The university garden felt quieter than usual.
Katrina was walking alone, her steps slow, her thoughts louder than everything around her.
Katrina (thinking):
I told myself I wouldn't think about her anymore…
But why can't I stop?
Why does Jessica keep coming into my mind… again and again…
She paused near a tree, closing her eyes for a moment.
I can't keep doing this to myself.
This isn't right… I'll just stop this here.
Taking a deep breath, she made a decision.
Katrina (thinking):
I'll tell Ethan I can't come this evening.
She took out her phone and called him.
But—
His phone was busy.
Katrina stared at the screen for a second.
"It's okay… I'll tell him when I see him," she whispered softly.
A Few Moments Later – University Garden
As Katrina walked toward her classroom, she suddenly saw Ethan standing a little ahead—talking on his phone.
She slowed down.
It was him.
For a moment, she just stood there… watching him.
Then she gathered courage and walked toward him.
"Hii…"
Ethan turned immediately, his phone still near his ear.
"Oh—hi, Katrina."
Seeing the phone, Katrina felt that familiar discomfort again.
"Are you busy? Can we talk?" she asked, trying to sound normal.
"Yeah, sure," Ethan replied casually. Then into the phone,
"Bye, Jessica. I'll talk to you later."
That name again.
Something inside Katrina tightened—but she ignored it.
Their Conversation
Katrina looked at him, hesitating for a moment.
"Ethan… I think I can't come this evening."
Ethan's smile faded slightly.
"Oh… why? What happened?"
"I have some work," she replied quickly, avoiding his eyes.
Ethan nodded slowly.
"I see… I actually wanted to tell you something important."
Katrina looked at him for a second—but then looked away.
"I'm sorry."
And before he could say anything else—
She turned… and walked away.
Ethan stood there, watching her go.
Ethan (thinking):
Something is wrong…
In the Classroom
Katrina entered and quietly took her seat.
A few minutes later, Ethan walked in too.
The lecture started—but neither of them was really paying attention.
Katrina kept staring at her notebook… without reading a single word.
Ethan, on the other hand, kept glancing at her—trying to understand what had changed.
After University
The day ended.
Katrina walked toward her car with Ella and Arice.
Arice looked at her with concern.
"Katrina… are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Katrina replied softly.
Ella looked at her carefully.
"No… you're not."
Arice leaned closer and whispered,
"So you really think Ethan likes someone else?"
Katrina lowered her gaze… and nodded.
"Yes…"
Ella sighed.
"Let's not talk about this here."
"Yeah… you're right," Katrina said quietly.
They said goodbye and went their separate ways.
At the Parking Area
Katrina was about to get into her car—
When suddenly—
"Katrina!"
She turned in shock.
Ethan was running toward her, slightly out of breath.
His breathing was heavy, his expression serious.
"Are you okay?" Katrina asked, worried.
"Yeah… I'm fine," he said quickly.
"Katrina, please… please meet me this evening."
She was surprised.
"Okay… okay, I will. Calm down."
"I need to tell you something… something important," he said, almost urgently.
Katrina nodded.
"Okay… I'll come."
Ethan finally relaxed a little.
"Okay… then bye. See you soon."
"Bye," Katrina replied softly.
She got into the car, still confused.
Katrina (thinking):
What's wrong with him…?
Why was he so serious…?
At Ethan's House
"I'm home," Ethan said as he entered.
The house was quiet—his mother wasn't there.
He went straight to his room, dropped his bag, and sat on the edge of his bed.
He ran a hand through his hair, tired but restless.
Flashback – Corridor
Earlier, he had passed by Katrina and her friends.
They hadn't noticed him.
Arice's voice—
"So you really think he likes someone else?"
Katrina's soft reply—
"Yes…"
Present
Ethan sat up straight.
"So… that's it…"
Ethan (thinking):
She thinks I like someone else…
That's why she's been acting different…
A small, determined smile appeared on his face.
"No… I can't let her misunderstand this."
He stood up.
Ethan (thinking):
I have to tell her…
Everything.
"I'm going to tell her that I love her."