Red Flags in the Rearview

Chapter VI: The Walls Begin To Crumble

The next day, the group decided to meet at a small art exhibit Jhenny had discovered. It wasn’t the usual scene for Reymark and Rayne, but the girls insisted, and neither guy wanted to back out.

The gallery was quiet, with soft music playing in the background as they wandered through the exhibits. Reymark found himself drawn to a collection of black-and-white photographs depicting everyday life—kids playing in the street, an elderly couple sitting on a park bench, a lone flower blooming in a crack on the pavement.

“You like it?” Lianne’s voice broke into his thoughts.

Reymark turned, startled. She was standing beside him, her hands in her pockets, her expression curious.

“Yeah,” he admitted. “It’s simple, but it feels… real.”

Lianne nodded, her gaze lingering on the photos. “I like the way they capture moments that most people wouldn’t notice. It’s like… finding beauty in the ordinary.”

Reymark glanced at her, surprised by her insight. “You ever think about showing your sketches in a place like this?”

She laughed softly. “My sketches? No. They’re not good enough for that.”

“You’re wrong,” Reymark said, his tone firm. “You’ve got talent. You just don’t give yourself enough credit.”

Lianne met his gaze, and for a moment, her guard slipped. “Thanks,” she said quietly.

***

Meanwhile, on the other side of the gallery, Jhenny and Rayne were admiring a series of abstract paintings.

“I don’t get it,” Rayne said, tilting his head at a canvas filled with bold, chaotic strokes of color. “What’s it supposed to be?”

Jhenny laughed. “It’s not supposed to be anything specific. It’s about how it makes you feel.”

“Well, it’s making me feel confused,” Rayne admitted.

Jhenny rolled her eyes but smiled. “You’re impossible.”

“Maybe,” he said, grinning. “But I’m trying. That counts for something, right?”

“It does,” Jhenny said, her smile softening. “I can tell you’re not just pretending. That’s what I like about you.”

Rayne blinked, caught off guard by her sincerity. For once, he didn’t have a clever response, so he just nodded, a rare moment of vulnerability crossing his face.

***

Later that evening, the group decided to grab dinner at a nearby food truck park. They found a table under the twinkling fairy lights, the atmosphere lively and relaxed.

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, laughter punctuating the air. But when Jhenny excused herself to take a call, and Rayne wandered off to get dessert, Reymark and Lianne found themselves alone again.

“You know,” Lianne said, poking at her food with a fork, “I didn’t think you’d actually show up today.”

“Why not?” Reymark asked, genuinely curious.

Lianne shrugged. “Guys like you don’t usually care about stuff like art exhibits.”

“Guys like me?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“You know,” she said, gesturing vaguely. “The smooth talkers. The ones who think charm is all they need.”

Reymark chuckled, leaning forward. “Maybe that’s who I used to be. But I’m trying to be more.”

Lianne looked at him, her expression guarded but intrigued. “Why?”

“Because I’m tired of pretending,” he said simply.

For a moment, Lianne didn’t respond. Then she leaned back in her chair, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Maybe there’s hope for you after all.”

“Maybe,” Reymark said, grinning.

***

Across the park, Rayne returned to the table with two churros, handing one to Jhenny as she rejoined him.

“For me?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course,” Rayne said. “You think I’m gonna eat dessert alone?”

Jhenny laughed, taking the churro. “You’re full of surprises, Rayne.”

“Stick around,” he said with a wink. “You might see more.”

Jhenny rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered as they returned to the table, the group settling back into their easy rhythm.

Unbeknownst to any of them, the walls they’d all built around themselves were starting to crumble, piece by piece.