That weekend, the group decided to attend the film festival near campus.
Kelly and Frederick were already bickering.
"You have no movie taste," Kelly rolled her eyes.
"Says the one who watches kung fu remakes and swears Jackie Chan is better than Iron Man," Frederick replied, tossing popcorn at her.
Pearl laughed, watching them—chaotic, but undeniably in sync.
Amanda sat beside her, sipping soda. "They fight like an old married couple," she muttered.
"Right?" Pearl smirked. "It's exhausting and entertaining."
Just then, Sheila showed up in her usual dramatic flair.
Her heels clicked, her curls bounced, and she was practically glowing. "Guess who finally came with me!" she beamed.
Everyone turned.
Jason walked in, hands in his pocket.
Behind him, a tall, chiseled guy with shoulder-length dreadlocks and caramel skin followed. He looked like he walked straight out of a magazine.
Armstrong.
Pearl's breath caught. Not because of Armstrong.
But because Sheila immediately clung to Jason's arm like glue and smiled brightly. "Pearl! This is my sugar crush! Isn't he hot?"
Pearl blinked.
Jason avoided her eyes.
Something in Pearl's chest twisted. She wasn't even supposed to care. She told herself she was over it. That it was just a kiss.
But now?
Amanda noticed the subtle shift in Pearl's expression and gently placed a hand on her back.
"You okay?"
Pearl nodded too fast. "Yeah. Just… caught off guard."
Kelly, oblivious, snorted. "Sugar crush? Sounds like a cereal."
Jason finally looked at Pearl and gave a small nod, but she turned away.
He felt it—the wall she had just rebuilt between them.
Frederick, sensing the tension, threw his arm around Kelly. "Come on, woman. Let's go fight over movie snacks again."
"You're paying," she warned.
"In your dreams."
Their banter faded into the background as Pearl stood there, watching Sheila giggle and lean on Jason like she owned him. She clung to him like - ivy beautiful, loud ivy with perfectly curled hair and a thousand watt-smile.
Pearl swallowed hard.
Maybe she had been lying to herself all along.
Pearl barely made it through the movie.
Sheila kept whispering and giggling beside Jason, nudging him every few minutes while he stayed stiff, barely responding. Pearl tried to keep her eyes on the screen, but her thoughts were louder than the dialogue.
*Was he really dating Sheila? Why didn't he say anything? Why did it even matter?*
Amanda, sensing her discomfort, leaned closer. "Want to switch seats?"
Pearl shook her head. "No, I'm fine."
She wasn't.
After the movie, everyone spilled out onto the street. The sky was already dark, buzzing with chatter and city lights.
Frederick was trying to balance his empty popcorn cup on Kelly's head. "Stay still," he said, laughing.
"Touch me again and I'll break your fingers," Kelly threatened, grinning.
Jason lingered near Pearl but didn't say anything. He wanted to. His eyes kept darting toward her like he was searching for the right moment. But none came.
Sheila clung to his arm again. "Babe, let's take a picture! Armstrong, take a snap of us!"
Jason hesitated, glancing at Pearl. She was looking away.
Pearl was already pulling Amanda and Emily along. "Let's go. I need fresh air."
As they walked away, Pearl didn't look back—but Jason did.
Kelly and Frederick walked side by side down the empty road back to the hostel.
"You had fun?" Frederick asked, tossing his jacket over his shoulder.
Kelly scoffed. "Fun is relative. I tolerated you."
He smirked. "You didn't mind me paying for your hotdog though."
She gave him a look. "You're annoying."
"And yet, you're still walking beside me."
"Because you owe me a soda."
"You're a menace," he muttered.
Kelly snorted.
****
Later that night, back at her apartment,
Pearl threw herself unto the bed.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Jason.
*"Can we talk?"*
She stared at it for a long time then turned it off.
She wasn't ready yet. Not now.