Ethan and Katrina were sitting together in the café, talking softly.
For a moment, everything felt calm.
Comfortable.
Easy.
Then suddenly—
Ethan's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Jessica.
Without thinking much, he picked up the call.
"Hi, Jessica."
The moment Katrina heard the name…
something inside her shifted.
A small, uncomfortable feeling settled in her chest.
She stayed quiet, listening without meaning to.
"Hi, Ethan," Jessica's voice came through. "I think I left my wallet at your house. If you don't mind, could you bring it tomorrow?"
"Oh, I see. Yeah, I will," Ethan replied naturally. "And… did you reach safely?"
"Yes, I did. Okay, bye. Take care."
"Bye. You too."
The call ended.
A Feeling She Didn't Understand
Katrina sat there silently.
Ethan had spoken so normally… so comfortably.
But for some reason…
it didn't feel normal to her.
Why am I feeling like this?
She's just his childhood friend…
And she's going through a tough time…
Katrina lowered her eyes.
No… I shouldn't think like this.
This is wrong…
Ethan smiled lightly and looked at her.
"Actually, Jessica just forgot her wallet at my place."
Katrina forced a small smile.
"Oh… I see."
Her voice sounded normal.
But her heart… didn't feel normal.
Ethan didn't notice.
"So… do you want to order something else?" he asked.
Katrina shook her head.
"No, it's okay."
"Alright," Ethan said.
Trying to Ignore It
Katrina quietly tried to push the feeling away.
I shouldn't think like this…
It doesn't matter…
She took a small breath and stood up.
"Okay… let's go."
Ethan nodded.
"Yeah."
Walking Together
They stepped out of the café and began walking toward their homes.
The night was calm.
The sky was clear.
The air felt cool and fresh.
"The weather is really nice," Ethan said.
Katrina looked up at the sky.
"Yeah… it is."
After a few steps, Katrina remembered something.
She looked at the small paper bag Ethan had given her earlier.
Then she stopped.
"Ethan… I'm sorry. I didn't bring anything for you."
Ethan looked confused.
"Oh, please… it's okay. You don't have to."
But Katrina shook her head and suddenly walked toward a nearby shop.
"Wait here!"
"Katrina—hey, wait!" Ethan called, but she had already gone inside.
After a few minutes, Katrina came out, smiling softly.
She walked up to him and handed him a small, cute paper bag.
"Here… please take it."
Ethan blinked.
"You really didn't have to…"
Katrina smiled gently.
"Please… take it."
Ethan sighed—but a small smile appeared on his face.
"Okay… fine."
Somewhere deep inside…
he felt happy.
A Small Moment
As they continued walking, Katrina suddenly pointed ahead.
"Hey… look there. Let's have ice cream."
Ethan smiled.
"Okay."
They walked to a small ice cream stall.
"Two ice creams, please," Katrina said.
Ethan reached for his wallet.
"I'll pay."
Katrina quickly stopped him.
"No, this time I will."
Ethan laughed softly.
"Alright."
They stood there, eating quietly.
Sharing a simple, peaceful moment.
The End of the Evening
After spending the evening together, they slowly walked back toward their homes.
When they reached their gates, both of them stopped.
"Bye, Ethan," Katrina said softly.
Ethan rubbed the back of his head, a little shy.
"Oh… yeah. Bye. Take care."
Katrina nodded.
"You too."
For a moment…
neither of them moved.
As if neither of them wanted to go inside.
But eventually—
Katrina turned and walked into her house.
Ethan stood there for a second longer, watching her.
Then he quietly went inside too.