Page 39 of Hannah.

When I realize he thinks I’m sad because Johan will be taking up a lot of Astrid’s time, I almost snort. Little does Conrad know that Johan has me tied up in knots.

To keep the facade up, I offer a grateful smile, appreciating the reassurance. The tour continues, and Conrad points out landmarks and shares anecdotes about Johan. “Did you know Johan once got lost on the way to a lecture and ended up in the botanical gardens? Classic Johan.”

I chuckle, finding myself more engaged in the conversation than I expected. “Really? I can’t imagine him lost.”

Conrad grins. “Oh, he has his moments. But it’s part of what makes him, well, Johan.”

We pass under picturesque bridges, the rhythmic swish of the punt's pole providing a soothing soundtrack. Conrad’s easy banter lightens the atmosphere, and for a moment, I forget all the drama of my life waiting on the shore.

The sights along the riverbanks capture my attention. Conrad’s descriptions add color to the scenes, and I find myself appreciating the beauty of Cambridge in a new light. We view lush greenery, historic architecture, and the occasional quirkiness of student life.

Couples, friend groups, and single students all live full, meaningful lives, and here I am, worrying about my friend’s boyfriend. Ugh. I’d do anything to be able to move on.

Should I move on, or should I keep him for myself?As soon as it pops in my mind, I shake my head to dispel the idea.

As the punt tour comes to an end, I realize Conrad has successfully offered me at least a brief break from the stressors of my everyday life. I thank him genuinely, grateful for the temporary escape. I guess it was inevitable that the subject of Johan would come up, but Conrad managed to amuse me nonetheless.

“Are you in any hurry to get somewhere?” Conrad asks with a hopeful tone.

I have nothing else going on, but my stomach is rumbling. I suppose I could have a meal with Conrad, but I don’t want him to think this is some date.

“I was just going back to my dorm to study,” I tell him. While he looks a little disappointed, Conrad offers me his arm anyway, and I loop my hand in it.

“Then let me walk you back, at least.”

I’m lost in thought about what to order for dinner when Conrad makes a surprised noise, stopping. Astrid and Johan come into view at a bend in the footpath, and Conrad raises his arm to wave at them.

“Speaking of our friends, look who it is. Hey, you two!” he calls, and I reluctantly follow him as he approaches the couple. My heart stutters at the sight of Johan, so handsome and casual, but there is no polite way to disappear now that they’veseen us. Astrid looks lovely, too, and the pair make the perfect Cambridge couple. It’s enough to make me want to run away, polite or not.

As they get closer, recognition flashes over their faces. Johan’s expression shifts from a casual demeanor to something more tense, perhaps even annoyed, as Conrad continues to wave, and we start approaching them. All at once, I realize what this looks like—Conrad and I, arm in arm, just like he and Astrid are, having a nice afternoon stroll together. Conrad and I look like a couple, and Johan is doing a poor job of hiding his displeasure.

The dread of seeing the pair fades, and there’s a certain satisfaction bubbling within me, knowing that my presence with Conrad is causing a reaction in Johan. Call it petty, call it a small victory, but it feels good to see him slightly agitated. I loop my arm tighter through Conrad's, an intentional move to emphasize our camaraderie, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. As we get closer, I catch Johan’s eyes narrowing, his jaw tensing. It’s a subtle reaction, but I can feel the tension in the air. Astrid, on the other hand, greets us with a warm smile, oblivious to the underlying, crackling energy between me and her boyfriend.

Conrad releases me long enough to slap Johan jovially on the shoulder and to lean in to kiss Astrid’s cheek in greeting before taking my arm once more. “Hey, Astrid, Johan. Fancy bumping into you here.”

Johan’s response is a curt nod, his gaze briefly flickering down to mine and Conrad’s linked arms. I can’t help the inward smirk, reveling in the silent discomfort I seem to be causing.

Astrid, still unaware of any tension, chimes in. “Hey, guys! We were enjoying a stroll along the river. How about you two?”

I casually shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Oh, I’m just exploring Cambridge with Conrad. He came to get me after class.We just did a punt tour together.” I look especially at John before adding, “It was fantastic, by the way.”

Conrad smiles with pride. “It was great, yeah. Gives you a whole new perspective on the city.”

Throughout the exchange, I maintain the linked arms with Conrad, fully aware that it’s fueling Johan’s evident displeasure. It’s a subtle form of retaliation for the confusing emotions he’s stirred within me and his cruel tea prank that I haven’t forgiven him for. I’m not entirely sure what I want from him, but for now, relishing his discomfort’s satisfaction feels strangely empowering.

“Johan,” Astrid begins, a playful grin on her face, “we should go on a punt tour for our next date. It’s incredibly romantic in the evening, I’ve heard.”

Johan, though still reserved, manages a small smile. “Sure, Astrid. We can plan that.”

My attention is diverted as Astrid approaches me, her eyes gleaming. “Speaking of dates,” she starts, “Johan and I are actually heading out for dinner after this. How about we make it a double date? You and Conrad could join us. It will be fun!”

For a split second, I’m caught off guard. A double date with Johan and Astrid? The proposal is full of genuine excitement from my sweet friend, but a full evening of watching her and Johan be a lovey-dovey couple sounds like hell on earth. And then there is the fact that I don’t want Conrad to assume I have any romantic feelings towards him. But Astrid is still smiling, her enthusiasm pouring off her, and I can’t tell her no.

Conrad beats me to the punch. “Sure, why not? Sounds like a plan.”

I can see the flash of irritation in Johan’s eyes, and at that moment, I decide to add a pinch of salt to the wound.

“Thanks, Astrid, but…” I glance pointedly at Johan, a sly smile playing on my lips. “Mr. Johan doesn’t seem very enthusiastic about dining in the company of a fresher.”

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