Chapter Text
Moving to Barcelona has been a whirlwind of emotions. The city is beautiful, the food incredible, and the people warm and vibrant. Yet, everything still feels new and a little overwhelming. Thankfully, your childhood best friend, Mapi, and your boyfriend, Luis, have both been there to make the transition easier. Luis opened up his apartment to you when you moved for work a few weeks ago, and Mapi has been a lifeline of familiarity, showing you the best spots in the city and introducing you to her circle of friends.
Mapi’s close-knit circle is nothing short of fascinating. There’s Esmee, who has a bubbly personality and a laugh that can light up a room, and Kika, sharp-witted and always up for a joke. Then there’s Ingrid, Mapi’s "wifey," as you love to call her. The nickname never fails to make Mapi blush, and Ingrid just grins knowingly. It’s clear how much Ingrid means to Mapi..she grounds her and brings out the best in her. Watching them together always warms your heart.
One name that keeps coming up, however, is Alexia. Mapi has been insistent that you meet Alexia, describing her as family and someone she deeply values. But between work and settling into your new life, your paths haven’t crossed yet.
That changes one Saturday when Mapi invites you and Luis to one of her games. Sitting in the friends and family section, you’re excited to see Mapi in action. Luis, however, isn’t as enthused. He spends most of the match on his phone, but he came because you asked, so you don’t press him about it.
After the game, Mapi spots you and jogs over with Ingrid in tow. She greets you warmly, her post-game energy still buzzing. “You made it!” she says, hugging you tightly.
Luis nods politely, but his attention drifts back to his phone. You let it slide and focus on catching up with Mapi and Ingrid. As you chat, Mapi’s face lights up. “There’s someone you need to meet,” she says, turning to call someone over.
Moments later, Alexia joins you. She’s stunning, her presence commanding yet warm. “So, you’re the famous childhood friend,” she says with a smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
You return the smile. “The feeling’s mutual. Mapi talks about you all the time.”
Before you can exchange more than a few pleasantries, you feel an arm slide around your waist. Luis pulls you close, his sudden gesture catching you off guard. For a fleeting moment, Alexia’s expression shifts..surprise flickering across her face..but it vanishes almost instantly. She excuses herself gracefully and walks away.
“We’re all going to a bar later,” Mapi says, turning back to you. “You and Luis should come.”
Luis declines, citing other plans, but you agree to join.
Later that evening, you find yourself at a cozy bar with Mapi and Ingrid, reminiscing about your childhood. You laugh over old stories, and it feels like a slice of home in this new city.
As the night goes on, Alexia joins your table, sliding into the seat next to you. She’s easy to talk to, her charm effortless. You laugh over shared jokes, and there are moments where her compliments make you wonder if she’s flirting. But surely, you’re imagining it.
At one point, Mapi drags Alexia to the bar to help carry drinks. Left alone with Ingrid, you can’t help but share your thoughts. “She seems like a nice person,” you say, “and she’s clearly a good friend to Mapi.”
Ingrid’s knowing smile makes you pause. “She’s a good friend,” she agrees.
At the bar, Mapi hands over some cash to the bartender and glances sideways at Alexia, who has been unusually quiet. “What?” Alexia asks when she catches Mapi staring.
“No,” Mapi says firmly, shaking her head.
Alexia arches a brow. “No, what?”
“No to whatever you’re thinking,” Mapi clarifies. “She’s off-limits, Alexia. Don’t even think about it.”
Alexia’s lips curl into a mischievous smirk. “She’s a grown woman. She can make her own decisions.”
“She has a boyfriend,” Mapi counters, her tone exasperated. “And she’s happy.”
“Sure she is,” Alexia replies, grabbing two glasses the bartender sets down. Her expression is unreadable, though the glint in her eyes suggests defiance. “But happiness can be…fluid.”
Mapi groans and rubs her temples. “Alexia, I’m serious. Don’t do this.”
Alexia leans in slightly, her smirk softening into something more earnest. “I’m not planning anything,” she says. “But if she’s as happy as you say, then you have nothing to worry about, do you?”
Mapi exhales sharply but doesn’t argue further as Alexia picks up the drinks and heads back to the table. Mapi watches her go, muttering under her breath, “Trouble. This is going to be trouble.”
Alexia places a drink in front of you, her fingers brushing yours for just a moment.
The rest of the evening passes pleasantly, though you can’t ignore the occasional lingering glance from Alexia. Around 10 p.m., you decide to call it a night. You say your goodbyes and step out into the cool Barcelona air. As you turn to head home, a voice calls out.
“Wait.”
You turn to see Alexia jogging after you. “I’ll walk you home,” she says.
“That’s not necessary,” you said, shaking your head. “I’m fine.”
She insisted, and eventually, you relented. The walk was pleasant, filled with light banter, but something about her lingering gazes unsettled you. When she complimented you again, you stopped in your tracks and have to ask outright. “Are you flirting with me?”
Her smirk is infuriatingly confident. “Would it be bad if I was? It’s no secret I like flirting with beautiful women.”
You stop in your tracks. “I’m not interested. I have a boyfriend.”
Her expression falters for a split second before she recovers. “That boy at the game? Really?”
“Yes,” you replied, narrowing your eyes. “What’s that even supposed to mean? That boy?!”
“Nothing,” she said, shrugging. “It’s just…you don’t give off straight vibes.”
You rolled your eyes. “Well, I am. And I’m happy with my boyfriend. So whatever you’re trying to do, stop.”
Alexia’s smirk deepened, and she took a step closer. “You weren’t exactly discouraging me earlier.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” you asked, your voice sharpening.
“You flirted back,” she said simply, her gaze unwavering. “At the bar. The way you laughed at my jokes, the way you looked at me..it wasn’t nothing.”
Your stomach twisted. “I was just being polite.”
“Maybe,” she said, tilting her head. “But if you’re so sure, why does it bother you that I think otherwise?”
Her words struck a nerve, and for a moment, you didn’t know how to respond. Finally, you shook your head. “This conversation is over.”
She raises her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. I’ll leave it alone. For now.”
You reach your building and turn to face her. “This is me. Goodnight, Alexia.”
Her smirk returns, along with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Goodnight. Sweet dreams.”
As you watch her walk away, you feel a mix of irritation and something you can’t quite place. Shaking your head, you head upstairs and slip into bed beside Luis. Yet, Alexia’s words linger. You weren’t flirting back…were you?
Meanwhile, Alexia walks home with a determined glint in her eye. Sure, you’re taken, but she can’t shake the feeling that she’d seen something in you..something she’s not ready to let go of just yet. After all, she’s Alexia Putellas. And if anyone can make you see what she does, it’s her.