He stood up abruptly, pulling her up with him thanks to the handcuffs, and pinned her against the wall. His grip on her wrist tightened.
Ni-ki leaned in closer, his voice a cold whisper. "You're playing with fire, angel. Don't think for a second tha...
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"WHY DID YOU LET HER INTO MY HOUSE AGAIN?" Ni-ki asked, glancing over at Garam, who was curled up on the part of the couch next to them, red-faced and sniffling.
"She needs comfort," Rhaine—who sat in the middle—whispered.
Garam was clutching a tissue, dabbing at her eyes between choked sobs. "I don't get it! I thought it was going perfectly. We met yesterday, had this incredible connection... I could've sworn he felt it too! But then he says he's not 'looking for anything serious.' What was that about?"
Rhaine gently patted her back, speaking in a soothing tone. "Garam, he probably... wasn't ready. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong."
Ni-ki raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You only met him yesterday. How serious could it have been?"
Garam shot him a wounded look, her voice trembling with hurt and frustration. "I know it sounds fast, but I really thought he was different. You wouldn't understand, Ni-ki! You've probably never met someone who felt like... like fate."
He looked at her, entirely unphased. "Sure. Fate. After one date?"
Rhaine elbowed him, giving him a look that said, Could you at least try to be supportive? She turned back to Garam, offering a small, understanding smile.
"You're the one who ranted about her earlier," Ni-ki whispered annoyedly.
"Let's not talk about that," she awkwardly said before looking back at her best friend. "You've got a big heart, Garam. Maybe next time, just... take a little more time to see if they're actually worth it."
Garam sniffed, her expression torn between heartbreak and self-doubt. "But... how am I supposed to know if I don't try? What if he really was different, and I just didn't give it enough?"
Rhaine squeezed Garam's shoulder gently. "Listen, girl. You deserve someone who values you, who's willing to take the time to really get to know you. It's not about how fast things happen; it's about finding the right person."
Garam let out a shaky breath, a small, defeated smile crossing her face. "You always know what to say, Rhaine." She sniffed and leaned her head on Rhaine's shoulder, seeming a bit calmer.
Ni-ki watched them both. "So... is she done crying all over my couch?"
Rhaine shot him a look, her tone just a little sharper. "She's going through something, Ni-ki. Try to be a little compassionate."
He rolled his eyes but pushed the tissue box a little closer to Garam, avoiding her gaze. "Fine. Just... don't do it again."
Garam sniffed one last time and took a tissue, giving him a weak smile. "Thanks... I guess."
"Whatever," Ni-ki replied, picking up his controller again.
The room fell into a quiet lull as Garam paused, her eyes drifting around to take in the expanse of Ni-ki's house. "Wow... your place is huge," she said, feeling better. "I mean, I knew you were well-off, but this is like a mansion."
