Earlier that morning…
At Ethan's house, the atmosphere was unusually lively.
Jessica and her parents had come to visit before leaving for their hometown that night.
Ethan came downstairs, ready for university, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. As soon as he entered the living room, he paused in surprise.
Ethan: "Oh… Jessica, Ms. Mike… good morning. You're here?"
Jessica's mother (smiling): "Good morning, dear. Your mother called us since we're leaving tonight."
Ethan's eyes shifted toward the kitchen.
His mother was busy, pretending to be occupied.
Ethan (thinking): Maybe… she has changed.
Everyone sat together for breakfast.
The table felt warm, almost like a normal family gathering.
Ethan: "How are you now, Mr. Mike?"
Mr. Mike: "I'm much better now, dear. And thank you… for always taking care of us."
Ethan shook his head gently.
Ethan: "Please don't say that…"
Before he could finish, his mother interrupted with a polite smile—
Ethan's mother: "Oh, it's nothing. He's always been like this—very caring and sincere."
Jessica's mother smiled warmly.
Jessica's mother: "You're very lucky to have such a son. You must be proud."
Ethan's mother: "Yes… I am."
Ethan smiled softly, though something about her tone felt… different.
After breakfast, Ethan got ready to leave for university.
As he stepped outside, Jessica followed him.
Jessica: "By the way, Ethan…"
He turned.
Jessica: "I need to go to TMS Street before leaving."
Ethan: "Oh, that's near my university."
Jessica: "Really? One of my friends lives there. She asked me to visit before I go."
Ethan nodded.
Ethan: "Then come with me. I'll show you the way."
Jessica smiled.
Jessica: "Okay."
She turned back.
Jessica: "Mom, I'm going with Ethan!"
Jessica's mother: "Alright, take care."
But as they left, Ethan's mother's expression changed—her smile fading into something unreadable.
On the way…
Ethan and Jessica walked together, talking casually.
At the university entrance, Ethan stopped.
Ethan: "From here, take a left. That's TMS Street."
Jessica: "Oh, thank you, Ethan. Bye… take care."
Ethan: "You too. Have a good day."
They exchanged small smiles before Jessica walked away.
From a distance…
Ella had just arrived.
She saw everything.
The way they were talking… comfortable, natural… close.
She slowed down slightly, observing.
Ella (thinking): Who was she…?
And why did they look so close…?
A hint of concern crossed her face.
I hope everything is okay…
She shook off the thought and headed to class.
Present moment…
Inside the classroom, Katrina sat with Arice, her thoughts already tangled.
Somewhere deep down… she was almost certain.
He must have been with Jessica…
Arice: "What do you mean, a girl?"
Ella leaned closer, lowering her voice slightly.
Ella: "Yeah… I saw him this morning. He was with a girl."
Arice's eyes widened.
Arice: "Really?"
Then both of them looked at Katrina.
Ella: "By the way, Katrina… do you know who she is?"
Katrina paused for a moment.
Her fingers tightened slightly around her notebook.
She already knew the answer.
Still… saying it felt different.
Katrina: "Yeah… she's his childhood friend. Her name is Jessica."
She forced a calm tone.
Katrina: "Her family helped him during his hard times."
Ella and Arice nodded, understanding.
Ella: "Oh… I see."
But Ella still looked thoughtful, as if she wanted to say something more.
Just then—
The classroom door opened.
Ethan walked in.
Ella immediately whispered—
Ella: "Guys… he's here."
Katrina's heart skipped a beat.
Ethan looked around—and his eyes landed on her.
A soft smile appeared on his face.
Ethan: "Good morning, Katrina."
Katrina looked at him.
For a second, she froze.
Then she replied, a little awkwardly—
Katrina: "G-good morning…"
Arice and Ella exchanged a quick glance before heading back to their seats.
The lecture began.
The professor's voice filled the room.
But Katrina wasn't listening.
Her eyes drifted toward Ethan again.
He looked normal.
Focused.
Unbothered.
As if nothing had changed.
Katrina (thinking):
Why… does he look so normal?
Why am I the only one feeling like this…?
Her gaze lowered slowly.
Katrina (thinking):
Why is he so close to her…?
And for the first time—
The question didn't just confuse her.
It stayed.