AMARA’S POV

INSTEAD of going back to the room, I went straight to the girls’ locker room.

It was almost time, so I was sure no one would be there anymore.

"She's right."

Tears started to pool in the corners of my eyes.

Claire was right.

If there was anyone who needed to be honest between the two of us, it should be me.

“N-no, I shouldn’t feel this way about him. H-he’s my friend,” I said, shaking my head.

I held onto my locker, trying to gather some strength. My knees felt weak, and I almost collapsed onto the cement floor.

I shifted my position so that my back was against the locker. Feeling completely drained, I slowly slid down and sat on the floor.

And then—I cried my heart out.

“WHERE have you been? Jazz told me you didn’t take your last subject,” Kolin greeted as soon as I reached the door.

She met me right there, and behind her stood Jazz, flashing me a peace sign. I took the bag from her hand that she had been carrying for me.

“Sorry, I was just worried, so I told her,” Jazz said apologetically.

“It’s fine. Thank you, by the way,” I said, grateful that she carried my bag.

“Is there a problem, Amara?” Kolin asked as they walked beside me, matching my pace.

“N-nothing,” I replied quickly, avoiding her gaze.

“Nothing? Then why are your eyes red? Did you and Seb fight?”

I stopped walking. I looked at the two of them before taking a deep breath.

“No, we didn’t fight,” I said softly.

“Then why did you cry?” she asked, her tone teasing but full of concern.

“I didn’t cry. I was just sleeping,” I lied. It was the only way to stop Kolin from asking more questions.

“Don’t lie to me, Amara. I know you. I know when something’s wrong, so just tell me.”

I sighed inwardly. How I wish Kolin could be more like Jazz—quiet and understanding. Jazz might be gay, but unlike others who love to gossip, he’s the calm type, especially in moments like this.

“Nothing, really. Come on, I just want to go home,” I said.

Kolin rolled her eyes. “Fine. But when you’re ready to talk, just call me, okay? I’m only one call away.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Those are song lyrics, Kolin.”

“For now, take care of yourself. Seb will definitely notice if something’s wrong,” she reminded, her eyes lingering on me. Just one look, and she already understood. When she smiled, I finally felt a bit of relief, and a small smile formed on my lips too.

“I’ll make up a story, okay? Just go with the flow,” I said.

She nodded her head. Jazz did too, even though he clearly had no idea what was happening. I knew it wasn’t fair—he’s my friend too—but someday, I’ll tell him everything I’ve been hiding.

“Okay—speaking of my cousin, here he comes.”

I turned to where she was looking and froze when my eyes met Seb’s. Instinctively, I bowed my head, unable to hold his gaze.

I followed his gaze. I lowered my eyes the moment Seb met mine.

"Did you cry?" he asked, crouching slightly to see the face I was trying so hard to hide.

"I told you, he’d notice," Kolin murmured.

Thank goodness it didn’t seem to reach her cousin’s ears.

"I—just sneezed," I lied, looking away.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him nod. I didn’t expect that. Wouldn’t he question me? Just… nod?

And why did that hurt? Was it because it felt like he didn’t care? Shouldn’t I feel relieved that he didn’t ask why I had cried? But he was the reason behind my tears—the reason my heart ached the way it did.

Frustrated with myself, I grabbed my phone. I dialed our driver’s number. I just wanted to go home.

"I can’t reach our driver," I muttered.

"Why are you calling him?" Seb asked.

I ignored him and continued dialing.

"Because their driver is supposed to pick her up," Kolin answered.

"I thought you were coming with us?" Seb stopped walking and looked at me.

Even without looking at him, I knew his eyebrows were knit together in a single line.

"Oh, right… c-could we maybe do it next time instead?" I asked hesitantly. I didn’t look at him as I said it. I even bit my lips unconsciously.

"But we already made an agreement. You’ll join Kolin for lunch and… okay, fine," he finally relented.

Hearing that, I lifted my gaze toward him. But somehow, what I saw on his face didn’t match his words.

"What a waste… such a waste of everything Aunt cooked. And it’s so delicious too," Kolin said, emphasizing every word.

I felt a pang of guilt at her words. Aunt really had put effort into cooking.

"Fine, I’ll go," I finally agreed.

I heaved a sigh. It was embarrassing to admit, but I was just going to have dinner and then head home immediately.

"Really? Okay, we’ll go ahead then. Bye!" Kolin waved as she pulled Jazz along, who had been silent until now.

Jazz didn’t resist at all. I just laughed, realizing what was happening. He completely lost himself, dazed, all because of Seb. How could I have forgotten he had a crush on him? No wonder he always acted like this whenever I was with Seb—silent and dreamy-eyed.

"Wait, Jazz! Kolin!" I shouted after them, even as they were already far ahead.

As we started walking again, I noticed his stern, serious expression and the way his gaze seemed sharp, almost piercing.

"Why are you so quiet?" I asked Seb, unable to stand the expression on his face any longer.

But he didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at me.

"Hey! Come on, I already said I’ll go with you." I stopped walking and stood in front of him. I tiptoed a little and held his face, forcing him to look at me.

Why has he been ignoring me and just staring like that?

"So stop sulking, okay?" I said, though our lips were only inches apart.

It felt awkward—the color of his lips was so red, so tempting. I swallowed hard, and I knew he noticed. Embarrassed, I quickly let go of him.

Why am I being so flirty these past few days? Why do I notice so many things about him? Even his breathing feels… attractive!?

"I'm not sulking. I'm fine," he said in a low, husky voice.

Wait—no. I shouldn’t give in to temptation. He’s my best friend. I know how I feel about him, and I should also know my limits.

Get your senses back, Amara!

I cleared my throat. "Oh, come on, just admit you’re sulking," I teased, poking his side.

I wanted to poke closer to his abs, but… maybe not.

"Kate…" he said my name.

My hand froze in midair. There was a warning in his tone.

Even though I wanted to tease him more, I couldn’t. He only needed to say my name once, and I already knew what it meant—especially when he called me Kate. It meant he was serious. And when Seb is serious, you’d better be serious too. That’s just the kind of person he is.

"Alright, alright. I’ll be quiet," I said softly, like an obedient lamb.

I looked down, but quickly lifted my gaze when he reached out his hand toward me. I stared at him in confusion.

"Hold my hand," he said in that deep, calm voice.

I smiled and, without hesitation, intertwined my fingers with his.

"Let’s go," he said gently, flashing that perfect smile of his.

We started walking again, our hands intertwined, fingers fitting perfectly together.