“Okay, but that’s a big if, K. We don’t know anything about what goes on down there. We need way more intel before we do anything.”
“We can get it,” he said immediately. “I will get it.”
“K…”
“Dev, this is important. You know it is.”
I ran a hand through my hair, irritation and dread twisting together.
“Okay. But do we have to do this tonight?”
“What?”
“K, Seph is waiting for you. So you can talk to her.”
“She agreed?” His voice tightened like a wire being pulled too far.
“She did. So can we shelve this—for now—and go deal with your other problem?”
K straightened, smoothing his shirt instinctively. I almost laughed but held it in. Would’ve ruined the moment.
“Where is she?”
“With Ash by the fire.”
His gaze flicked back toward the med wing. Torn. Wary. Guilty.
“K.”
“I know, alright!” he snapped, but still didn’t move.
I groaned. “Okay, look. I’m getting sick of this.”
“Sick of what?” he demanded.
“You. And your emotionalfuckingconstipation.” I didn’t lower my voice. Didn’t care.
“What the fuck, Dev?”
“There is a girl back there waiting for you to talk to her,” I shot back. “A girl you clearly care about. And all you can do is spiral like a goddamn tornado. We’re not achieving anything tonight. So I’m going back to the party. Come with me or don’t—I don’t care. I’m done with this, okay?”
I spun on my heel and stomped off, trying to shake off the feelings buzzing around me like gnats.
Behind me, K’s voice cracked open, small and rough.
“I don’t know how to talk to her.”
I stopped. Exhaled.
“I know that,” I said without turning. “But staying out here avoiding her doesn’t help anyone. Does it?”
I kept walking. Toward the fire. Toward noise and chaos and anything but this emotional shitstorm.
Quiet footsteps followed me.
I didn’t look back. I just rolled my eyes.
Fucking drama queens.
