My Last And My Only

Chapter 69: An Empty Seat at Mezzo

Khae stared at her phone for several seconds after Aiah's message appeared in the group chat.

Aiah: I'll be there in a bit.

The words were simple, almost casual, yet they unsettled her in a way she hadn't expected. She hadn't seen Aiah's name appear so naturally in the chat for days. It was a small thing, but it made something inside her chest loosen and ache at the same time.

Lindtsey noticed the change in her expression before Khae even spoke.

"What's wrong?"

Khae turned the screen toward her without saying a word.

Lindtsey read the message, then looked back at her. She knew exactly what Khae was thinking because she had been asking herself the same question.

Would Khae stay?

The café wasn't just another place to eat. Mezzo had been theirs long before the misunderstandings, long before Amanda came back into Khae's life, long before everything became complicated. They had celebrated birthdays there, survived exam weeks there, and spent countless afternoons arguing over whose turn it was to pay the bill.

Now it felt like unfamiliar territory.

"You don't have to leave," Lindtsey said quietly.

"Maybe I do." Khae let out a faint smile.

She slipped her phone back into her pocket and looked around the café. Yves was already arranging chairs around the long table, making sure there would be enough seats. Nica and Francheska were at the counter debating which cake to order, while Christine was teasing them from behind.

Everything looked so normal.

She didn't want to be the reason it wasn't.

If Aiah had finally decided to spend time with everyone again, Khae refused to let her first thought be whether she would have to face her.

She stood.

Lindtsey followed her movement with her eyes.

"You're really going?"

Khae nodded.

"Tell them I remembered I have something to finish for class."

Lindtsey knew it wasn't true.

But she also knew there was no changing Khae's mind once she had convinced herself that leaving was the kinder choice.

As Khae reached for her bag, Yves looked up.

"Khae, where are you going? We just got here."

Khae forced a light laugh.

"Ms. Mallari emailed us. I forgot I have to revise something before tomorrow."

Yves frowned but accepted the explanation.

"Okay. Don't overwork yourself."

Khae nodded, offering everyone a quick smile before walking toward the exit.

Just before she reached the door, she paused.

Her hand rested on the handle.

Part of her wanted to look back.

To memorize the familiar scene one last time.

Instead, she opened the door and stepped outside.

The warm afternoon air greeted her as she disappeared into the crowd.