“Not looking for you,” Kita says, trying to get around him.
He looks from Kita to me and then to Markoban. “Seriously… why are you hanging out with them?”
“Because I like them,” he says.
Agan snorts and says something in their language that makes both Kita and Markoban straighten. Kita looks pissed, Markoban looks like he’s been slapped.
I don’t understand their responses either.
I just want to leave.
When Agan calls out to someone, I thinkmaybewe’ll get our chance, but he waves them over instead of going to them.
I turn, looking behind me. Therehasto be another exit. Maybe to the side…?
“Agan, Kita.” The sound of his voice makes me freeze. I stare at an empty table for a heartbeat too long.
“Will you introduce me to your friends?” Sirin’s voice is imprinted on my memory. But my body can’t process hearing it here.
“We’ve already met,” Markoban says, doing a familiar little bow as I turn back, every fiber of my being wanting to run.
“At the opening of the bowls last month,” Markoban quickly adds.
“Yes of course, Mar Koban, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy them since. Our amenities are meant for those who live here more than those passing through, but I’m afraid the newest attractions tend to draw the most fervent of tourists.”
He looks at me and I feel his gaze burn through me.
He’s gorgeous and my body reacts to the memory of how he touched me the last time… of the things we said this morning.
Sirin is their uncle.
He knows who I am. Even if I’m wearing clothes, my face hasn’t changed. Agan tries to move on, but Kita interrupts him.
“And this is my best friend, Annika.”
“Annika,” Sirin says, carefully, like he’s worried it might change to Cherry half way through. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too.” I say it too quickly.
I know it sounds strangled and weird, but the others only look at me for a half a heartbeat before they turn back to him. It’s long enough for him to hide the smile he let peek to his lips.
Agan asks him a question, again, slipping into their language and Sirin answers in kind, watching me for a moment longer… I haven’t told him I don’t know their language… have I?
But it doesn’t matter. I don’t need to know what he says to Agan.
I just… I need a moment to breathe. I need some time to make new space for him in my head.
And I definitely need a few moments to make sure the jittery feelings under my skin don’t make their way out.
I stare at him while he and Agan argue about something. I know I should look away, but I can’t.
His pocket chirps and he pulls out his comm, keeping the screen angled away from everyone, even though Agan tries to peek.
“I have to go deal with something.” He smiles at Kita and then says, “It was nice to see you again, Mar. And it was lovely to meet you Annika. I hope I have the opportunity again in the near future.”
I purse my lips to keep my nervous laugh inside.
The comm chirps again and he leaves with a curt nod to Agan.
