Past

As the months went by, Sam, Mike, and Xian grew even closer and often planned fun hangouts together.

Today, they decided to visit Sam's favorite bakery shop. Sam suggested staying there for a while, and Xian playfully replied that he knew she would say that, while Mike happily agreed. Their server, Haider, then approached their table and asked what they would like to order. Sam smiled and told him she wanted a strawberry milkshake and donuts filled with strawberry flavor. Next, Mike ordered a chocolate milkshake and a waffle with a little chocolate on top, politely thanking Haider. Xian then chose a blueberry milkshake and pancakes served with strawberry syrup, adding a smiley emoji to his order. Haider kindly told them to wait just a few minutes for their food, and Sam replied with a cheerful "Okay!" while Xian thanked him again.

As they waited, the scene shifted to show both Lucas and Rose perspectives.

Meanwhile, Rose was ordering nearby. Rose sweetly asked Lucas Russo for a strawberry milkshake and pancakes with strawberry syrup, and Jake Caruso quickly added that he wanted the same as Mike—chocolate milkshake and a waffle with chocolate. Lucas sighed in amusement but agreed, saying it would be his treat.

Suddenly, Jake looked up and spotted Sam sitting across the room. His eyes widened in surprise, wondering to himself if that was really her.

He walked over to her table, calling out, "Sam???"

Sam looked up in surprise and asked, "Jake?? What are you doing here?" Jake smiled and teased her, saying he should be the one asking that question.

Sam playfully argued that she asked first, but Jake insisted "Still!!" and she replied with a stubborn "No!!"

Watching them bicker like little kids, Mike couldn't help but intervene, saying, "Can you both stop fighting?" Sam immediately pointed at her cousin and complained, "He started it!!".

Jake denied it loudly, but Sam firmly said, "Yes you did!!" Feeling annoyed, Jake clicked his tongue, turned his head away, and crossed his arms over his chest. Sam did exactly the same, huffing and looking away with her arms crossed too.

Seeing this, Rose Russo walked over and asked Jake, "Jake, who is she?" Lucas also nodded, curious to know. Jake looked at Sam and replied with a playful grin, "She's my annoying cousin."

"Who are you calling annoying?! Ehh?!" Sam exclaimed angrily. Without hesitation, she reached out and smacked Jake lightly on the head. "Ouch!! What was that for?!" Jake cried out, rubbing his head.

Sam just smiled mischievously and said, "I just felt like it." Jake looked clearly annoyed by her action, but Sam wasn't done yet—she stuck her tongue out at him playfully to tease him even more. "You?!" Jake stared at her in disbelief, pointing a finger at her.

Sam put on her most innocent face and asked, "What did I do?" Then, trying to escape, she accidentally hid right behind Lucas.

"Hey!! Don't hide away from me!!" Jake shouted, trying to get to her.

"No!!" Sam stubbornly replied from behind her shield.

Mike and Rose just looked on, completely confused by their silly argument, while Xian could only sigh and shake his head at their childishness.

Xian told Jake to stop, and he finally agreed with a grumpy "Fine!". Sam couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction.

Suddenly, Lucas, who was standing right next to her, blushed slightly and, without even realizing what he was doing, gently pinched Sam's cheek. "Huh??" Sam made a confused sound and looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion.

Inside, Sam was wondering, Why did he pinch my cheek? Feeling embarrassed, Lucas quickly pulled his hand away and mumbled, "Sorry..." while looking away to hide his face.

Sam noticed his cheeks were bright red and asked curiously, "Why are you so red?" Lucas just answered shyly, "Nothing..." Sam looked at him skeptically and said, "Okay?" Seeing this awkward and sweet moment, Jake couldn't help but tease them, "Ayiee!!" while Rose looked at her brother in confusion, asking, "Big bro??"

Rose leaned closer to Lucas and whispered, "You liked her don't you?" Lucas blushed even more and quickly snapped, "Shut up!" trying to deny it.

Meanwhile, Sam was completely unaware of their conversation, simply taking a sip of her delicious strawberry milkshake. Soon after, everyone sat down together, enjoying their food and drinks while chatting happily and getting to know one another better.

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