Calista

　　I could see through Cedric's casual flirtations; they were like fleeting sparks that danced across every girl's path, leaving behind a trail of charming words and playful banter. It wasn't personal; it was his way of engaging with the world, a habit ingrained in him that I had long grown accustomed to. There was no need for me to feign surprise or disappointment; Cedric's behavior wasn't the crux of my current concerns.

　　Instead, my thoughts were focused ...