Ethan stood on his balcony, leaning against the railing, his eyes fixed on the balcony across the street.
Katrina's balcony.
He waited quietly, hoping she would come out.
Even just for a moment.
The night air was cool, and the street was calm. Lights from the houses glowed softly, but Ethan didn't notice any of it.
He was only looking at one place.
Suddenly, a voice came from downstairs.
"Ethan! Dinner is ready!"
It was his mother.
Ethan sighed softly. "I'm coming!"
He took one last glance at Katrina's balcony. It was still empty.
His shoulders dropped slightly in disappointment.
He turned around and started walking toward his room.
Just then—
Click.
The sound of a door opening stopped him.
Ethan froze.
Slowly, he turned his head.
Katrina had stepped onto her balcony.
For a moment, his heart jumped.
But before she could notice him staring, he quickly pretended to look around casually, as if he hadn't been waiting there.
Then he saw something else.
Katrina was on the phone.
She was smiling brightly, her eyes shining with happiness.
Her voice carried softly through the quiet night.
"Yeah… I miss you too."
Ethan felt something sharp in his chest.
His heart sank.
He looked away immediately.
Without waiting another second, he walked back into his room.
Inside his room, Ethan sat down heavily on his study chair. His mind was filled with thoughts he didn't want.
Across the street, Katrina was still on her balcony, happily talking.
"Whenever I talk to you, I feel so happy, Aunt," she said warmly.
Her aunt laughed gently on the other end.
"Oh honey, me too. But it's dinner time now. Make sure you eat well. Good night, dear."
Katrina smiled softly.
"Okay. Good night, Aunt. Take care."
The call ended.
But the call left very different feelings behind.
Katrina felt happy and comforted.
Ethan felt quiet and heartbroken.
Inside his room, Ethan stared at the floor.
I was so stupid, he thought.
Of course someone like her isn't single.
She's beautiful… smart… perfect.
There must already be someone in her life.
Just then, a knock sounded on his door.
"Ethan?" his mother's voice came gently. "Dinner is ready. Come eat."
Ethan didn't move.
"I don't feel like eating," he replied quietly.
The door opened slightly.
His mother stepped in, worry written on her face.
"What do you mean you don't feel like eating? Are you okay, honey?"
Ethan's mother had raised him alone. She worked as an assistant at a company and cared deeply about him—sometimes a little too much.
"Please, Mom," Ethan said softly. "Just leave me alone for a moment."
She hesitated.
"…Okay," she sighed. "Good night. If you feel hungry later, tell me. I'll reheat the food."
"Good night," Ethan said.
Next Morning
Katrina was already dressed and ready for university.
Her car dropped her off at the campus gates, and she walked confidently toward her classroom.
A few minutes later, Ethan entered.
Katrina glanced at him.
Something felt… different.
He didn't look shy.
He didn't look nervous.
He looked calm.
Almost distant.
Katrina frowned slightly.
Something feels off, she thought.
But she ignored it.
Break Time
Katrina, Arice, and Ella went to the cafeteria together.
They sat down with their food and started chatting.
Unfortunately for Katrina, Ethan and his friends were sitting at the table right next to them.
Arice suddenly looked at Katrina mischievously.
"Hey Katrina… you're so beautiful. Do you have a boyfriend?"
Katrina blinked in surprise.
"Ah—what? No, I don't."
At the next table, Ethan froze.
He heard every word.
His expression changed instantly.
Relief spread across his face.
Ella and Arice gasped dramatically.
"What?! No way!"
Katrina laughed awkwardly.
"Why are you both so shocked?"
At Ethan's table, one of his friends nudged him.
"Hey… why are you smiling to yourself?"
Ethan quickly looked down.
"Ah… nothing. It's nothing."
But for the first time since last night…
Ethan felt a little lighter.