By the time I reached the café, Suhina was already there, waiting.
My breath came in short gasps as I slowed down, hands on my knees, trying to catch some air. Damn… why did I run so fast? My legs felt like jelly, my lungs burned, and for a moment, the world blurred around me.
The honking of cars, the chatter of passersby, the rich smell of street food—it all faded into the background as I focused on steadying my breath.
"Sorry… I'm a little late," I panted, finally looking up.
Suhina turned her head, her gaze unreadable at first. But then… something changed.
Her eyes scanned me, slow and deliberate. Her lips curved—not in a smile, but something close to amusement.
I straightened up, confused. "What? Is there a problem?"
She tilted her head slightly, studying me like I was some strange, new creature.
"You look… different."
Different?
For a second, a tiny flicker of pride sparked in my chest. Maybe I looked nice? Maybe she was surprised by how well I had dressed today?
I chuckled, brushing my fingers over my pendant. "Aha… yeah, I tried something new."
But the moment didn't last.
Her lips parted, and I saw it coming before she even spoke.
"Why so much makeup? You look like a clown."
My confidence wavered.
"I didn't do much… just put on some lipstick," I murmured, voice softer now. Almost unsure.
She scoffed, arms crossing over her chest. "Oh, it shows."
A short laugh. A flick of her hand. And then, the final blow—
"Honestly, it's ridiculous how hard you try. Do you really think this makes you look pretty?"
Something in me cracked.
I forced a small smile, but inside, my stomach twisted.
Why does she always do this?
She was my friend—my best friend.
So why did her words always feel like tiny, well-aimed daggers?
I laughed it off, pretending her words didn't bother me. But they did. Every. Single. Time.
Just as I was about to respond, a loud rev of an engine shattered the tension.
"Oye, I'm here!"
I turned to see Nami straddling her bike, a playful smirk on her face. She flipped her hair way too dramatically, like she had just arrived in a movie scene.
"Are you two done with your beauty contest? Hop on, we've got places to be."
I didn't say a word. Just climbed onto the bike behind her, my heart still heavy with unspoken emotions.
Suhina slid in behind me, and as we took off, the wind whipped against my face—but it didn't wash away the weight in my chest.
We maneuvered through quiet alleyways, avoiding any chance of running into the police.
I stared blankly ahead, my arms loosely holding onto Nami's waist.
I wanted to believe Suhina didn't mean it.
That maybe I was just being too sensitive.
But deep down, I knew.
This wasn't the first time.
And it wouldn't be the last.