Between Us

Chapter 57 : Between Raindrops and Heartbeats

I sat up slowly from Charlotte's couch, wincing as a dull ache spread through my body. Everything hurt—my back, my shoulders, even my legs. The reminder of last night weighed heavy on me, and I dropped my elbows onto my knees, burying my face in my hands. For a moment, I just stayed there, unmoving, until the sting on my cheek pulled me back. I brushed my fingers gently over the bandage Charlotte had applied, then my lips, still tingling from the kiss I'd stolen.

Regret? No, I couldn't regret it. But the heaviness in my chest told me it wasn't enough. Not even close.

A soft noise broke my thoughts, and I glanced down to see Tofu at my feet, her wide eyes staring up at me like she could read my mind. I smiled faintly, reaching down to scratch behind her ears. "You probably think I'm a mess, huh?" I whispered, my voice hoarse.

Tofu's tail wagged lazily, and I stood, stretching a little despite the soreness. My eyes wandered around the apartment, taking in every detail—the cozy decor, the sunlight streaming through the curtains, and the small, framed photos on a nearby shelf. One caught my attention: Charlotte and Nudee, arms slung around each other, both laughing.

I sighed and turned toward the hallway, making my way to the door I knew led to Charlotte's room. I hesitated for a second before gently knocking. No answer. I tried again, but the silence told me she wasn't there. She must've already left for work.

Rinsing off quickly in the bathroom, I took a moment to gather myself. My reflection in the mirror stared back at me—a tired, beaten version of the person I used to be. But as much as I wanted to curl back up on that couch and let the world fade away, I knew I couldn't.

I stepped out of the apartment, letting the cool morning air hit my face. My steps were slow, almost hesitant, but I couldn't turn back now. My feet carried me toward Charlotte's workplace, her new beginning after everything that had happened between us. I knew its location all too well, thanks to Nudee. She'd reluctantly let it slip after I begged her, desperate to find any way to reach Charlotte.

Back then, when I first found out, I had promised myself I wouldn't show up uninvited. But that resolve didn't last long. I'd already been there several times, each attempt to talk to her ending the same way. Charlotte would either avoid me completely, ducking into a back room the moment she saw me, or she'd leave without a word, her head high and her eyes cold.

The gallery came into view, its minimalist exterior standing out against the bustling street. The glass doors reflected the sunlight, and as I approached, I felt the nerves kick in. What if she refused to talk to me or to see me, again?

I slowed down, hesitating before stepping inside. Instead, I moved closer to the large window, squinting slightly to get a better look inside. My heart raced as my eyes scanned the space, searching for her.

I spotted her near the back of the gallery, standing beside someone. My chest tightened as I recognized the woman. She was the same one who had flirted with Charlotte in front of me once, back when everything was still good between us.

My jaw clenched as I watched them. They were standing close, too close. Davika leaned slightly toward Charlotte, her hand gesturing animatedly as she spoke. Whatever she was saying had Charlotte laughing softly, her head tilting just enough to reveal that beautiful smile of hers.

That smile used to be mine.

I felt a pang in my chest, my stomach twisting uncomfortably. They looked... comfortable, familiar. My mind immediately jumped to conclusions, each one more painful than the last.

Davika's hand brushed lightly against Charlotte's arm as they moved to adjust a painting on the wall together, their shoulders almost touching. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to steady my breath.