Maddie wasn't sure if fate had a twisted sense of humor or if the universe just really liked throwing her and Alex together.
It happened again.
This time, it wasn't coffee. It was a party—well, more like a friend's awkward get-together that Maddie was definitely not thrilled to attend.
She'd barely stepped inside when she bumped into someone. Hard.
"Whoa, watch it!" Alex said, steadying her by the shoulders.
Maddie looked up to see him, wearing a casual shirt (thankfully coffee-free this time) and that same grin that made her cheeks warm.
"Alex," she said, eyebrows raised. "I should've known."
He laughed. "You too?"
They both chuckled, the tension easing instantly.
As Maddie turned, she noticed something strange. She was wearing *his* shirt.
"How did this happen?" she asked, pulling at the oversized flannel that hung off her shoulder.
Alex's eyes widened, then he smirked. "One of my friends must've left it at my place. Looks good on you."
Maddie rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "You're ridiculous."
"Only when I'm around you," Alex said, teasing.
The party buzzed around them, but for a moment, it felt like they were in their own little world.
"So, what are the chances we keep running into each other?" Maddie asked, half-joking.
Alex shrugged. "If it's meant to be, the universe will keep crashing us together. Coffee spills, wardrobe mix-ups—just wait."
Maddie laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
"Impossible to forget," he said softly.
Suddenly, the music changed, and Alex held out his hand. "Dance with me?"
Maddie hesitated, then took it, letting herself be pulled into the moment.
Maybe the universe wasn't so cruel after all.