Self

Chapter 24

Xandra clenched her teeth. “Yale, wait for me!”

At the ticket gate, Rainie had already made it out. She had heard. about the near–fire from the malfunction and was worried sick about Yara. She would have dashed back in if there was no one stopping her. –

Luckily, Yara emerged safe and sound in less than half an hour.

Rainie rushed to her. “You okay? That alarm scared me half to death.”

“I’m right here, all good. Let’s head back.”

She was tired after a full day in the theme park.

Rainie agreed, then paused. “Hey, is that Yale?”

She broke off as Yale and Xandra appeared.

“Of all the rotten luck, bumping into trouble even when we’re just trying to have a good time.”

Yara shot a quick look and then turned away. “Chill out. It was just a random run–in. Let’s head out.”

As they headed back, Rainie stewed over the encounter, her mood souring by the minute. At the intersection, she suddenly made a U- turn.

Yara blinked in surprise. “I thought we were going home?”

“I’ve changed my mind. We’re not heading back just yet. Guys are a dime a dozen. Forget about finding a rare catch; there are plenty of fish in the sea.

“Come on. I’ll take you out to see what the world has to offer!”

Yara blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Rainie’s sudden change

23

of plans.

The clock struck eight, and the night was coming to life.

Yara felt like a puppet on strings as Rainie pulled her into a bustling bar.

The air was thick with the sting of smoke and the heavy scent of perfume, the lights flickering, the place swarming with people.

Her casual outfit made her stick out like a sore thumb.

On stage, a spotlight illuminated the resident singer, pouring her heart into a soulful ballad.

Rainie did not waste any time and steered them to a private room on the second floor, ordering a bottle of whiskey. Yara, who was not a fan of the hard stuff, opted for a light cocktail.

Even a sip was enough to bring a flush to her cheeks.

She touched her face, feeling the warmth. “Rainie, I’m going to hit the restroom.”

Rainie nodded. “Sure thing! Be quick!”

Exiting the restroom, Yara bumped into Shane.

Of all of Yale’s friends, she was closer to Zachary and did not really know Shane.

So she just gave him a polite nod. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Shane, who had come out for drinks with the guys, looked at her with a hint of surprise.

“Here by yourself?”

He lingered on the sight of her flushed cheeks.

“Not really, I’m with a friend.”

“Yale?”

Her smile thinned. “Nope. Have fun. I’m going to take off.”

“Yara,” Shane called out, stopping her in her tracks.

Yara squirmed internally, but she kept her smile plastered on. ” Something else you wanted?”

“Is it for real this time? You and Yale?” he asked.

“You ever heard of fake breakups?” Yara shot back.

Shane’s eyes squinted as he paused before nodding. “Got it.”

As Yara walked away, Shane, on a whim, snapped a photo of her with his phone.

He found his group chat and hit send.

[Shane: Look who I bumped into.]

[Zachary: Whoa! Yara? Seriously?]

[Michael: At the bar?]

[Zachary: Is that even a question? It’s our usual spot.]

[Shane: Yale, why so quiet?]