My breath catches.
Because for a split second, I remember the way Joel looked at me before he left tonight.
Like he wasn’t going to ask.
Like he wasn’t going to say a single thing about the show, but he wantedmeto.
Like he was waiting for something—anything.
My fingers tighten around the blanket in my lap.
Nope, I donotlike this train of thought.
I don’t care about his stupid show.I don’t care about whatever expression he had onhisface.
I’m only here for the K-drama and to witness these two finally get over their stupid differences.
And yet?—
My stomach twists again.
I force my attention back to the screen, but the drama doesn’t feel as fun anymore.
Because now my thoughts are spiraling.
He’s probably on stage right now.
Probably standing in the spotlight, playingmy fucking song,and I’m sitting here letting him take up space in my head like a complete idiot.
My jaw tightens.
It’s not likeheinvitedme.
Not that I would have gone.But still, he could have mentioned it.Could have asked, even knowing I’d say no.
But he didn’t.
I grab another bite of noodles, but they taste flat now, like cardboard in my mouth.I push the takeout container onto the coffee table, suddenly restless.My skin feels too tight and my blood feels itchy in my veins.
This is stupid.
I should be enjoying this—a night ofpeace.But instead, my brain is doing exactly what I swore I wouldn’t let it do.
Thinking abouthe-who-shall-not-be-named.
Or thinking about the way he looked at me before he left, like he desperately wanted me to say I’d come with.
I shake my head, pulling my blanket tighter around me.
No.
Maybe a night alone was a bad idea.
I need a distraction.
I could put on another episode.
I could call Lily.No, she’s probably at the stupid club watching the stupid performance since she practically lives there now.