I resist the urge to wrap my wings, which may show when people look at me. I close my eyes, chanting my magic to make sure no one can see my movement.

I clench a fist, hating every bit of this. Is it too late to talk to her about that? That... I want her as my mate?

Worst, she’d tell me that she’s not interested.

My cock twitches, wanting to hold her in my arms again. Is this the case of how when the last time something shows it, you’d never know until it’s over?

Maybe I should have listened to Mckur and talked to Laura before this mess. But I just want to make sure she’s comfortable around me first, before I ask for more.

What do I do?

Chapter 18

Laura

I take a sip of my coffee when the group decides to take a break at the coffee shop inside the museum. The coffee cup has the name of the museum, which is pretty nice.

The shop is filled with the sweet scent of coffee, which wakes me on its own. There’s soft music going in the background, which isn’t loud enough to interrupt our chatter, but enough to make it less obvious to other customers walking by.

On the walls, there are paintings that are in an old-fashioned style. Those are paintings of famous buildings in the city, which include Gisett. He makes for a handsome “building” under the artist’s skillful paint brushes.

“This is such a great trip. I’m not too annoyed at how early Ryan wanted us to wake up, after all.” One of my friends chuckles as she lets out a breath.

All of us study the same subject, after all, and this special exhibition in the museum is a must-go. It is going to close in a few weeks, which coincides with our mid-term examination. None of us are a fan of exams, but it is what it is, and we better check off this museum visit before we get too busy for it.

I check my phone, looking at the photos we took. “Yes, this is a fruitful trip.”

Ryan grins. “I’m glad. It’s also great that we’re students and the admission is almost free.”

“Saved enough for the coffee.” The other friend chuckles too.

Somehow, it’s the four of us. The three of us girls and Ryan, who somehow manage to be here with us, the probably nosy ones.

We are going to chat about something else when Ryan’s phone buzzes. He checks it and excuses himself to pick up a call.

Now, there are only the three of us left.

“Hey...” One of them elbows my side.

“What?”

“Don’t you think Ryan kind of wants to tag along when you’re around?”

My heart skips a beat while I fight to look normal. “What do you mean?”

My other friend says, “Didn’t he ask you for a dance last night?”

I shrug. “He saw me sitting in the corner.”

“No way, it doesn’t matter. He wanted to ask you for a dance, come on.”

I roll my eyes. “Both of you are still drunk.”

That can’t be what’s happening, right?

“Laura, you know it yourself. Maybe it’s time for you to forget about your imaginary friend and give him a chance. Also, give yourself a chance.”

“What do you even mean? Imaginary friend?”