Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

20. His Questions... Dangerous

"You never mentioned your sister's engagement to us," he said softly, his voice tinged with disappointment as he leaned in closer. "You didn't even invite us."

I flicked my eyes toward him, trying to keep my tone casual. "There were some... complications," I said, my words measured. "That's why I didn't tell anyone."

He tilted his head slightly, his voice lowering even more as he pressed on. "But you invited your friends." His eyes softened, taking on that familiar, irresistible look. "Aren't we your friends?"

"It's not like that," I said, my voice faltering just a bit as I struggled to explain. "They're not just friends. They're... almost a part of my life."

He paused, staring at me intently, and the air between us seemed to still. "So, what are we?" he asked quietly, his gaze never wavering. "Where do we fit in? Where do I fit in?"

My heart pounded so violently I thought it might burst. This was why I avoided him. His questions always sent me spiraling into a void, searching for answers I wasn't ready to face.

I looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze any longer. My breath caught in my throat as I tried to compose myself. "Just... focus on the function, okay?" I said, trying to deflect. My voice came out shakier than I intended. "And don't leave without eating something."

Without waiting for his response, I turned and quickly made my way toward my friends.

I tried so hard to keep my eyes off him, to resist the pull, but my reflexes betrayed me before my mind could stop them. My gaze flickered in his direction, and there he was, standing alone, a little out of place. The sight tugged at my heart -- he looked so isolated, like a stranger in the midst of a celebration, not knowing anyone well enough to be at ease.

With a deep breath, I made my way over to him. I didn't say anything, just stood beside him, close enough to let him know he wasn't alone.

"What brought you back?" he asked.

I shot him a sideways glance. "I'm not completely heartless," I said with a small shrug. "You've helped me out plenty of times in awkward situations back in school, like today."

A sly grin spread across his face as his tone turned playful. "I didn't realize your sister was so gorgeous. And your friend in the pink? Wow, she's stunning too."

I rolled my eyes, giving him a look. "Calm down and rein in your hormones. Just focus on Nitya, okay?"

He burst out laughing, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Relax! I was only kidding. No need to get all serious on me."

I exhaled deeply, shaking my head as I tried to calm my thoughts. His playful nature was exhausting at times, especially when my emotions were already teetering on the edge.

"Is it a love marriage?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he were sharing some scandalous secret.

I shot him a look of disbelief. "Of course it's an arranged marriage," I replied with a small scoff. Then, with a dry chuckle, I added, "If it were a love marriage, Mom would have killed her by now."

He leaned in a bit closer, his smirk returning. "So... you haven't told them about yours?"

I turned to him, narrowing my eyes, half-annoyed, half in shock. Before I could shoot back a response, my dad appeared and asked me to take Ryan to the banquet hall. Grateful for the interruption, I gave him a nod and gestured for Ryan to follow, leading the way while his words lingered in my mind.

I served him everything except the mushrooms, knowing all too well about his allergy. He noticed, grinning at me with that familiar, teasing look. "So, you still remember I'm allergic to mushrooms, huh?"

I shot him a quick glance. "Who said I ever forgot?"

His grin widened as he leaned in slightly. "Then why did you act like you-"

Before he could finish, I cut him off, my voice firm but not unkind. "I've just been too caught up to let myself revisit old memories."

Dad stepped in at just the right moment, breaking the tension hanging between us. "So, is everything good here?" he asked, his tone light and friendly.

"Absolutely perfect, Uncle," he replied with a grin, his voice as smooth as ever.

Dad nodded thoughtfully before asking, "And how are your parents doing? What are they up to nowadays?"

"They're still busy being doctors," he said with a small chuckle. "Stuck at the hospital most of the time. They leave early in the morning and don't get home until late at night. So, I've gotten used to cooking my own meals... and sometimes theirs too." He laughed lightly.