"I'm not…It's not…" Noelle stopped, sighing in defeat. Her fingers curled tightly around the condensation on her glass. The words slipped out before she could stop herself. "He… had to leave this morning."
Mei Ling blinked, her grin fading. "Wait, what? He just bailed? Like—no explanation?"
Noelle bit her lip. "He got a call in the middle of the night. Said he had to go. Left me a message." She tried to keep her tone even but it came out smaller than she intended.
For the first time that afternoon, Mei Ling wasn't laughing. Her brows knitted, lips pressed together as she studied Noelle's face. "Oh no. Babe. Are you okay? That's… not great. What if he's just…" she hesitated, lowering her voice, "…trying to slip away after… you know."
The thought stung, though Noelle forced a shake of her head. "I don't think so. It didn't feel like that."
Mei Ling reached across the table, catching her hand. "I'm not saying he would. But if he does—if he hurts you—I swear I'll make his life miserable."
Noelle gave a soft laugh despite the knot in her chest. "You don't have to threaten him."
"Of course I do. That's what best friends are for." Mei Ling squeezed her hand, then tried for a lighter smile. "Still… keep your eyes open, okay? Guys can be great one minute and total cowards the next. Just… promise me you won't let him string you along."
Noelle nodded, her throat tight. She hadn't expected Mei Ling's playful jabs to hit something so raw, and now her heart was caught between the memory of last night's closeness and the ache of this morning's absence.
Mei Ling huffed dramatically, releasing Noelle's hand only to cross her arms like a general preparing for war. "Okay, that's it. If he doesn't show his face by tomorrow, I'm marching straight up to Ren in PE and demanding a full report. 'Excuse me, sir, what exactly are your intentions with my best friend?'"
"Nooo—don't you dare!" Noelle groaned, burying her face in her hands as her cheeks burned.
"Watch me," Mei Ling sing-songed, clearly delighted. "I'll even bring a clipboard. Very official. Can't argue with data."
Noelle peeked at her through her fingers, torn between laughter and horror. "You're impossible."
"Correction: I'm the only reason you're not dying of nerves right now." Mei Ling smirked, then leaned forward. "But seriously—if he doesn't text, I'm hunting him down."
Almost as if on cue, Noelle's phone buzzed on the table. Her breath hitched.
Mei Ling pounced, wide-eyed. "Ohmigod, is that him? Check it!"
Noelle hesitated, then unlocked the screen. A single message glowed back at her:
"I miss you already. Can't wait to see you Monday. – Ren"
Her lips curved before she could stop them, relief loosening the knot in her chest.
Mei Ling caught the look and groaned, slumping back against her chair. "Ugh. Fine. I guess I won't have to interrogate him. For now."
Noelle laughed softly, pressing her phone close for just a second, letting herself breathe.
Noelle and Mei Ling lingered at the café long after their drinks were gone, basking in the lazy Sunday chatter. Mei Ling leaned forward, elbows on the table, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"So… spill already," she said, voice teasing but warm. "How was it? I mean… you and Ren. I can see it in your face. You've been grinning like a fool all day."
Noelle's cheeks flamed, and she twisted her straw nervously. "We… nothing's really changed. We're… just spending time together."
"Uh-huh," Mei Ling said, smirking knowingly. "Sure. Spending time together, huh? That's all?"
Noelle groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "You're impossible! Can't you just be happy for me?"
"I am happy," Mei Ling said, leaning back, hands in the air. "I just want to know everything! How he treats you, what you guys did, how… well, you know."
Noelle rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "You don't even want the full details. You just want to tease me."
"Maybe a little," Mei Ling admitted with a grin. "But mostly because I care. You deserve someone who's… everything for you, Noelle. And Ren… seems pretty great at that."
Noelle's heart fluttered. "He is. He really is."
Eventually, they left the café, stepping into the soft drizzle outside. Mei Ling tucked her hood up while Noelle pulled her jacket tighter around herself. Ren's warmth lingered in her thoughts as she found herself unconsciously brushing a hand against her chest, imagining him there.
They walked side by side, chatting about random things, laughing at Mei Ling's dramatics, but Noelle's mind kept drifting back to Ren, the way he smiled, the way he made her feel completely at ease, even in crowded places.
When they reached her street, Mei Ling nudged her gently. "Monday… tomorrow, you'll have to tell me all about seeing him at school. I want details! Did he smile at you? Did he, you know… actually notice you?"
Noelle laughed softly, her heart beating a little faster at the thought. "I think he notices everything about me," she murmured, more to herself than to Mei Ling.
"Uh-huh," Mei Ling teased, eyes sparkling. "Then Monday's going to be interesting. Can't wait to see him try to act normal in class around you."
Noelle blushed again, her excitement building. As she waved goodbye and watched Mei Ling disappear down the street, she felt a thrill of anticipation. Monday couldn't come soon enough.