Chapter 5: V

Chapter 5: Familiar Faces

Riley strolled through the campus courtyard, a steaming coffee cup warming her hands against the crisp fall air. The hum of student chatter filled the space around her, but her mind was elsewhere. It had been a good morning—a light class schedule, a productive gym session, and even a surprise invitation to a study group.

Life in college was shaping up to be everything she had worked for.

As she walked toward the library, her thoughts drifted aimlessly. That was, until a flash of auburn hair in the distance caught her eye.

It was a head of hair she would recognize anywhere—thick waves cascading over shoulders, rich in color and perfectly styled. Riley froze mid-step, her breath hitching in her throat.

It can’t be.

Her eyes locked on the figure. Even from this distance, there was no mistaking her. Elena Castillo.

---

Elena stood by a bulletin board, her gaze scanning the flyers pinned to it. She was dressed casually in a fitted sweater and jeans, her effortless beauty commanding attention without trying.

Riley felt her stomach twist in a mix of excitement and anxiety.

“She’s here,” Riley murmured under her breath, unable to tear her gaze away.

For years, Elena had been the embodiment of everything Riley admired—kind, talented, radiant. Seeing her here, in this new chapter of life, was something Riley had never anticipated.

Elena turned slightly, her profile coming into view. Riley’s heart sank.

She looks the same... but better.

She felt a sudden pang of inadequacy, an echo of the old Riley who had spent years on the sidelines, unnoticed and invisible. She had worked so hard to change, to become someone who could stand beside someone like Elena. But now, faced with the reality of her presence, Riley wasn’t sure if she could handle it.

---

Riley ducked into the library before Elena could spot her, her heart pounding. She found an empty study carrel and sank into the chair, running a hand through her hair.

What are the odds?

She closed her eyes, leaning back against the chair. Part of her wanted to believe this was fate—a sign that all her efforts had led her to this moment. But the other part, the one still riddled with doubt, worried this would only end in disappointment.

---

Confiding in Sam and Jordan

Later that evening, Riley met up with Sam and Jordan at their favorite campus hangout—a cozy diner just off campus. The place was alive with chatter and the clinking of plates, the smell of burgers and fries wafting through the air.

Sam slid into the booth beside Riley, grinning. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s up?”

Jordan took a seat across from them, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, you’ve got that ‘something’s on your mind’ face.”

Riley hesitated, her fingers toying with the edge of a napkin. “You’re not gonna believe who I saw today.”

Sam’s eyes lit up. “Oh my god, was it a hot girl? Tell me everything.”

Jordan rolled his eyes. “Let her finish, Sam.”

Riley took a deep breath. “It was Elena.”

Sam blinked, his grin faltering. “Wait. Elena Castillo? As in the Elena Castillo?”

Riley nodded, her cheeks flushing.

“Damn,” Sam said, leaning back in the booth. “Talk about a blast from the past.”

Jordan frowned, clearly intrigued. “You mean the girl you were obsessed with in high school?”

“I wasn’t obsessed,” Riley muttered, though the heat in her cheeks said otherwise.

Sam snorted. “Please. You practically had her picture in your locker.”

Riley shot him a look. “I didn’t even have a locker.”

“Okay, fine,” Sam said, waving her off. “But seriously, what are the odds she’d end up here?”

“That’s what I’ve been asking myself all day,” Riley admitted. “It’s like... I don’t know. A cosmic joke or something.”

Jordan leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “How did she look?”

Riley hesitated, her gaze dropping to the table. “Perfect. Like she always does.”

Sam groaned dramatically, resting his head on Riley’s shoulder. “Ugh, you’re hopeless. You’ve been pining after this girl for years, and now she’s literally within arm’s reach. Do something about it!”

Riley stiffened. “I can’t just... do something. She probably doesn’t even remember me.”

“Riley,” Jordan said, his tone patient but firm. “You’ve changed. You’re not the same girl you were in high school. Give yourself some credit.”

Sam nodded, his usual playfulness giving way to sincerity. “Jordan’s right. You’ve worked your ass off to get here. If anyone deserves a shot, it’s you.”

Riley sighed, her fingers tracing circles on the table. “I don’t know. What if she still sees me as... that nerdy kid with no confidence?”

“Then she’s an idiot,” Sam said bluntly. “But honestly? I don’t think she will. People grow up, Riley. She’s probably not the same person she was in high school either.”

Riley bit her lip, her mind swirling with possibilities.

By the time their food arrived, Riley had started to feel a flicker of hope. Maybe Sam and Jordan were right. Maybe this was her chance to finally connect with Elena—not as the girl who had admired her from afar, but as someone on equal footing.

“So, what’s the game plan?” Sam asked around a mouthful of fries.

“Game plan?” Riley repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah. How are you gonna woo her?”

Jordan groaned, shaking his head. “Let her breathe, Sam.”

Riley laughed, the tension in her chest easing. “I don’t have a game plan. I’m just going to take it one day at a time.”

Sam pouted. “Boring.”

Jordan shot him a look. “Leave her alone. She’ll figure it out.”

Riley smiled, grateful for their support. “Thanks, guys. Really.”

“Anytime,” Sam said, grinning. “But just so you know, if you need a wingman, I’m your guy.”

Riley chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

---

As Riley walked back to her dorm that night, she couldn’t stop thinking about Elena. Seeing her again had stirred up feelings she thought she had buried long ago.

But this wasn’t high school anymore. She wasn’t the same girl who had spent years blending into the background.

Riley had spent so much time transforming herself, preparing for a future where she could finally shine. Maybe now, she thought, it was time to see if that future included Elena.