(Still around 1 pm at Ely Mall.):;
(Making their way towards the Exit);:'
...The silence that followed felt oppressive, punctuated only by the soft hum of the mall's air conditioning and the distant chatter of shoppers, scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a nearby café, mingling with the sweet aroma of pastries.
"You added him on LINE, didn't you?" he asked softly, his eyes fixed intently on hers, . "I saw you scan his QR code." Siri's gaze remained calm and cold, her expression unreadable.
"Yes, I did," she replied, her tone devoid of any inflection. Nat's heart sank, a weight settling in his chest. He felt a pang of jealousy, mixed with a dash of uncertainty. Why had she given HIM her number?,
The fluorescent lights above seemed to hum in sync with Nat's racing thoughts.
Siri's gaze didn't waver as she added, "You know what's funny, Nat? I could spot you in all the shops we visited today." Her eyes locked onto his, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "Weren't you a few seats away from us at the cafe? I could swear I saw someone who looks just like you – same hair, same clothes, same, 'I'm-trying-to-be-invisible-but-failing' vibe." Her tone was matter-of-fact, without any accusation or emphasis.
A flush rose to Nat's cheeks as he felt his facade crumbling. "That wasn't me," he said hastily, "You know I'm not really a cafe kind of guy, I mean, have you tried their coffee? It's way too bitter for my taste.... " He added quick, "... not that I have ..tried it or anything... just..Heard it's bitter..that's it."
The sound of murmuring shoppers and clinking cups filled the air, making Nat's nervousness more pronounced.
Siri's tone was light, almost conversational, but with a subtle undertone that made Nat's skin prickle. "Oh, really? So how exactly did you know about the exchange... if you didn't go to any cafe?" She paused, her eyes never leaving his. " Quite... coincidental, don't you think?" Nat hesitated before speaking, the silence between them thickening like a fog.
Nat's words tumbled out in a ridiculous attempt to justify his knowledge. "I was just... walking by the cafe and I happened to glance in through the window..For a split SECOND.. Without stopping...Or lingering..Just a casual GLANCE," he said. Siri's expression didn't change, but her tone took on a hint of dry amusement. "Ofcourse... totally plausible," she said, her voice dripping with skepticism. " Whatever you say Nat."
As Siri's words hung in the air, Nat felt a growing sense of unease. They stepped out of the mall exit, the bright sunlight a stark contrast to the dimly lit corridors they'd left behind. The warmth on Nat's skin was a welcome change from the air-conditioned chill.
Nat asked Siri, "So, what's your plan now?" trying to regain some control over the conversation. Siri's gaze remained steady. "Why? So you can coincidentally be there too?"
The tension between them was palpable as they walked towards the car park, sounds of the footsteps echoing in the silence. Siri's eyes remained fixed on Nat's, her expression calm and neutral. Nat's face grew hot as he shook his head. "No, I wasn't.. And I didn't follow you earlier, I swear."
Siri's eyes locked onto his, her gaze piercing. "Ok." Nat's anxiety spiked as he tried to recycle a familiar excuse. "As I said, Siri, I was just getting some stuff from the mall, and I ran into you by coincidence." His words tumbled out in a rush.
Siri's expression didn't change, but her voice took on a hint of amusement. "Just getting stuff from the mall, right?" Nat nodded eagerly, thinking Siri had fallen for his lies. "Yeah."
Siri's eyes flicked to his empty hands, her gaze lingering on them. "So, what did you get?" Nat's face grew hotter as he frantically searched for an excuse. "Uh, I...I must.. l..." He trailed off, words dying on his lips.
Siri's voice was dry, her tone dripping with skepticism as she cut him off. "It would've been convincing if you'd gotten something... You know to make the COINCIDENCE more believable."
Nat was caught off guard, his face burning with embarrassment,he had nothing to say, eyes fixed on Siri's calm face.
As they reached their cars, parked in tandem, their drivers exchanged courteous bows. Siri inclined her head, while Nat's nod was stiff and awkward.
As the car door closed behind them, Siri and Wirot settled in for the ride. Nat's driver stood poised, awaiting his cue, but Nat hesitated. Siri's car disappeared into traffic, leaving Nat with a mix of embarrassment, frustration, and a hint of hope.
Nat's whispered "sorry" vanished into the traffic hum, his eyes lingering on the empty space where Siri's car had disappeared...