He had waved it off, telling them he was just accompanying his friend’s younger sister to win a prize from the claw machine.
That moment had stung deeply, but I had tried to understand. I thought perhaps it was just a way to keep our private relationship safe.
But then, as I stood there with Katrina, the truth burned painfully in my chest. He did not care about the secrecy itself; he was embarrassed about me.
Because when it came to Katrina, there were no excuses, no evasions, and certainly no concern about being seen together.
He was not even afraid of being caught by me. He did not care.
I clenched my fists, forcing my emotions back down, the memories swirling like a storm in my mind.
Katrina’s knowing smile lingered, as though she could see right through me, but I refused to let her have the satisfaction.
“No, we haven’t,” I finally said, my tone flat. “He’s always preferred going somewhere quieter.”
Her smile widened, as if that response confirmed something for her. “Ah, I see.”
Seeing no reason to stay any longer, I was about to leave when Katrina’s next words froze me in my tracks.