Charlie woke up with a headache; he had to remind himself where he was. He was visiting home and not in his university flat. He sat up and rubbed his eyes before checking his phone, which was blowing up with messages from the group chat about the plans for the day. Charlie smiled to himself.

Tao: so...bowling tonight?

Isaac: lame, but yes.

Elle: oh Isaac, Tao wants the gang to hang out at our usual spot again!

Isaac: aww, Tao ur such a sap ;)

Tao: shut up!

Tao: does 6pm work for everyone?

Elle: yep!

Isaac: yes.

Tao: LOL!
Tao: Is Charlie still asleep??

Elle: he's taking advantage of sleeping in during break!

Isaac: bc he's a smart guy

Char: why thank you Isaac

Char: I'm alive

Isaac: barely?

Char: Ha. Ha.

Char: yes 6pm works great for bowling Tao!

Elle: yayayaya!!

Charlie pulled on a random hoodie he found folded up in his drawer and turned towards the mirror; he froze as he realized what hoodie he had on.
Tears whelmed in Charlie's eyes. No, he couldn't wear this hoodie. Charlie took it off, reached for his bag from the University, and got changed into one of Josh's sweaters instead.
He started at himself in the mirror; why wasn't the hoodie as comfy!? What was wrong with him!? He was pathetic; he shouldn't be thinking of Nick when he was with Josh; that made him an awful boyfriend...

"Charlie, breakfast is ready!" Jane called from downstairs. Even though he didn't have an appetite, Charlie went downstairs with a tired smile. Oliver and Tori were already at the table being served. Charlie walked into the kitchen to make himself a tea and rubbed his eyes. "It's nice to have you back," Julio said humbly. Charlie sat at the table and genuinely smiled at that. "It felt nice to sleep in." He chuckled. Tori snorted in amusement, "You sleep?" She joked, causing Oliver to laugh. Jane gave everyone breakfast, "So Char, what are your plans for today?" She quizzed.

"I'm meeting up with Isaac, Tao, and Elle, and we're going bowling around 6 pm. And I thought I'd run at my old route on the park this morning." Charlie rambled as he ate his French toast.

"It is a nice day for a run, but don't push yourself," Jane noted. Charlie had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He knew she meant well, but it stung a bit. "I won't mum."

"You should also play some Mario Kart with me and Tori." Oliver hummed, causing Charlie to laugh. "Will do." He promised. After putting away his dishes from breakfast, he went upstairs to prepare for his morning run.

As the young man began to get dressed, he got an idea. He smirked and decided to send his boyfriend a mirror selfie of himself in just his boxers. He had to admit that he felt good that morning; it was a sexy photo. Charlie stared at his phone, eager for a reply.

Josh💋: hot

Okay, so it's a dry response. At least he called him hot, but Charlie felt hurt by it. Maybe he was being dramatic, but it made him feel insecure about his body, and Josh knew how he could get about that.

A run would, for sure, help clear his mind. He loved Josh's reply and got dressed. Running in his hometown felt nostalgic; he felt full of adrenaline.

Charlie was going fast, one mile in, and he tripped on something. Of course, Just his luck.

A lee got tangled around his ankles, causing him to stumble to the ground, scraping his knees.

"NELLIE!"

A voice he knew very well called; that's when Charlie looked down and realized it. Nellie stood at his lap, wagging her whole body excitedly.

Even though Charlie felt overwhelmed by Nick running over to them at that moment, he couldn't help but pet the beautiful border collie he had missed dearly. "Oh, hi, Nells." He whispered, ruffling her ears. Nellie licked his face.

"Oh my gosh. Uhm, uh, Charlie, are you okay?" Nick wondered, standing beside them awkwardly. Charlie took a deep breath. God, it was so strange to see his ex again. He hadn't changed at all...Still as handsome—No, don't think that! He scolded himself. He had to remind himself that he was with Josh now.

"I'm okay," Charlie managed out. He stood up once he finished untangling himself from Nellie's lease. Nellie was still wagging uncontrollably. "She was just excited to see you again," Nick muttered, avoiding eye contact.

Charlie chewed his lip; the fact that Nick couldn't look at him felt like a slap. Memories of their nasty breakup flashed in his mind, and he sighed shakily. "Uhm, I-I gotta go. I'll see you around." Charlie looked at Nick, forcing a smile.

"Yeah." Nick fiddled with Nellie's lease, looking down.

Charlie turned away and jogged back home, not feeling like continuing his run. His mind felt so blurry, and he couldn't believe Nick wouldn't look at him. Tears whelmed in his eyes at the thought, and he let out a dramatic groan.

Hopefully, bowling night will cheer him up. He rushed to his room, ignoring Tori calling his name. He plopped on his bed in defeat, breaking down and crying.

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A/N: another chapter out!! I love this book, and I hope you guys are, too! Let me know what you guys think :) Thank you, guys, SM, for all the love and support on all my stories. It means the world to me!!!