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"Yes. I'm her boyfriend." Noah's voice cut through the air, deep and cold, his glare locking onto Meena and Gaurav like ice blades.
Meena's lips curved into an unpleasant smile, feigning surprise. "Oh? So my guess was right. But… you look quite young. Do you perhaps go to college?" Her tone dripped with false curiosity, her eyes deliberately trying to belittle him.
Noah opened his mouth to respond, but Yunah's sharp voice sliced in first.
"And what right do you have to know?" Her gaze burned into Meena, then Gaurav. "Even if he's young, that has nothing to do with you. So how about you enjoy your date—and leave us to ours."
"Baby, let's go," Gaurav muttered, sliding an arm around Meena's waist with exaggerated flair, his voice smug. "Why even waste words on her? Don't ruin our night."
Noah's fist clenched under the table, knuckles turning white. His whole body buzzed with restrained fury, his jaw locked tight. He wanted—needed—to break Gaurav's smug face, but Yunah's presence held him back like chains.
Meena tilted her head towards Gaurav, voice soft but insincere. "Honey, wait. She used to be my best friend. Let me talk to her a little longer." Then she turned back, her voice dripping with poison wrapped in honey. "Yunah, are you still mad? It wasn't our fault that we fell for each other…"
"I'm not mad," Yunah cut in flatly, her voice steady but razor-sharp. "Actually, I should thank you both. Because of you, I found him." She tilted her head towards Noah, her lips curving into a soft, almost smug smile. "Look at him. He's a gem—not everyone gets the chance to date someone as flawlessly handsome as him right. And on top of that, he is young and rich. Don't you agree, Meena?"
Her words hit Noah harder than any punch could. His face heated, ears tinged red. He hadn't expected her to play along, let alone claim him so boldly. His heart thudded in his chest, both embarrassed and quietly elated. He thought she'd scold him for calling himself her boyfriend without permission infront but, Yunah was doing exact opposite— and even complimenting too.
Meena's smile faltered, irritation flashing in her eyes before she quickly masked it. "Y-Yeah. Good for you."
"Exactly. So if you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy a peaceful date with my boyfriend," Yunah said, lifting her brows, her eyes daring them to stay.
But instead of leaving, Meena smirked, reaching into her bag. She slid a card across the table, the ivory paper landing in front of Yunah like a taunt.
"We're getting married next month," she said sweetly, clutching Gaurav's hand. "I want you both to attend. Bring your boyfriend—I'll be waiting."
Yunah's face twisted in disbelief. "You want me at your wedding? Seriously?"
"Of course. You've moved on, I've moved on. So come bless us," Meena said, her smile sharp enough to cut. "And now… we'll let you enjoy your evening."
With that, the poisonous pair left, their laughter trailing behind.
Silence wrapped the table. Yunah's eyes stayed fixed on the wedding card, her hand trembling slightly as she stared blankly at it.
Noah leaned forward, voice low, concerned. "… Are you okay?"
Her head lifted slowly, her voice stunned, almost hollow. "No. I'm not." She shoved the card aside and stood abruptly, grabbing her bag. "I want beer. Right now."
Before Noah could speak, she was already striding out of the restaurant. He cursed under his breath, grabbed his jacket, and followed close behind—never once letting her out of his sight.
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Yunah stormed into the nearest convenience store, grabbed a few cans of beer, and walked straight to the park without a word. Noah followed, silent as her shadow. He didn't ask, didn't push—just stayed a step behind her until she finally dropped onto a bench under the pale glow of the moonlight.
The park was almost empty, only a few strangers wandering in the distance. The night air carried a chill, and without hesitation, Noah slipped off his jacket and draped it over Yunah's shoulders. She didn't protest.
With trembling hands, she cracked open a can and downed it in one long gulp, like it was water. Her sigh escaped sharp and heavy.
"I'm so pissed…" she muttered, voice rough with rage and something deeper.
Noah sat beside her, his fingers interlaced, eyes fixed on the horizon. "Who were they?" His voice was calm, but his jaw clenched tight.
"Those two…" Yunah's tone was laced with venom, but her eyes glistened with pain. "Pathetic, Disgusting people." She tilted her head back, chugging another mouthful. Her voice shook as she continued, "They were my ex—ex-best friend and ex-lover. The ones who cheated."
Her hand trembled around the can. "I don't even care about Gaurav… he's nothing. But Meena—" her voice cracked, the words catching painfully in her throat, "Meena still hurts. She was my best friend since we were kids. And she—" Her words broke into silence as tears spilled, sliding down her eyes. She wiped them away furiously, glaring at the ground. "I guess I'm drunk…"
Noah finally moved. He rose, crouched down in front of her, and lifted his gaze to meet hers. His voice was steady, warm, grounding.
"It's okay. You don't have to keep it in. Tell me everything. I'll listen. So… let it out, Di. Don't bury it inside."
His words undid her. Her body shook as sobs tore free, her voice cracking apart.
"I'll regret this in the morning—I know I will—but I can't stop crying…" She tried to smile through the tears, failed, and dropped her face into her hands. "I feel like such a child."
Noah's lips twitched into a faint, crooked smile. He muttered under his breath, almost to himself, "Like you'll even remember…"
She sniffled, lifting her head. "What did you say?"
"Nothing." His eyes softened as they locked on hers. "Forget it."
But when she leaned closer, the faint scent of beer on her breath, her tear-streaked face just inches from his, something inside Noah snapped. His restraint shattered.
In one swift movement, he pulled her down into his arms, holding her against his chest with a strength that shook. His voice was low, roughened by emotion.
"You'll forget this tomorrow. That's why… I don't want to regret again, like last time."
He tightened his embrace, his heartbeat pounding against her ear. Yunah's breaths evened out, her sobs softening until her body went slack. She had fallen asleep—peacefully, trustingly—in his arms.
Noah buried his face in her hair, his own chest heavy with unspoken words. Under the quiet moonlight, he just held her, as if letting go would mean losing her forever.