No Mercy for the Unfaithful

It was hard to tell if it was a coincidence or deliberate, but Mia's seat ended up right next to James.

With a cheeky grin and her popcorn in hand, she chirped, "Perfect! After the movie, we can grab dinner together."

I kept my eyes fixed vaguely ahead. I had no interest in joining their conversation.

This movie must’ve been the kind they all liked. By the second half, James and the others were huddled together, whispering enthusiastically.

Me? I was so bored I couldn’t stop yawning.

Seeing them chatting away happily, I decided to take a quick nap. Who would’ve thought that by the time I woke up, even the credits had finished rolling?

As we left the theater, Mia was eagerly discussing the movie’s plot with James.

The two of them grew more engrossed in their conversation, gradually drifting farther ahead of the group.

That left me trailing behind with James’ buddies.

Maybe my silence made everyone think I was upset because they started trying to cheer me up.

One guy cracked jokes, while another went off to buy me a smoothie and snacks.

"Don’t mind Mia. She’s known James forever. They’ve got all these shared interests and always get carried away talking. We’ve learned to just stay out of it."

I smiled warmly, trying to be understanding. "I get it. They’re best friends. It’s normal for them to have a lot to talk about."

It took James thirty minutes to realize he’d left me behind with his entourage. By the time he came jogging back, he looked genuinely apologetic.

“Ames, I’m so sorry, I—”

I raised my hand dramatically, cutting him off mid-sentence.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. You and Mia haven’t caught up in a while, right? A little extra chatting is no big deal. I’m not that petty.”

Handing off the smoothie and snacks to his friends, I looped my arm through James’ with a sudden burst of affection.

“James, I’m starving! Let’s go eat!”

I swear, I had never used such a sugary tone since I was a kid. However, it worked like a charm!

James’ face went beet red, and his friends were instantly fired up, hooting and hollering in delight.

The only one who wasn’t amused was Mia. She stood frozen, fists clenched at her sides, her eyes suspiciously shiny.

Gone was her bubbly, talkative demeanor from earlier.