021

Astrid’s POV

“Hey,” he waved, still smiling.

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms tightly over my chest like that alone could create distance between us.

“What do you want?” I asked flatly.

He didn’t flinch, didn’t look surprised either. It was like he had expected the hostility.

“I just want to talk,” he said, shrugging lightly.

Rolling my eyes, I let out a short laugh. “I don’t want to talk,” I said, folding my hands on the table.

“Astrid…”

“I don’t want to talk to you,” I repeated, sharper this time. “So whatever you came here for, just… don’t.”

A few students nearby had gone quiet and now they were watching.

Of course they were.

Reis glanced around briefly, then back at me.

“Can we at least…”

“No,” I cut him off again.

My heart was beating faster now, but I refused to let it show.

“You don’t get to just walk up to me like everything is fine,” I continued, my voice low but firm. “You don’t get to decide when we talk.”

His jaw tightened slightly.

“I’m not saying everything is fine.”

“Good,” I snapped. “Because it’s not.”

Silence stretched between us after that. It was tense and heavy.

Pushing his hand into his hair, I saw him shifting his weight slightly, like he was debating whether to push further.

“Please,” he said finally. “Just hear me out.”

Something in his tone almost made me hesitate but then the memory hit.

It had been a while but the humiliation was still like a fresh wound and just like that, whatever softness tried to creep in was gone.

“I said no,” I replied coldly.

Frustrated, he exhaled slowly as he leaned in.

Dragging in a deep breath, he grabbed the edge of the table, his locking eyes with me.

“Please don’t make this harder than it has to be.” He whispered, trying to grab my hand but I veered backwards, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Harder for who?” I asked through my teeth, struggling to keep my anger in check.

“For both of us.” He replied with a calm tone.

“There is no ‘us,’ Reis.” I snapped and that landed clean. I saw it in the way his expression flickered but I didn’t care, not anymore.

“If you don’t leave,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm in my chest, “I’ll call my boyfriend.”

The word felt strange coming out of my mouth but it still did its job.

Reis let out a low scoff, shaking his head.

“Ocean?” he asked, almost amused.

I didn’t answer, instead, I pulled out my phone so he would know I wasn't making an empty threat.

He studied me for a second longer, something unreadable passing through his eyes then he stepped back.

“Fine,” he said simply, raising his hand in surrender and just like that, he left.

Pushing my phone back into my pocket, I watched him walk away, my chest rising and falling slowly.

It was only when he disappeared out of sight did I realize how tense my body had been.

Snapping my eyes shut, I exhaled, uncrossing my arms.

When I lifted my head, I caught a few girls looking at me but the moment our eyes met, they quickly looked away like they hadn’t been staring.

My stomach twisted.

Of course, there was always an audience.

Propping myself up, I reached for my phone without thinking then opened my messages.

And before I could overanalyze it, I typed.

Meet me at the cafeteria. - I sent to Ocean, the message went through instantly.

My heart skipped a beat.

What was I doing?

Why did I do that?

Biting my lower lip, I stared at the screen for a second, but there was no reply, not yet so I locked my phone and shoved it into my bag.

By the time lunch time came around, my nerves were already on edge.

Regretting my decision, I walked into the cafeteria slowly, my eyes scanning the room almost immediately.

I was hoping he wouldn't show up but he already did.

He was seated at a table near the back, one arm draped casually over the chair, looking like he didn’t have a single worry in the world.

My steps slowed for just a second then I forced myself forward.

When he saw me, his expression changed instantly. It became lighter and warmer.

He straightened slightly, his lips curving into a small smile.

“You made it,” he said like he was the one who asked me to meet up.

Laughing softly, I said, “I was the one who texted.”

“Yeah, but I was scared you won't show up.” He admitted.

Tucking my hair behind my ear, I slid into the seat across from him, trying to ignore the way my heart picked up just from being this close.

He studied my face briefly then asked, “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I replied, nodding quickly.

A beat passed, then I added, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He asked, his brows pulling together slightly.

“For earlier,” I said, glancing down at the table. “I kind of… ran off.”

He let out a soft laugh, leaning back.

“It’s fine.” He waved me off.

“I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Astrid,” he said, cutting me off gently. “I said it’s fine.”

I looked up at him, really looked.

There was no irritation in his expression, no frustration either. He was calm.

“If something’s bothering you,” he continued, his voice softer now, “say it.”

My chest tightened slightly as I tore my gaze away from him.

“Don’t hide it from me.” He added.

Digging my nails into my thigh, I swallowed hard

That shouldn’t have affected me but it did.

“I’m fine,” I said again, but it sounded weaker this time.

He didn’t believe me, I could tell from his face but he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned back, grabbing his drink.

“Alright,” he said lightly. “We’ll pretend I believe you.”

“Thanks.” I replied, a small, reluctant smile tugging at my lips.

We started eating in a comfortable silence and that felt somewhat comfortable but my thoughts weren’t.

They kept circling back to her.

Caitlin.

The name sat heavy on my tongue.

I picked at my food for a moment, chewing slowly whilst thinking and debating on if I should raise the issue.

“Who’s Caitlin?” I asked, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Ocean stilled just for a second but I noticed.

His gaze lifted to mine, sharp and assessing.

“Where did you hear that?” he asked.

I shrugged lightly, trying to play it off.

“People are talking.” I replied and that wasn’t entirely a lie.

He leaned back slightly, studying me.

“She’s not someone you need to worry about.”

The answer came too quickly and that made my fingers tighten slightly around my fork.

“I didn’t say I was worried.”

“You don’t have to say it.” He replied.

His tone wasn’t mocking, just certain.

I held his gaze for a long moment as silence stretched between us again.

“Who is she?” I asked again, quieter now and that instant, something flickered in his eyes.

Annoyance?

Hesitation?

Maybe both.

Leaning into his chair, he exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.

Then finally, he said, “She’s my ex.”

The word landed harder than I expected, simple and clear but it didn’t feel simple because nothing about this felt simple.

Before I could say anything, he leaned forward slightly, his voice firm now.

“But we’re done.”

I blinked.

“And we’re not getting back together ever,” he added quickly.