The next morning the air was cool.
Ikan ran at a steady pace, concentrating on his breathing. His mind still wandered despite himself.
Then, at the corner of a street, he slowed down.
In front of him, Alixia walked alone, the bag on her shoulder.
He hesitated... then decided to follow her from a distance.
She entered an almost deserted park and headed towards a secluded place in the shade of the trees. Ikan hid behind a clump, observing discreetly.
Alixia sat down on a bench.
A few minutes passed.
A boy arrived. He was about her age, with light brown hair that was always a little messy, and lively hazel eyes. Without hesitation, he leaned over and kissed her.
"My dear," he said with a confident smile.
"My handsome," replied Alixia, smiling in turn.
Ikan's heart sank suddenly.
She already has someone...
— So, how are you doing, Lior? Alixia asked.
- Alright. And you ? replied Lior.
- How are you.
Lior hesitated for a moment, then looked falsely embarrassed.
— Say… I need a favor.
- Which ?
—I would like you to buy something for me.
He smiled, almost innocently.
— A gift.
—Why don't you take it yourself? Alixia asked, surprised.
— I… uh…
He scratched the back of his neck, feigning embarrassment.
— My parents confiscated my pocket money this week.
—And then… you have better taste than me.
The reason was shaky.
Ikan felt it immediately.
Alixia did not seem to have any doubts.
"Okay," she finally said.
— I'll take care of it.
She got up and walked away.
Ikan remained hidden.
A few minutes later, a girl arrived.
She was the same age as them, with long black hair tied in a ponytail and dark eyes sparkling with mischief. His confident demeanor contrasted with his calculated smile.
She kissed Lior with familiarity.
- SO ? asked Naëlle.
— My present?
"Soon," he replied, smiling.
— Very soon.
Ikan's blood only boiled.
He used her...
Behind the bushes, his fist clenched violently.
His gaze hardened.
This time, it was no longer sadness.
It was anger.