Red Flags in the Rearview

Chapter V: A Glimpse of Vulnerability

A few days had passed since the impromptu "tests," and the dynamic between the group was beginning to shift. The sharp edges of Lianne’s sarcasm felt a little softer, Jhenny’s teasing became more playful, and even Reymark and Rayne started to notice they weren’t just trying to win a challenge anymore.

That afternoon, Lianne found herself at the park again, this time with Jhenny. The two sat under a large tree, a picnic blanket spread out beneath them.

“So,” Jhenny began, picking at the corner of her sandwich, “how are you holding up with Reymark?”

Lianne rolled her eyes. “He’s tolerable. Sometimes.”

“Tolerable?” Jhenny laughed. “You sound like you hate him, but I saw the way you looked at him during dinner the other night.”

“I wasn’t looking at him,” Lianne protested. “I was... analyzing.”

“Analyzing what?”

“Whether he’s as fake as I thought.” Lianne paused, sighing. “But I don’t think he is. He’s annoying, sure, but there’s something… honest about him when he’s not trying so hard.”

Jhenny smirked. “Sounds like someone’s starting to like him.”

Lianne scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. This isn’t about liking him. It’s about figuring out if he’s worth my time.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Jhenny said, leaning back on her elbows.

***

Across town, Reymark and Rayne were hanging out at their favorite basketball court. After a few competitive rounds of one-on-one, they sat on the sidelines, gulping water and catching their breath.

“So,” Rayne said, wiping sweat from his brow, “how’s it going with Lianne?”

Reymark shrugged, tossing his empty water bottle aside. “She’s… complicated. Keeps me on my toes, though.”

“That’s new for you,” Rayne teased. “Usually, you’re the one keeping people off balance.”

Reymark smirked. “Guess I met my match.”

“Careful,” Rayne warned, though his tone was light. “You might actually fall for her.”

“Nah,” Reymark said quickly. Too quickly.

Rayne chuckled. “Right. And I suppose you’re not already thinking about her more than you should?”

Reymark didn’t answer. Instead, he stood and grabbed the ball, signaling the start of another game.

But as they played, he couldn’t shake the thought from his mind.

***

That evening, the group found themselves at a cozy karaoke bar. Jhenny had suggested it as a way to “loosen up,” and the boys, eager for any opportunity to impress, had readily agreed.

The night started lighthearted, with Jhenny belting out cheesy pop songs and Rayne surprising everyone with his unexpectedly good voice. But when Lianne got up to sing, the atmosphere shifted.

She chose a slow, haunting ballad, her voice carrying a raw emotion that caught Reymark off guard. He watched her closely, noticing the way her fingers trembled slightly as she held the microphone.

When the song ended, she quickly handed the mic back and sat down, avoiding eye contact.

“That was amazing,” Jhenny said, breaking the silence.

Lianne shrugged. “It’s just a song.”

“No, it was more than that,” Reymark said, his voice quiet. “You meant every word.”

Lianne shot him a sharp look, but her usual defenses seemed weaker. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just a good performer.”

Reymark leaned closer. “Maybe. But I don’t think so.”

For a moment, their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them. Then Lianne looked away, taking a long sip of her drink.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter, off-key singing, and playful banter, but Reymark couldn’t forget the vulnerability he’d glimpsed in Lianne’s performance.

As the group parted ways, Rayne nudged him. “You’re staring again.”

“Shut up,” Reymark muttered, but his gaze lingered on Lianne as she and Jhenny walked away.

“Careful, man,” Rayne said, his tone half-joking, half-serious. “I think you’re in trouble.”

Reymark didn’t respond, but deep down, he knew Rayne was right.