Must Hate The PLAYBOY! (PUBLISHED)

Chapter 5 - Change

Wait a minute.

How could he say my name so casually? It's as if we're close or something. He broke my heart and here he was, acting as if nothing happened. I gathered every confidence I have just to turn around and face him.

"Yes." I managed to say a single word. I just hope they didn't notice a single ounce of nervousness in my voice. I didn't actually look at his face; my eyes immediately found Nathan to divert the discomfort in me. "Nathan, it's good to finally see you!" I moved towards his direction and gave him a hug. He hugged me back.

"I missed you, Tori. It's good to be back." He said. I stepped back and smiled at him, he smiled back.

"You're not going to leave again, right?" I hopefully asked. There was silence, I don't know why. His eyes trailed off to someone behind my back and then he turned his eyes back to me.

"No. I'm staying." He answered. "We're staying." He clarified.

I'm not that dense to understand what Nathan was talking about. I didn't utter a word. It's not that I'm afraid that I might say something bad or stupid, it's just that, I don't have any idea what I am going to say.

"So, when did you two come back? And the million-dollar question is, since when did the two of you became best of friends?" Chloe cuts the tension in the air.

Now that she mentioned it, I'm kinda curious as to how come these two were together. The way they were as I saw them, it's as if they're really close. What happened? Was Nathan with him all this time? What happened to their hatred towards each other?

I stepped aside and alternated my looks to the both of them, waiting for their answer.

They looked at each other and then laughed. "Long story." Nathan said.

I can't help but stare at Zach's direction. I can see that he's really changed. His hair is not that messy blonde anymore, but brown and well kept making him look more serious than before. He managed to keep his body in good shape, which is considered hot, as usual.

He turned to our direction and he somewhat caught my eyes staring at him, I immediately looked away. That's freakin' embarrassing!

Knowing him, I think he'll have the wrong idea as to why I'm gazing at him!

"Wow. That's a good laugh, I need a drink." Nathan said.

"This mini reunion is making me thirsty as well. I'll come with you." Chloe followed Nathan and before I knew it, it's just me and Zach!

What kind of friend are you, Chloe? Leaving me alone with my ex-boyfriend! Arggg!

"So, how are you?" Zach asked.

My eyes were focused on the retreating figures of Nathan and Chloe. I'm still undecided as to whether I will face Zach when I answer his question. Why is he talking to me anyway? And why is he acting as if we're some sort of friends?

And why am I feeling nervous around him? I didn't do anything wrong. I shouldn't be ashamed of something. I'm not the one who left Mexico and has been missing for months. I'm not the person who ran away so why should I be acting like I did something wrong and is avoiding him!

I faced him with full confidence and made sure that I answered his question while looking into his eyes. "I'm fine."

"I can see that. You look fine as well." He said with a... smile, damn it! Why does he have to smile at me like that!

I immediately looked away. At that moment, I'm afraid that he would hear my heart beating at a fast pace. What am I going to do? So much for acting tough! I'm not strong enough to face him!