“So what? It was just a game. Didn’t you just do a drinking challenge with Emily?”
Ryan’s face darkened.
“That’s different—I like her. Do you really think that guy likes you? You honestly believe that? You’re way too full of yourself!”
His rapid-fire questions left me shaken.
In my daze, I remembered the twenty-eight-year-old version of this man telling me:
“Claire, you’ve always been worthy of love.”
“Ryan, in your eyes, am I really not even worthy of being loved?”
The grievance surged up, stinging my nose.
“What else would you expect?”
The words slipped out, and then he turned, noticing my reddened eyes. Regret flickered across his face.
“You… forget it. Just don’t be so reckless anymore.”
Ryan spun around and walked back into the Karaoke Room.
I squatted down in the alley, feeling like these seven days were a form of torture.
“So pathetic, Claire. Did you think I wouldn’t notice you like him?”
It was Emily.
“Claire, I hate people touching what’s mine. I’ve tolerated you because Ryan kept bringing you along. But from now on, I hope you’ll have some self-awareness and stay away from him.”
I stood up, forcing a bitter smile.
“Don’t worry. I won’t anymore.”