Chapter 22: Clearing the Heart
Katrina finally gathered the courage.
"Ethan… who was that girl earlier?"
Ethan paused for a moment, slightly confused.
"Girl?" he repeated, thinking.
Then it clicked.
"Oh… you mean Jessica."
Katrina stayed quiet, waiting.
Ethan smiled lightly.
"She's my childhood friend."
Katrina felt something shift inside her—but she didn't say anything.
Ethan continued gently,
"Actually… remember I told you yesterday that someone was sick? The person I went to the hospital for… he's her father."
Katrina looked at him, listening carefully.
"They're from my village," Ethan explained. "Their house is next to ours there. Her family has helped us a lot… especially after my parents separated."
His voice softened.
"They've always treated me like their own son. And I've known Jessica since childhood."
Katrina's shoulders relaxed.
A quiet sense of relief filled her heart.
"That's why I care about them so much," Ethan added. "I just want to return everything they've done for us."
Katrina smiled softly.
"I see… you're really a kind person."
Ethan shook his head slightly.
"No… it's not like that. I'm just doing what I should."
Katrina looked at him for a moment.
Something about him felt… real.
Honest.
After hearing everything, the heaviness in her heart disappeared.
So… she was just his childhood friend…
Without realizing it, Katrina felt lighter.
Happier.
A Small Question
Ethan looked at her curiously.
"By the way… why did you ask about her?"
Katrina hesitated.
"Oh… I was just curious," she replied quickly.
Ethan watched her for a moment.
A soft smile appeared on his face.
Was she… jealous?
The thought made his heart feel warm.
At the Café
Katrina suddenly smiled brightly.
"Let's go. We're getting late for coffee."
Ethan nodded.
"Yeah."
Both of them walked into a small, cozy café nearby.
The place was warm and beautifully decorated, with soft lights and a calming atmosphere.
They chose a quiet table by the window and sat down.
Ethan looked at her politely.
"Go ahead, order whatever you like."
Katrina glanced at the menu.
"I'll have a cappuccino… and a green tea pastry. What about you?"
Ethan smiled.
"I'll have a latte and a donut."
After a few minutes, their order arrived.
The soft aroma of coffee filled the air.
Katrina took a sip.
"It's really good," she said with a small smile.
Ethan nodded.
"Yeah."
He looked at her for a moment, then spoke softly,
"Katrina… thank you for coming."
Katrina smiled warmly.
"Please don't thank me."
A Quiet Moment
For a moment, silence settled between them.
But it wasn't awkward.
It was calm.
Comfortable.
Katrina quietly looked at Ethan.
Today… he looked different.
He was wearing a light blue shirt, his sleeves folded neatly.
His hair was perfectly set.
He looked… handsome.
Katrina quickly looked away, slightly shy.
A Small Interruption
Just then—
Ethan's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
It was Jessica.