“Hey guys,” Sarah beamed cheerfully as we reached them. “This is Saraphina. Saraphina, these are my friends, Emma, Jake, and Lily.”I managed a small wave. “Hey.”The three of them murmured greetings, but the tension didn’t ease. Sarah, either oblivious or determined to make it work, kept talking, filling the awkward space with chatter about the project. I glanced at her, then back at her friends — Emma, Jake, and Lily — my guard already up even as I tried to play along with a polite nod here and there.Something about this didn’t feel right.I shifted my weight and cleared my throat, trying to find an exit.“Actually, I think I’m going to grab a seat near the front,” I said, forcing a small smile. “I need to focus today.”I started to step away, but Sarah caught my arm gently.“Wait, no — stay with us,” she said quickly, still smiling like she could smooth everything over.Before I could insist again, Jake spoke up. His voice was calm but firm, and he looked straight at Sarah.“Just
Last Updated : 2026-07-12 Read more