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The quiet hum of the café returned as Alice disappeared into the back kitchen. The warm air smelled of cinnamon, sugar, and brewing espresso. Ethan sat alone, sipping the last of his coffee as he glanced out the window—watching the early morning sunlight stretch across the street.
Ding.
His phone buzzed gently in his pocket.
He took it out, and his brow lifted slightly at the name on the screen.
Samantha: "Hey, do you have anything planned this Sunday?"
He stared at it for a second, then tapped out a reply with one thumb.
Ethan: "Not really. Nothing planned."
Her response was quick.
Samantha: "Good 😊 Let's meet up on Sunday, then."
A small smile crept onto his face.
Ethan: "So… it's a date?"
Another buzz. This time, she sent a GIF—an animated girl twirling happily with stars in her eyes, practically glowing with excitement.
He chuckled under his breath.
But just as he was about to slide the phone back into his pocket, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.
Alice.
She was coming back from the kitchen, towel in hand, her steps light—but her eyes locked on his phone for a half-second too long.
Ethan smoothly locked the screen and pocketed it.
Great.
This again.
That brief look from her—it wasn't angry. It wasn't jealous, either. But it was something. A flicker of curiosity? Suspicion?
He wasn't sure.
Still, that weight in his chest returned—the uncomfortable kind. He knew the two girls had been... subtly competitive, especially back in the hospital. Little jabs. Side glances. Moments of silence that said more than words.
Part of him knew this was a jerk move. Letting things just happen, not choosing, not pushing either away.
But at the same time, he wasn't doing anything wrong.
And besides…
This isn't like those days where life made sense. Not anymore.
Alice reached the table and sat down across from him, brushing her bangs behind one ear.
"What were you smiling at just now?" she asked, her voice casual—but the question was anything but.
Ethan gave a neutral shrug. "Just… a message."
"From?"
"Friend," he replied simply, keeping his tone light. "Nothing serious."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she let it slide.
"So," she said after a pause, "what are you doing today?"
Ethan stretched his arms above his head slightly, letting out a breath. "Nothing really. I'm free all day."
Alice nodded slowly, glancing down at her notepad before speaking again. "If you want… maybe we could hang out a little later?"
Ethan raised a brow.
She quickly added, "You know. Just talk. Walk around. Coffee, maybe. Since we're both free."
He smiled. "Yeah. Sure. Sounds good."
She offered a faint smile in return, though something about it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Cool," she said, rising to her feet. "I'll finish setting up the tables."
As she walked away, Ethan leaned back in his seat, gaze drifting to the ceiling.
One text. One look. One moment—and suddenly, everything felt more complicated than it needed to be.
Still…
He wasn't sure if he wanted to escape it.
---
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