Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

15. Outcasts Always Find a Reason To Escape, Not an Excuse

I took a deep breath, my nerves making my voice tremble slightly. “My friend’s school is going on a field trip, and they need a photographer for their magazine. If you’re not too swamped, would you be willing to help them out? There’s no pressure if you’re busy.”

He finally set down the camera and turned to face me, “I thought the old Sarah from school was completely gone, but I guess I was wrong. I actually prefer the new you. The old you used to hesitate before asking for a favor like you now. So you don't have to think twice before asking for any kind of help. Got it." He took a moment to process what I’d said, his gaze thoughtful. "I’m free at the moment and can help out. However, I do have one condition.”

I felt a knot of nervousness in my stomach. “What’s the condition?” I asked, almost nervously.

With a small, knowing smile, he said, “Tomorrow is the inauguration of my studio. You and your friend need to come.”

Relieved but still slightly apprehensive, I nodded. “Okay.”

At the inauguration ceremony, I introduced Krystal to Vicky. They exchanged pleasantries, engaging in a brief conversation about work. Vicky, ever the charmer, asked about her school’s photography needs, and Krystal responded politely but kept it professional. After a few minutes, she glanced at me, gave a small smile, and said, "I think I’ll head out. It feels a bit awkward being the odd one out here with your friends."

I nodded, understanding her discomfort. “You sure you don’t want to stay a little longer?” I asked, but it was half-hearted. I knew how it felt -- being in a room with people who had shared memories and inside jokes that you weren’t part of.

Krystal smiled warmly, “I’ll leave you to your reunion. Plus, I have a ton of work to finish.”

I didn’t press her further. Watching her leave, I felt a mix of relief and empathy. The situation was already awkward enough for me too, and I couldn’t blame her for bailing out while she still could.

All my classmates were gathered around the round table, laughing and reminiscing about memories I wasn’t part of. They didn’t mean to make me feel excluded, but it was obvious I didn’t belong in their circle the same way they did.

Every now and then, I’d glance at the clock, hoping time would move faster. Every laugh and smile they shared felt like another reminder that I was still the outcast, just like old times. 

Finally, the clock struck eight, and I seized my moment. I stood up, forcing a smile. “I’m leaving. It’s getting late.”

Rima looked at me, surprised. “So soon?”

I nodded, trying to keep the discomfort out of my voice. “Yeah, if I don’t head out now, my mom will give me a million questions when I get home.”

Just as I turned to leave, Kiera piped up with a teasing grin. “Oh, let her go! She’s always been the conservative, reserved type. Like our parents just love letting us stay out till midnight." She shot me a playful smirk, clearly not realizing how much those words still stung.

I gave a faint smile, said nothing, and walked out into the cool evening air. I barely made it a few steps when Vicky’s voice called out behind me.

"Hey, Sarah!" he shouted, jogging to catch up. "Are you coming to the school trip?"

I turned, puzzled. "Why would I go? I’ve got nothing to do there."

He crossed his arms and gave me a pleading look. "Come on, I don’t know anyone there except your friend, and I’m not gonna be all buddy-buddy with her either. It'll be awkward. I need someone to talk to."

I hesitated. "But... I don't really have a reason to go."

Before I could protest further, he whipped out his phone, dialed Krystal without a second thought, and handed the phone to me mid-conversation. "Here, talk to her."

Surprised, I reluctantly took the phone. "Hello?"

On the other side, Krystal’s cheerful voice came through. "Hey! Don’t worry, I’ll talk to Ma’am. It’ll be more fun with you there, trust me. Stop overthinking everything and just get ready for tomorrow. It'll be great!"

I sighed, feeling a bit trapped, but Krystal’s enthusiasm was hard to argue with. "Okay, I guess," I said, giving in.

Vicky smiled triumphantly, already knowing I wouldn’t say no.