Hazel, taken aback by the unexpected request, hesitated for a moment. Her mind raced, unsure of how to respond. Before she could gather her thoughts, Francisco, with a sly smirk, interrupted, "It's okay."

A mix of relief and confusion played on Hazel's face. She was about to express her thoughts, but Francisco, once again, cut in, "But I will come here to see you another time."

His words hung in the air, leaving Hazel in a state of mild astonishment. Francisco's demeanor, a blend ...