Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

130. The Way You Treat People Matters More Than What You Do Together

He slowed his pace, then glanced over at me, his tone light but curious. "You've seriously never even tried alcohol? Not even a sip? I mean, most of the girls I know have at least given it a taste. Weren't you ever a little curious? You know, when you hit that rebellious teenage phase? Sneaking a drink, just to see what it's like?"

I chuckled, looking down at my feet as we walked. "Curious, sure. But I was never interested enough to actually try it. And where I grew up... well, there wasn't much room for rebellion. My dad would have grounded me for life if he even suspected I was thinking about alcohol."

Ryan laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Yeah, I can imagine."

As we strolled through the quiet streets, I asked casually, "So, do you often hang out at places like that?"

Ryan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not really. Hardly ever. Tonight was an exception. One of my friends is getting married tomorrow, so he set up a small bachelor party."

I nodded thoughtfully, still picturing the chaos we had just left behind. He glanced over at me and added, "I really don't drink, though."

I gave him a skeptical look. "Okay, you don't have to keep proving how much of a gentleman you are. I get it."

He chuckled but was serious again quickly. "No, I'm not kidding. Back in my second year, my friends convinced me to drink more than I was comfortable with, and I was terrified of it."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Afraid? Really?"

He hesitated for a second, then shrugged lightly. "Alcohol makes you spill your guts. I have seen my friends opening up after few drinks. I was afraid that... I might end up telling my dad how much I hated him or something. I didn't want that."

I laughed with him, and the moment became light as ever.

After a brief silence, he asked casually, "So, did you ever have a boyfriend in college?"

The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated. His eyes flicked over to me, noticing the pause. "You're really good at keeping things hidden." he teased, studying my face.

For a moment, my heart raced. Did he know something? Was he hinting at the truth about my job? But before I could overthink it, he continued, "But honestly, I want you to be straight with me. Did you have a boyfriend?"

I exhaled slowly, regaining my composure. "What do you think?"

He tilted his head, considering me with a small smile. "Vicky once told me that it wouldn't be impossible for a girl you are now to have a boyfriend. But if I had to guess, I'd say you didn't."

I met his gaze, speaking firmly. "I didn't. I wasn't interested. My friends used to call me boring because of that, but I enjoyed being an introvert. Shruti was constantly switching boyfriends, and Krystal always had someone new to talk to. Meanwhile, I was perfectly happy with my dramas and books."

Ryan chuckled, clearly amused by my admission. "I'm glad you're into video games, though. That's something we both enjoy. I could never sit in front of a TV for hours on end."

I laughed lightly. "You don't have to force yourself to enjoy things you don't like. If something's not for you, just say it. Even though I wasn't always part of Shruti and Krystal's world, they never made me feel like an outsider. The way you treat people matters more than what you do together."

His smile faded slightly, and he muttered under his breath, "Maybe that's why you're so keen on leaving the past behind."

I pretended not to hear clearly, not wanting to dive into that topic. "Huh?"

He glanced up, changing the subject. "Should we grab a taxi now?"

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The next evening, I stood in front of the mirror, battling with my saree. No matter how much I adjusted it, the pleats refused to cooperate, ending up wrinkled and slightly off-center. I sighed, feeling defeated, but at least I had managed to get it on somewhat decently.

A knock on the door startled me. "Are you ready?" Ryan's voice came through, calm and steady.

I unlocked the door, revealing my disheveled attempt. His eyes immediately scanned me from head to toe, and I felt my nerves tighten under his gaze.

"Stop staring like that," I said, half-frustrated, half-amused. "I worked hard to get this saree on properly. I've reached my limit."

He smirked slightly, leaning against the doorframe. "There's no dress code for the wedding, you know. You could've worn anything you're comfortable in."

"Jeans and a tee?" I said sarcastically.

The horrified look on his face made me laugh. "Relax, I'm kidding. Your mom suggested I wear a saree for occasions like this."