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Josie's behavior takes a peculiar turn lately, a fact she is acutely aware of. Strangely, Regulus hadn't brought up their recent kiss. Though she didn't initiate the discussion either, it has been two days since that moment – more than enough time for a conversation to unfold.
Being in Regulus' presence made her thoughts go completely out of her mind, making it a challenge to utter a sentence without her cheeks flushing crimson.
She hates it.
Evidently, Evan picks up on this shift in her demeanor. As she walks the corridors towards her next class, a sudden grip on her arm halts her progress. Evan stands there, evidently with a purpose, almost dragging her along. "If you're planning to murder me, please don't do it in public," she mutters as Evan leads her away.
His response is a glare before he guides her to a secluded alcove, away from prying eyes. The question is forthcoming. "So, what's the story with you and Regulus?" he queries, his tone brimming with curiosity.
Her response feigns innocence. "I have no clue of what you're referring to," she counters.
His eyes roll in exasperation. "Both of you have been acting strangely. Spare me the riddles, Josette," he retorts, leaning casually against the wall. A mischievous smirk crosses his lips. "Spill the details."
Unable to uphold the pretense any longer, Josie surrenders. "We kissed," she confesses, acknowledging that further deception is futile.
His reaction is nothing short of astonishment. "What!?" he almost exclaims, only to be hushed by her frantic gesture. "What!?" he whispers in a more controlled manner.
Evan's amusement emerges in a hearty laugh. "Barty owes me a lot of money, then."
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you placed a bet on us," she remarks dryly.
Evan offers a smile, followed by an astute observation. "You don't seem entirely alright though. What happened?"
Evan is more observant than she thought. She fiddles with her rings, contemplating the best approach to explaining the situation. "We shared a kiss, and afterward, he left without a word," she admits, revealing the disquiet that has taken residence within her.
"He left?" Evan echoes, his incredulity evident.
Affirming his question, Josie nods. "Do you reckon it's possible he felt obligated to kiss me after I confessed my feelings for him?"
Evan raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Wait a moment. When did you admit your feelings to him?"
With a sigh, she recounts the sequence of events to Evan. His response is contemplative. "You need to talk with him."
"Of course, that's the plan. But what should I say? And what if he informs me that his actions are merely a result of obligation? Or worse..."
Evan halts her spiraling thoughts by approaching and gently shaking her shoulders. "Calm down, Josette. You're overthinking the situation." A thoughtful squint graces his eyes, followed by a suggestion. "Pretend you're channeling the confidence of those characters from your novels. Embrace their audacity."
