's heart clenched.
"I know I broke your trust," he said. "But I'll earn it back. One day at a time."
She nodded, lips trembling. "It's not easy."
"I know."
They stopped at a hilltop, stars beginning to dot the sky.
"Make a wish," he said, pointing at a bright one.
Angel smiled. "You're cheesy."
"Guilty as charged "
He reached for her hand. Hesitated.
"Go ahead," she whispered.
Their fingers intertwined, and the world fell away.
"I've missed this," Angel said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Missed us," Samuel replied, not missing a beat.
Angel didn't respond immediately. Her steps slowed as she mulled over his words. The word us echoed in her head, stirring up everything she'd locked away—the memories, the laughter, the pain… and the love.
"I don't know if us still exists," she said finally, her tone soft but honest. "But... I miss what we were before everything got complicated."
Samuel squeezed her hand gently. "Then let's try to find our way back—no pressure, no expectations. Just... us. As we are now."
She glanced up at him, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "You always say the right things when I least expect you to."
He chuckled. "It's a skill. Painfully underappreciated, I might add."
Angel rolled her eyes, but the affection was clear in her gaze. "Come on. Walk me home before I change my mind about ever seeing you again."
Samuel's grin widened. "Yes, ma'am."
They continued walking through the quiet streets, their fingers still laced together like a delicate promise—fragile but full of hope.
As they neared her house, Angel turned to him. "Thanks for today. I didn't realize how much I needed it."
Samuel's smile softened. "Thanks for showing up."
She hesitated, then leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "Don't read into that."
"Oh, too late," he said, smirking.
"Samuel…"
"I'll behave," he promised, raising his hands in surrender. "Mostly."
Angel shook her head, biting back a smile. "Goodnight, Sammy."
"Goodnight, kitten."
She disappeared inside, and Samuel stood outside for a few seconds longer, heart pounding. That single kiss on the cheek felt more powerful than any of their past declarations—it wasn't just affection. It was a door slightly opened, an invitation to try again.
And he wasn't planning to waste it.