UNKNOWN GUEST

#138 Free Of Burden

Nate and I walked into the restaurant, the warm golden lighting and soft hum of conversation washing over us. It had been completely booked out by his classmates—a farewell party for their university batch.

Tables were arranged in clusters, and I spotted a few of Nate's friends waving us over from one near the corner. With a reluctant sigh, I followed him, weaving through the crowd of laughing, chatting students.

As soon as we reached the table, a blonde guy leaned back in his chair, smirking as he pointed at me. "Yo! Rose Head!"

I frowned, rolling my eyes as a chorus of laughter erupted around the table. That nickname again. Nate, always quick to diffuse, shook his head, "Come on, Martin. Don't tease him."

"Yeah, yeah, sorry." But Martin's grin made it clear he wasn't.

The group launched back into their animated conversations, jokes and stories flowing freely. Nate, ever the social butterfly, fit right in. Then, across the room, he spotted her—Selene. If I wasn't mistaken, she was his girlfriend. She approached our table with a radiant smile, her dark curls bouncing lightly as she walked. Without hesitation, she slid into the seat beside Nate and planted a quick kiss on his lips.

A chorus of groans and teasing erupted from the group. "Get a room!" someone joked, to which Nate grinned shamelessly. Selene's gaze shifted to me, her head tilting slightly as a mischievous smile curved her lips. "Oh, so this is the Rose Head?"

My glare shifted to Nate, who immediately looked guilty. Of course, he'd told her. Probably exaggerated the whole story too. I sighed, shaking my head. "You guys are the worst. Have a great time."

Their laughter followed me as I turned away, heading for the quiet refuge of the bar. I wasn't in the mood for alcohol, but at least I could sit there in peace, away from their playful jabs.

I ordered a cold drink, wrapping my hands around the glass as I stared at the condensation forming on its surface. The murmur of distant voices and the clinking of glasses felt strangely soothing after the chaotic table.

But the momentary calm shattered when a loud cheer erupted from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder, frowning. Nate and his friends had crowded around someone, forming a loose semi-circle of excited chatter and animated gestures.

From my vantage point, I couldn't see who it was at first, but curiosity tugged at me. Setting my drink down, I leaned slightly to peer over the crowd.

And then I saw her.

Dr. Cho. Or rather, Professor Cho now.

She stood at the center of the group, her presence commanding but effortlessly warm. Her hair swayed lightly with each subtle movement, catching the light as she laughed at something one of Nate's friends said.

Her smile... it wasn't forced, it wasn't shadowed by the weight of pain or guilt. She seemed happy, at ease, the burdens I once thought I'd caused no longer visible in her expression.

I froze, my thoughts tangling. Seeing her like this should've been a relief, but instead, it stirred something deep and unsettling within me. She doesn't look broken anymore. That coat she gave me... it was the last thing that tied her to the person she'd been when I left. And now? Now, it felt like it belonged to someone else entirely. Someone stronger, someone who had moved on.

But I hadn't.

The realization hit like a stone in my chest. My fingers curled against the counter. The coat—I still had it. I'd left my bag in the car. This was my chance, wasn't it? To finally give it back. To close that chapter.

Swallowing hard, I stood abruptly, earning a confused glance from the bartender. Without a word, I turned and walked out of the restaurant, the cool night air hitting me as I stepped onto the pavement. Nate's car was parked under a streetlamp, its surface gleaming faintly. I hurried over, pulling open the door and grabbing my bag from the backseat.