After finishing her studies, Katrina stood in front of the mirror, getting ready.
Her heart was light, filled with quiet excitement.
Tonight… she was finally going for coffee with Ethan.
As she adjusted her hair, she suddenly heard a door opening from across the street.
Something made her pause.
She slowly walked toward the balcony.
When she looked outside—
her eyes fell on Ethan.
And… a girl.
Katrina froze.
Ethan was standing at his door, smiling warmly as he spoke to the girl. He looked… happy. Comfortable.
The girl smiled back and waved goodbye.
Ethan stood there for a moment, still smiling as he watched her leave.
Something inside Katrina tightened.
A strange, uneasy feeling she couldn't understand.
She quietly stepped back and returned to her room.
Restless Thoughts
Katrina sat at her study table, staring blankly ahead.
Who was she…?
And why did he look so happy with her?
A soft ache formed in her chest.
She didn't like it.
She didn't understand it either.
Why am I feeling like this…?
She shook her head slightly.
Maybe… she's his sister.
Trying to calm herself, Katrina picked up her phone and called Ella.
"Hello? Katrina? How are you?" Ella's cheerful voice came through.
"I'm good… I just wanted to ask you something," Katrina said, trying to sound normal.
"Yeah, tell me."
"Does Ethan have a sister?"
Ella paused for a moment.
"Hmm… as far as I know, no. He's an only child. He lives with his mother."
Katrina's grip on her phone tightened.
"I see…"
Silence followed.
Katrina's thoughts started racing.
Then who was she…?
"Hello? Katrina? Are you there?" Ella asked.
"Oh—yeah. It's nothing," Katrina said quickly.
Before Ella could ask more, Katrina ended the call.
A Confused Heart
Katrina placed her phone down slowly.
Her mind was filled with questions.
Who was that girl?
Why did he look so happy with her?
Should I ask him?
She shook her head.
No… what right do I even have to ask something like that?
Just then—
her phone rang.
It was Ethan.
Katrina hesitated for a moment… then picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Katrina! Where are you? I'm at the park," Ethan said, his voice bright and cheerful.
Katrina paused.
Her heart felt… different now.
"Ah… yes. I'm coming," she replied softly.
At the Park
Katrina walked toward the park.
Her steps were slower than usual.
Her thoughts… heavier.
When she reached, she saw Ethan standing there, waiting for her.
He looked happy.
Genuinely happy.
As soon as he saw her, his face lit up.
"Katrina!" he called.
He walked toward her and handed her a small paper bag.
"I got this for you," he said, smiling.
Katrina looked at the bag, slightly lost.
"Oh… thank you."
Ethan looked at her carefully.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine… and you?" she replied.
"I'm good," he said softly. "I'm really happy to see you."
Katrina looked at him.
For a moment… she wanted to ask.
Who was that girl?
But the words didn't come out.
Ethan noticed something was off.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently. "You don't look fine. Is something bothering you?"
Katrina quickly shook her head.
"No… I'm just tired from studying."
Ethan frowned slightly.
"Oh… I'm sorry for calling you then."
Katrina looked at him.
"It's okay. Please don't think like that."
Ethan smiled, relieved.
"Alright… then let's go. Let's have coffee."
Walking Together
They started walking together toward the café.
But this time—
something felt different.
Katrina was quieter.
Lost in her thoughts.
Ethan noticed.
He slowed his steps and looked at her.
"Katrina… are you really okay?"
Katrina stopped walking.
Her heart started beating faster.
She looked at him.
"Ethan… I want to ask you something."
Ethan nodded gently.
"Of course. You can ask me anything."
Katrina hesitated.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
How do I ask this…?
After a moment, she finally spoke—
"Katrina… who was that girl earlier?"