Sweet Bomb

Chapter 3.Reflections Over Lunch

The vibrant hum of chatter filled the air in the university dining hall, a cacophony of voices mingling with the clinking of cutlery and the delicious aroma of freshly prepared meals. Coco sat across from Tanya, her best friend, who was animatedly recounting her latest dating adventures. The sun poured through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling space, illuminating the joy radiating from Tanya’s face.

“...and then he took me to this amazing rooftop restaurant,” Tanya gushed, her eyes sparkling. “You wouldn’t believe the views, Coco! The city skyline was like something out of a movie. And Miles? He was so charming, just like you’d expect from someone so… well, rich and handsome.”

Coco smiled faintly, pushing her pasta around her plate. She had always admired Tanya’s ability to light up a room, her effortless grace, and the way she commanded attention. But as Tanya continued to describe her whirlwind romance with Miles, Coco found her thoughts drifting elsewhere—back to Troye.

Troye had been a part of Coco’s life for a brief but intense period. They had met during a summer program, a shared passion for art igniting an instant connection. Troye was everything Coco had ever dreamed of: witty, kind, and incredibly talented. They spent countless hours exploring galleries, discussing their favorite artists, and sharing dreams under the stars. But just as quickly as he had come into her life, he had left, moving across the country to pursue his career.

“Coco? Are you even listening?” Tanya’s voice broke through her reverie.

“Sorry, I just got lost in thought,” Coco replied, forcing a smile. “What were you saying about Miles?”

Tanya rolled her eyes playfully. “I was saying that he surprised me with a weekend getaway! We’re going to this beautiful cabin in the mountains. Can you believe it?”

Coco nodded, trying to muster genuine excitement. “That sounds amazing! You two seem really happy together.”

“We are! It’s just so effortless with him. I can’t believe how lucky I am.” Tanya leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “What about you, Coco? Any cute guys in your life?” Coco shrugged, a wave of melancholy washing over her. “Not really. Just focusing on my studies and trying to figure things out, you know?” “That’s so boring!” Tanya teased, but her eyes softened with understanding. “You can’t just throw yourself into your work forever. You deserve to have fun too!” “I know. It’s just… things with Troye were so intense, and now it feels like everything else is dull in comparison,” Coco confessed, her heart aching at the thought of him. Tanya reached across the table, placing her hand over Coco’s. “You need to get out there! Experience life! Troye was great, but there are plenty of guys out there. You can’t let one person hold you back.” Coco sighed, looking down at her plate. “I guess. It’s just hard to imagine anything being like what I had with him.” Tanya shifted in her seat, a knowing smile on her lips. “Tell me more about Troye then. What was it that you loved so much?” The question drew Coco out of her shell, memories flooding back to her like a tide. “He was passionate about everything. Art, music, life. I loved how he could make the smallest moments feel special. I remember one night, we were just sitting on a park bench, and he started drawing the skyline. He was so focused, and I just watched him, completely mesmerized. It was like he was creating magic.” Coco’s eyes misted over as she continued. “He talked about his dreams, his plans to move to New York and make it as an artist. I wanted to support him, but at the same time, I felt like I was losing him.” Tanya squeezed her hand. “It sounds like he meant a lot to you. But you can’t live in the past, Coco. You’re an incredible person, and you deserve to find someone who can appreciate you just as much.” “I know, I know,” Coco replied, but the weight of her memories lingered. “It’s just tough.Sometimes I feel like I’ll never find that kind of connection again.” “Hey, don’t say that! Love has a funny way of surprising you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone amazing when you least expect it,” Tanya said, her tone brightening. “In fact, I have a party coming up next week. You should come! It’ll be fun! You never know who you might meet.” Coco considered her friend’s proposal. “I don’t know… parties aren’t really my thing.” “Exactly! That’s why you should go! Step out of your comfort zone for once! For me?” Tanya’s eyes werewide and pleading, and Coco couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. Tanya had a way of lighting a fire under her, even when Coco felt like curling up in a blanket and shutting the world out. “Fine! I’ll come to the party,” Coco relented, a small smile breaking through her uncertainty. “But only because you asked so nicely.” Tanya clapped her hands in delight. “Yes! It’s going to be amazing! There will be music, dancing, and who knows, maybe even some cute guys!” Coco rolled her eyes, but she felt a flicker of excitement beneath her hesitation. Maybe a night of laughter and dancing was just what she needed to shake off the remnants of her past with Troye. As they finished their lunch, Tanya continued sharing details about Miles, her excitement infectious. Coco tried to focus, but her mind kept wandering back to Troye—his laughter, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his art, the way he made her feel seen and understood. It wasn’t just the romance; it was the connection that she missed—the feeling of being with someone who truly got her.

Later that evening, Coco found herself in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror as she tried on different outfits for Tanya’s party. Each piece of clothing felt like a reminder of the past, and she struggled to shake off the lingering doubts that clouded her mind. Would she be able to let go, even for a night?

Finally, she settled on a simple yet elegant black dress that hugged her figure in all the right places,paired with a pair of strappy heels. She ran a hand through her hair, letting it fall in soft waves around her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that she was doing this for her friend, and perhaps to rediscover herself in the process. The party was held at a popular venue downtown, a chic bar with a laid-back vibe and a lively crowd. As Coco and Tanya entered, the sound of laughter and music washed over them like a wave. The atmosphere was electric, and for the first time in a long while, Coco felt a thrill of anticipation. Tanya immediately spotted Miles across the room and waved enthusiastically. He was surrounded by a group of friends, his charm evident as he animatedly shared a story. Coco felt a pang of happiness for Tanya but couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider in this vibrant scene. “Come on! Let’s go say hi!” Tanya tugged at Coco’s arm, and they made their way through the crowd. “Hey, gorgeous!” Miles greeted Tanya with a warm hug before turning his attention to Coco. “And you must be Coco! Tanya talks about you all the time.” Coco managed a smile, feeling a mix of admiration and a tinge of envy. “Nice to meet you, Miles.” “Likewise! Let me introduce you to some friends,” he said, gesturing towards a group that was laughing together. As they mingled, Coco felt a little more at ease, buoyed by the energy of the room. As the night wore on, Coco found herself dancing with Tanya and meeting new people. The initial anxiety began to fade, replaced by a sense of freedom she hadn’t felt in ages. She laughed, she danced, and for a moment, she forgot about Troye. But just as she was starting to enjoy herself, she felt a presence behind her. Turning around, she was met with a pair of piercing blue eyes—eyes that sent a jolt of recognition through her. “Coco?” The voice was smooth and familiar. “Troye?” she gasped, her heart racing. He looked different, yet the same—his hair was a bit longer, and there was a newfound confidence about him. He was dressed casually, but he carried himselfwith an ease that was magnetic. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” “What are you doing in town?” Coco tried to keep her voice steady, but her heart was pounding. “I moved back a few months ago. I’ve been working on a few projects and thought I’d check out the local art scene,” he explained, his gaze steady on her. “I didn’t expect to run into you at a party.” “Neither did I,” she replied, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. They exchanged pleasantries, and she felt the familiar warmth of connection reigniting. But just as quickly, reality set in. What would this reunion mean? Had enough time passed for her to face him without feeling the weight of their past? “Can I get you a drink?” Troye offered, tilting his head toward the bar. “Sure, I’d like that,” Coco said, her voice a little more confident now. As they made their way to the bar, the conversation flowed easily, just like old times.