It was another lazy afternoon at the Galleria Mall, the usual hangout for Jude and his friends. The crew had gathered at their regular food court table, surrounded by the scent of greasy fast food and the icky gum covered table bottom. Jude slouched back in his seat, lazily stirring his slushie with a straw while Wyatt and Caitlin debated over the best romantic movie of all time.

“I’m just saying,” Caitlin insisted, leaning forward dramatically, “The Notebook is the most romantic movie ever made. I'd totally dig a guy who'd build a mansion for me.—

Wyatt rolled his eyes. —Please. That's the female equivalent to what 500 days of summer is for guys.—

Jonesy, lounging with his feet kicked up on an empty chair, scoffed. —Yeah, but do either of them have steamy make-out scenes in the rain? Thought not.—

—Actually...— Wyatt felt inclined to disagree but refrained from being pulled into a whirlpool of immature childish arguments.

Jude ed, but his mind was elsewhere. He had been noticing something lately—his friends were all either dating or at least entering the talking stage. Even Nikki, who claimed to hate everything, had a thing going with Jonesy, even if they argued 90% of the time. Wyatt had been in a serious relationship before, and Caitlin always had guys fawning over her constantly.

Jude, meanwhile, had never really thought much about dating. He was cool with just skating, hanging out, and chilling. But… lately, it was inevitable that he'd get stuck on this matter.

He glanced around the table, a slow realization dawning on him.

—Dude...— he started, sitting up a little straighter. —I think I might need a girlfriend.—