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When I emerge from my room, Jason and Ju are still cuddling on the couch, some reality show playing in the background.

Jason sits up straighter. “Your brother…?”

“Yes. Just worried, but he’s not coming.”

“We were worried, too,” Jason says quietly. “Next time, answer your damn phone.”

Ju touches his arm gently. “Calm down. Things like this can happen.”

“Sure.” Jason scoffs.

“I’m sorry.” I glance down at my hands. “I should head to bed. Long day.”

“Yeah, it’s getting late.” She turns off the TV, plunging the room into silence.

Jason walks towards me and catches my wrist. His fingers graze the cut on my palm, and he frowns. “What did you do to your hand?”

I hide it in the sleeve of my sweater. “It was an accident. I cut myself.”

“Lil—”

“Good night.” I slip into my room and close the door before he can say anything else.

Finally, alone, I examine the cut on my hand.

Sebastian kissed the angry red line. His lips were soft and gentle, and there was tenderness in his eyes. Heat floods my cheeks, and the girly grin is back.

My phone buzzes.

Sebastian: Sweet dreams, princess.

Sebastian: Little tip. A good night would be enough.

I start to type a reply, then delete it. Try again, delete.

Lil: Good night, and thanks again.

The dots appear, then disappear.

Sebastian: For what?

Isn’t it obvious what I’m thanking him for?

Lil: The food.

The food? I’m so bad at this.

Sebastian: Just the food, huh? And here I thought you enjoyed my charming company.

I can imagine the cocky grin on his face as he sent that.

Lil: I enjoyed that, too.

Sebastian: Good girl. Next time I’ll bring something else.

My fingers hover over the keypad, wondering if I dare say what’s really on my mind. I start to type a message and then delete it. Start again, delete. Ah, this isn’t working. I don’t know how to write it without sounding… wrong.

Lil: Maybe next time we could eat outside or get a coffee? If you want.

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