"Let me tell you something—our band is competing in the National Band Championship next month. The judges think highly of us. So don't you dare look down on me!"

I listened to his tirade in silence. Around us, the rest of the band watched with thinly veiled amusement.

When he finally ran out of steam, I spoke.

"Are you done?" My voice was level. "The reason I didn't call you was because I didn't want to interrupt Letitia confessing her feelings to you at the hotel."

Corey's expression locked in place.

"Wh—what hotel? What confession? Don't make things up! Letitia and I aren't what you think."

Letitia clutched the hem of her shirt, her face flushing scarlet.

"Sis, please don't get the wrong idea. I did ask Corey to meet up, but only to thank him for letting me into the band so I could make a living. That's all. Nothing more."

Looking at the two of them squirming, a wave of exhaustion washed over me.

"Whatever. I'm leaving."

I grabbed the takeout and headed for the hospital.

Before long, footsteps trailed behind me.

Corey had followed.

"I'll come check on Noah..."

Under the medication, Noah was still asleep. I opened the container and picked at a few bites of rice.