Emily frowned and pushed the milk tea away: “Don’t bother, Liam. The library is so far, a twenty-minute walk. You’d be better off reading in the dorm.”
Now, for Jason, she wanted me—the one whose ticket they refunded, who might stand for hours to get home—to come back early to save seats in the library?
Emily mistook my silence for hesitation or consent. “Look, this way you won’t be bored at home alone, and you’re helping us, killing two birds with one stone, right?”
“Jason will be happy to know. If he’s in a good mood, he’ll definitely do well on his next exam.”
I forced down the nausea rising in my throat.
If I clash with them now, I won’t get to watch their bigger performance later.
I deliberately lowered my voice: “…Okay. I got it. You two…have fun.”
Hearing my obedient reply again, Emily’s tone brightened, as if a huge burden had been lifted.
“That’s right! Liam, you’re really thoughtful.”
“Then it’s settled! I’ll leave the reservation to you! Preferably by the window for better ventilation, Jason likes that.”
“I’ll go with you to the restaurant you want when we’re back.”
She even went so far as to explain her seating preferences.
“Hm.” I gave a dull hum through my nose.