They both laughed again and paused near a small pond where koi fish swam lazily.
Victor looked down at the water. "It's good to see you laugh again."
"You always manage to make me laugh, even when I don't want to."
He looked over at her with a fond smile appearing on his face. "That's kinda my thing."
But then, he suddenly spurted out the next statement without thinking.
"So... how are things with Derek?"
Amara's smile faltered.
Victor inwardly groaned. 'Smooth. Real smooth. Ask about the competition, why don't you?'
An awkward silence bloomed between them. Birds chirped in the distance, and the koi continued swimming, but suddenly, the air between them felt heavier.
Amara brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "They're fine, I guess."
"Can we talk about something else?"
Victor nodded but before they could move on, Victor exhaled slowly.
His heart thudded in his chest as he voiced out once more...
"Amara, I have to say something."
She looked at him curiously.
