Jealousy

Priya rushes forward, throwing her arms around you in a tight hug. Caught off guard but not unpleasantly surprised, you return the embrace, a sense of familiarity washing over you.

"John!" Priya exclaims, her voice filled with delight and disbelief. "What a coincidence running into you here!"

You chuckle, releasing her from the hug. "Yeah, I'm just as shocked as you are," you admit.

Memories flood back—how you and Priya had gotten together in late middle school, your fathers working together, the closeness you had shared... until the day you had to move away, forcing a painful breakup.

Seeing Priya again fills you with happiness, and you decide then and there to catch up properly. "Come on, let's go inside and sit down," you suggest, gesturing back into the photography club room.

Priya walks over to the club member's desk and picks up a form, a knowing smile on her face. "It seems you want to join the club too," you remark, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course," she responds, flashing you a grin. "Although I don't except getting accepted. I heard the club has a very prestigious history."

You settle into a chair beside her, watching as she fills out the form. "Really? No wonder it feels so popular."

"Exactly," Priya nods, continuing to scribble away. "I heard competition is really tight this year. Ha ha, but lucky for you, I'd say you're a sure shot selection."

You look at her smiling not acting very modest. "Guess it pays to be a genius, huh?"

Priya rolls her eyes and elbows you, "Showoff".

Priya finishes filling out her form and hands it over to the club member. Turning to you with a mischievous grin, she asks, "So now then, what's your plan?"

You chuckle sheepishly. "Priya, I do have some plans. But why don't you come with me? Let me introduce you to my new friends."

As you and Priya make your way towards the cafeteria, you fill her in on your first day at Skyviews—the initial nerves, the reunion with Trish, and the unexpected confession that led to your new relationship status.

When she hears that you've already been confessed to, Priya lets out a playful laugh. "What a Casanova!"

You roll your eyes, but a smile plays on your lips. It's good to have a friend like Priya around again.

As you and Priya enter the cafeteria, you spot your new friends gathered at a table—Trish, Casey, Robert, David, and Shaun. Waving them over, you make the introductions, careful to omit the fact that Priya was once your girlfriend.

Robert immediately stands and fawns over Priya, his eyes wide with admiration. Priya, ever the tease, plays along, laughing off his compliments with a haughty toss of her head.

For the next five minutes, the group chats and jokes, everyone seeming to get along famously. But as the conversation flows, you notice that Trish has grown quieter since Priya's arrival.

A flicker of unease passes through you. You make a mental note to pull Trish aside after gym class to check in with her.