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“Yes, you are. I’m just trying to keep the mood light and make some jokes and you’re acting like I’m going out of my way to annoy you.”
“So, the relationship comment was a joke, then?” I peer at him.
He frowns. “No. That was true.”
I slowly begin to walk again, rubbing my hands together to keep warm.
“But like, seriously Sophie. Loosen up a bit. Is this how things are going to be for the next five months? Nothing but bitterness and eye-rolling?”
I make sure Maureen is still out of earshot and then glare at him. “Maybe you could start by not calling me the nickname you used to try and flirt your way into my pants.”
He sighs loudly. “Yeah, sorry. I’m just…I don’t know…trying to be friendly here. Can’t we…hmm, maybe enjoy this project a bit?”
I close my eyes, regretfully seeing his perspective. “No, yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry.”
“We’ve already made our agreement. Now, don’t treat me like I’m gonna suddenly go back on my word.” He pauses. “I keep my promises. So, let’s be friends, alright?”
I hate to admit it, but he’s right. I’m being cold with him, and at this point, it’s probably uncalled for. So, feeling guilty for my behavior, I raise an amused eyebrow. “Is that how it works, we just declare our friendship and it magically comes to be?”
His expression softens too. “Isn’t that how it works in elementary school?”
I smirk. “I suppose it is.”
“So, then it’s settled.” He outstretches his hand.
I place mine in his, which is surprisingly warm outdoors in the cold. I shiver.
“You must be freezing.” He frowns. “I hope they let you eat something substantial soon.”
I shrug him off. “They don’t want me to lose any more. But they don’t want me to gain either.”
“Do you want my coat?” he asks, starting to unbutton it.
I step away slightly, hit by memories from the night at the club. “No, I’m fine.”
He nods and rebuttons it.
We catch up to the group again, leaving the garden behind us. A large red bus is pulled up nearby and the tour guide leads us in its direction. Inside, I sit down by a window and Kai slides in next to me.
“So, Kai...” Maureen appears, sitting down across the aisle. “Still want to meet in your room when we get back to discuss our scenes?”
He glances at her briefly. “Yeah sure, we’ll do that.”
She grins, and when he isn’t looking, she widens her eyes at me in excitement. I smile mildly and turn back to the window.
“Brrr… I can’t believe how cold it is here.” Maureen chatters her teeth.
A pause.
“Do you want my coat?” Kai asks.
I lean my forehead against the icy window as I feel him shift and pass his coat to her. I close my eyes and frown. Just as easily as she’s accepted his coat, I could have done the same. I had my opportunity with him. Multiple times. It was delivered to me on a silver platter, yet I pushed it away. I let it go clanking to the ground, loud in its fall and firm in its decision.
I don’t do relationships. His words ring in my ears as I open my eyes, focusing on an older couple who walks hand-in-hand down the snowy sidewalk. They huddle together, clearly cold, but they’re smiling. The love between them is obvious.
That’s what I want.
I sit up straighter in my seat, content with my choice again.
