Guess It's Official!
The park was quiet in the early morning light, with only a handful of joggers scattered across the running path. Caitlyn had just begun her final lap, her strides steady, while Mel leaned heavily against a nearby tree, panting after finishing her own run.
“God,” Mel muttered, her hands braced on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. She stood upright, pulling her earbuds out and switching off her music. Her chest rose and fell as she reached for her water bottle and took a long gulp, her eyes scanning the park.
Caitlyn, a few meters ahead, was nearing the end of her lap, her breath coming in heavy but controlled pants. Her dark blue hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, strands clinging to her damp forehead as she pushed herself the last few strides. When she stopped, she mirrored Mel’s earlier posture, hands on her knees, head dipped as she inhaled deeply.
“Nice timing,” Mel called out, tossing a water bottle toward her.
Caitlyn caught it with ease, straightening up and offering Mel a grateful smile. “Thanks,” she said, unscrewing the cap and taking a long sip, the cold water soothing against her dry throat.
Mel chuckled, wiping her own brow with the back of her hand. “You’re a machine, Cait. Another lap? Really?”
Caitlyn shrugged, still catching her breath. “You stopped early.”
“I stopped because I value my life,” Mel retorted, rolling her eyes. She took another sip of water and glanced around the park, her gaze landing on a familiar figure sitting casually on a bench a short distance away.
Vi.
She was dressed in light gray jogging pants and a white V-neck shirt, her boots swapped out for simple sneakers. Beside her, a golden retriever was chewing on a stick, its leash loosely wrapped around Vi’s hand.
Mel opened her mouth to call out to Vi but stopped when she noticed the intensity of Vi’s gaze.
Vi wasn’t just sitting. She was staring.
Mel followed her line of sight, her brows raising when she realized what—or rather, who—Vi was looking at.
Caitlyn.
Standing a few meters away, Caitlyn was oblivious to Vi’s attention as she drank from her water bottle. Her black sports bra clung to her, accentuating her toned figure, and her short black training shorts revealed long, lean legs that glistened with sweat under the early morning sun.
Vi’s gaze was unapologetically fixed, her eyes roaming shamelessly from Caitlyn’s neck to her shoulders, down to her stomach, and lingering briefly before moving to her legs.
Mel smirked to herself, recalling the fun run event from weeks ago when she had caught Vi sneaking glances at Caitlyn. This, however, was a far cry from subtle. Vi wasn’t hiding her interest—she was downright drinking Caitlyn in.
Mel shook her head in amusement, turning back toward Caitlyn as she approached.
“You hungry?” Caitlyn asked, her voice light as she wiped the sweat from her brow.
Mel glanced at her watch, then back at Caitlyn. “If I don’t eat breakfast in the next thirty minutes, I’m going to spontaneously combust,” she declared dramatically.
Caitlyn laughed, her chest still heaving slightly as she caught her breath. “Alright, alright. Let’s find something to eat.”
As they started walking toward the park exit, Mel’s gaze flicked back to Vi, whose attention hadn’t wavered. She couldn’t resist a teasing grin as she leaned closer to Caitlyn and murmured, “By the way, you’ve got an audience.”
Caitlyn frowned, confused. “What are you talking about?”
Mel tilted her head toward the bench, and Caitlyn followed her gaze. When she spotted Vi and Chip, her expression softened into a smile. Vi, noticing she’d been caught, didn’t look away. Instead, she grinned—a slow, unapologetic curve of her lips—and stood, brushing off her joggers. With Chip’s leash in hand, she began walking toward them, her stride casual and confident, meeting them halfway.
“Smooth,” Mel muttered under her breath, earning a small laugh from Caitlyn.
“Let’s go say hi,” Caitlyn suggested, her voice light and full of warmth.
When they reached Vi, Caitlyn immediately crouched to pet the enthusiastic Chip, who wagged his tail furiously, his golden fur shimmering under the soft morning light. “Hey there, Chip!” Caitlyn said with a laugh, scratching behind his ears as the puppy licked her hand.
Vi grinned, watching Caitlyn’s interaction with Chip. “Morning,” she greeted them both, her voice warm.
“Morning,” Caitlyn replied, standing up to face Vi, her smile lingering.
Mel leaned down to pet Chip as well, her fingers scratching lightly along his back. “Well, aren’t you the star of the morning,” she teased the dog, who barked playfully in response.
Vi tilted her head slightly. “You guys hungry?”
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a mischievous grin as she replied, “Oh, Mel here is starving. She said if she doesn’t eat in the next thirty minutes, she’ll combust.”
Vi chuckled, catching the shared joke. “Good thing I know a place. Come on.”
The three of them strolled through the park, chatting lightly as Chip trotted beside Vi, his leash looped loosely around her wrist.
They soon arrived at a cozy restaurant with an alfresco dining area. They chose a table shaded by a large umbrella, the early morning breeze carrying the scent of fresh pastries and brewed coffee. Chip settled obediently beside Vi, occasionally glancing up to ensure he wasn’t forgotten.
As they scanned the menu, Caitlyn and Vi leaned in close, sharing a single menu to pick out their orders. Their heads were almost touching as they debated between dishes, their conversation peppered with laughter.
Mel observed them silently, a small smile tugging at her lips. The last time she had seen them, Caitlyn and Vi had been their usual selves, but there had been a distance, a cautiousness in their interactions. Now, however, they seemed lighter, more at ease—as though an invisible wall had finally been torn down.
She couldn’t help but notice the way Vi’s arm casually draped over the back of Caitlyn’s chair, her fingertips brushing the edge of Caitlyn’s shoulder as they laughed together. It wasn’t just friendly anymore—there was something undeniably intimate in the gesture. Mel thought to herself, There’s definitely something going on here.
The waiter arrived, taking their orders amid animated chatter. As he left, they launched into a discussion about a recent mishap involving Jayce during a live television interview.
Mel laughed, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe he called the host by the wrong name. Twice!”
Vi smirked. “It’s Jayce. If he didn’t do something embarrassing, I’d be worried.”
Caitlyn giggled, her eyes lighting up. “And then he tripped over the wire when he was trying to leave the stage!”
Vi leaned back in her chair, her arm still resting on the back of Caitlyn’s seat as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Honestly, how is he running for councilor and not tripping over himself every other minute?”
Their laughter was infectious, filling the quiet morning air with warmth. Even as their food arrived, the conversation didn’t falter, their plates gradually emptying as they shared stories, jokes, and teasing remarks.
Mel, ever the observer, found her gaze drifting back to Caitlyn and Vi again. She caught the fleeting smiles, the soft glances exchanged when they thought no one was watching. There was an undeniable ease between them, a familiarity that went beyond friendship. Yeah, Mel thought with a quiet smirk, there’s definitely something happening here, and I’m not imagining it.
As the plates were cleared and they sipped their final cups of coffee, Mel stretched her arms overhead. “It’s been ages since I’ve been to your bar, Vi.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. “Well, you’re always welcome. How about tonight? Bring Jayce and Viktor too. Though, fair warning, Jayce might not get in—strict no-children policy.”
Mel snorted, shaking her head. “Poor Jayce. He tries so hard to be taken seriously.”
Vi grinned. “And fails so gloriously.”
Mel laughed, nodding. “Alright, I’ll text the others. We’ll make it a thing.”
Caitlyn smiled, her gaze flickering between Mel and Vi. The ease and camaraderie of the moment settled over them like a warm blanket, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt effortlessly right.
The bar was alive with the hum of conversation and laughter, the warm glow of hanging lights casting a cozy atmosphere over the crowd. Jayce leaned back in his chair, his broad shoulders relaxed as he took a sip of his second drink. Across the table, Viktor and Mel were deep in discussion, their animated expressions accompanied by the occasional burst of laughter.
“Tell me again why you think Jayce would make a good councilor?” Mel teased, smirking at Viktor, who rolled his eyes with mock exasperation.
Jayce waved his hand dismissively. “You’ll see when I win, Mel.”
Mel raised her glass. “I’ll drink to that—if only to cope.”
Their laughter mingled with the ambient noise just as the bar door opened. Jayce turned his head, spotting Caitlyn stepping in. She wore a fitted white top tucked into high-waisted light blue jeans that hugged her form perfectly. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, with loose strands framing her face softly. A delicate, thin gold necklace rested just above her collarbone, catching the light as she stepped inside the bar.
She scanned the room briefly before her gaze landed on Vi. Vi was standing at the bar, casually talking to a patron, but the moment Caitlyn walked in, her attention shifted entirely. Jayce watched as Vi moved toward Caitlyn without hesitation, her hand naturally finding its place on Caitlyn’s waist. They exchanged quiet words as they walked together toward the table, their closeness evident even from a distance.
Jayce quirked an eyebrow, noticing Vi’s hand still resting on Caitlyn’s waist.
“Cait!” Jayce greeted as she approached, his tone light and teasing. “Fashionably late as always.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, her smile apologetic. “Sorry, I had dinner with my mom before coming here. Thought I’d drop by after that.”
Jayce grinned, raising his glass in mock approval. “Well, you’re here now, so you’re forgiven.”
The group quickly fell into lively conversation, the camaraderie flowing easily as the night went on. Jayce, Mel, and Viktor were already on their second round of drinks when he noticed Vi sliding a drink toward Caitlyn. Vi leaned in, speaking softly to Caitlyn, her hand brushing lightly against the small of Caitlyn’s back. Caitlyn smiled warmly in response, her expression soft and content.
Jayce tilted his head, observing the moment with mild curiosity. That’s new, he thought, but he decided not to comment, letting the conversation shift to lighter topics.
“Hey, Vi,” Jayce said, leaning forward. “I saw Ekko and Jinx the other day. They were looking pretty chummy.”
Vi smirked, settling back into her seat. “Yeah, that’s because they’re together now.”
Mel’s eyes widened slightly. “Called it!” she declared, tapping her glass against the table. “I always knew there was something going on between them.”
Viktor nodded thoughtfully. “Good match. Though, statistically, couples with shared work environments often face challenges.”
The table went silent for a beat before they all burst out laughing. Viktor looked confused for a moment before realizing his words had been taken humorously. “What? It’s true!” he insisted, though his lips twitched with amusement.
As the night wore on, the drinks kept coming—Jayce and Mel ordering another round while the conversation stayed animated. Jayce couldn’t help but notice a pattern: Caitlyn never ordered her own drinks. Instead, Vi would casually slide one over, as if Caitlyn’s preferences were already second nature.
Jayce leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Okay, I have to ask,” he began, his tone teasing. “Why is it that Cait gets drinks straight from the bar owner herself, and they always look suspiciously free? Do I have to file a complaint about favoritism?”
Mel snickered, leaning toward Jayce with a wicked grin. “Maybe if you made Vi your girlfriend, you’d get free drinks too.”
The group laughed, the joke landing perfectly—except Jayce caught the subtle exchange between Caitlyn and Vi. It wasn’t much, just a flicker of shared amusement, but it was enough for Jayce to sit up straighter.
“Wait,” he said, narrowing his eyes playfully. “Are you two… like, together? Dating?”
Caitlyn and Vi chuckled softly, their reactions casual but telling.
Vi leaned forward, her smirk in full effect. “What can I say, Jayce? I guess she likes the drinks here.”
Jayce blinked, then laughed loudly, clapping his hands together. “Oh, come on! That’s your answer?”
Vi shrugged, clearly enjoying herself. “What more do you need to know?”
Feigning heartbreak, Jayce placed a hand over his chest. “Why am I always the last to know these things?” He paused, his expression softening as he stood and walked over to Caitlyn. Wrapping her in a bear hug, he whispered, “I’m happy for you, Sprout. You deserve this.”
Caitlyn smiled, her eyes warm as she murmured back, “Thanks, Jayce.”
When they pulled apart, Jayce raised his glass. “To Cait and Vi!”
The group echoed the sentiment, their glasses clinking together in celebration. Laughter and conversation filled the night as they continued to bask in the comfort of friendship and the joy of something new blooming between Caitlyn and Vi.
The energy in the bar seemed to spike when a familiar, upbeat song came on. Without hesitation, Mel grabbed Caitlyn's hand and pulled her toward the dance floor, her excitement contagious. At the same time, Jayce nudged Viktor, motioning for him to join in. Viktor looked reluctant at first, but Jayce wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Caitlyn, already laughing as Mel spun her around, turned to Vi, extending her hand with a playful smile. Vi raised an eyebrow but couldn’t resist, letting Caitlyn pull her onto the dance floor. The group danced together, their laughter echoing over the music. Jayce and Mel moved with ease, their playful moves exaggerated for comedic effect, while Caitlyn’s movements were effortless and graceful.
Vi couldn’t take her eyes off Caitlyn, even as she moved to the beat herself. Caitlyn’s joy was infectious, and Vi found herself laughing as Cait teased her with a playful spin. Meanwhile, Jayce and Viktor drew the most laughs, with Viktor trying—unsuccessfully—to keep up with the rhythm. His stiff movements earned good-natured laughter from the group, with Jayce patting his shoulder between fits of laughter.
After a few songs, they returned to their table, breathless but clearly enjoying themselves. Jayce smirked at Viktor, raising his glass. “Who knew you were such a natural on the dance floor?”
Viktor adjusted his glasses, his expression serious as he retorted, “There is a clear correlation between scientific focus and the lack of dancing proficiency.”
The group burst out laughing, Jayce clapping Viktor on the shoulder. “Fair enough, my friend. Fair enough.”
Their laughter was interrupted by Jules calling Vi from the bar. Jules gestured subtly toward someone standing near the entrance. Vi’s shoulders stiffened slightly, and she followed Jules’s gaze, her expression shifting.
Lauren.
Vi let out a quiet sigh and instinctively looked at Caitlyn. Caitlyn, who had been sipping her drink and laughing with the group, noticed Vi’s hesitation. She turned to Vi, her smile softening with understanding. “Go ahead,” Caitlyn said simply.
Vi nodded, offering Caitlyn a small squeeze on the shoulder before standing. As she made her way to Lauren, Caitlyn turned back to the group, her attention quickly pulled back into their lively conversation. Vi glanced at Caitlyn one last time before walking over to Lauren, who was waiting with her arms crossed.
Without a word, Lauren led Vi toward the back of the building, away from the noise and crowd. They stepped into the cool night air, where the dim glow of a streetlamp illuminated the alley. Lauren leaned against the wall, a cigarette dangling from her fingers.
“So,” Lauren began, her voice casual but tinged with curiosity. “How’s it going?”
Vi shrugged, leaning against the opposite wall. “I’m good. Bar’s doing well.”
Lauren took a slow drag from her cigarette, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. “You look... different,” she said, her tone probing. “Relaxed, even. Guessing that’s got something to do with the Golden girl?”
Vi didn’t respond but just shrugged.
Lauren chuckled, flicking ash from her cigarette. “Figures. Always knew you couldn’t resist her.”
Vi smirked, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Glad my life’s been such a point of interest for you.”
Lauren waved her hand dismissively, the cigarette still between her fingers. “Oh, please. Like it wasn’t obvious back then. Took you long enough, though.”
Vi rolled her eyes but didn’t take the bait. “What do you need, Lauren?”
Lauren sighed, her playful demeanor fading slightly. “I’m in a bit of a bind,” she admitted. “Need to borrow some cash.”
Vi studied her for a moment, her expression softening. She knew Lauren too well to be surprised. Their shared history was full of rough patches and tangled choices, and Vi couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.
“Look,” Vi said quietly, pulling a wad of bills from her pocket, “I don’t know what kind of trouble you’re in, but I hope you figure it out. You’ve got a chance to turn things around, Lauren. Don’t waste it.”
Lauren accepted the money without meeting Vi’s gaze, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Getting all mushy on me now, huh?”
Vi chuckled, shaking her head. “Just saying what I mean.”
Lauren lit another cigarette, holding the pack out toward Vi. “Want one?”
“Nah,” Vi replied, waving it off.
Lauren raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “First time you’ve ever turned down a cigarette I offered. What’s gotten into you?”
Vi chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “Guess I’m getting old.”
Lauren laughed, her tone light. “Maybe. Or maybe the Golden girl is rubbing off on you.”
Vi smirked but didn’t respond, brushing off her jeans. “I need to get back inside. Jules is probably losing her mind without me.”
Lauren nodded, taking another drag from her cigarette. “Go on, then. Don’t keep your girl waiting.”
Vi paused, glancing back at Lauren. “Take care, alright?”
Lauren smirked, her eyes flicking upward to the night sky. “You too, Vi.”
Vi turned and started walking back toward the bar, the faint sound of music growing louder as she neared the door. Before she could step inside, Lauren’s voice stopped her.
“Hey, Vi.”
Vi turned, her hand resting on the door. “Yeah?”
Lauren exhaled a stream of smoke, her gaze steady. “I’m happy for you.”
Vi’s lips quirked into a small smile, her voice soft. “Thanks.”
With that, Vi stepped back into the bar, leaving Lauren behind, still leaning against the wall, her cigarette glowing faintly in the dark. The faint trace of a smile lingered on Lauren’s face as she tilted her head back, watching the night sky.
Vi walked back into the bar, weaving through the crowd until she reached the table where the group was still laughing and talking animatedly. Mel noticed her first, smirking as Vi approached.
“What did I miss?” Vi asked, sliding into her seat next to Caitlyn, her voice casual.
Mel pointed her thumb at Jayce, who looked equal parts amused and annoyed. “Jayce just declared that if he wins, we all owe him a treat for all the teasing we’ve given him over his little TV blunder.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a smirk. “Oh, you mean the blunder where you turned bright red and stammered through half the interview?”
The table erupted into laughter, with even Jayce chuckling despite himself. “You’re all terrible,” Jayce groaned, shaking his head, though his grin betrayed his amusement.
The conversation carried on, the group falling easily into their usual rhythm of banter and laughter. Caitlyn leaned into Vi’s side as they shared quiet remarks, their connection subtle but evident to anyone paying attention. Mel caught Vi casually draping her arm across the back of Caitlyn’s chair again, her expression softening as she glanced away.
As the night wore on, the bar began to clear out, and the group decided it was time to call it a night. They gathered their things, still trading lighthearted jabs as they made their way toward the exit.
Jayce led the way outside to retrieve his car, Viktor following closely behind. Mel lingered near the bar’s entrance, waiting with Caitlyn and Vi while Jayce pulled the car around. The cool night air felt refreshing, and the streets were quiet save for the faint hum of music still playing inside.
Vi and Caitlyn hung back slightly, their voices low as they spoke to each other. Vi’s hand rested lightly on Caitlyn’s lower back, guiding her as they walked.
Jayce’s car pulled up to the curb, the engine purring quietly. Viktor climbed into the passenger seat, while Mel slid into the back, leaving the door open for Caitlyn. Mel glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow at Caitlyn and Vi still talking quietly behind her.
Jayce leaned out of the driver’s seat, his voice teasing. “Hey, lovebirds! We don’t have all night!”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing slightly as she stepped toward the car. Just as she was about to get in, Vi leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against Caitlyn’s hair, her hand lingering gently on Caitlyn’s waist.
Mel smirked from the back seat, watching with raised eyebrows, while Jayce’s jaw dropped in mock surprise. “Well, guess it’s official!” he teased loudly, earning laughs from both Mel and Viktor.
Caitlyn, blushing even more now, ducked her head and quickly stepped into the car, muttering, “Goodnight, Vi.”
Vi, unfazed, leaned into the open car door, a smirk on her face. “Take it easy, Jayce. We wouldn’t want your campaign posters to get wrinkled from all the excitement.”
The group laughed, and Jayce shot back a quick retort, grinning as Vi closed the door behind Caitlyn with a soft click, tapping the roof of the car as she stepped back.
“Drive safe, alright?” Vi called out, her voice carrying over the quiet street. She waved as the car pulled away, watching until the taillights disappeared around the corner.
The quiet settled around her, and Vi let out a small sigh, her lips curving into a smile as she turned back toward the bar, feeling a rare kind of peace she hadn’t known in years.