CHAPTER 16: YOU DON’T REMEMBER?

(Leonel’s POV)

"Are you both done?"

The voice cut through like a blade. I turned, jaw tight it was Aiden. Of course.

I sighed, forcing my expression blank, though inside a thought gnawed at me: I like him as a friend. I really do. But why does he always show up when I’m finally having a moment with Cassian?

Aiden swung his bag over his shoulder, stepping into the room like nothing was wrong. "Come on. We’re gonna be late."

So I did what I always did I walked ahead. Behind me, I could hear the two of them chatting, laughing, giggling like the world was theirs. My fists tightened at my sides. I didn’t let it show on my face, but every sound of Cassian’s laughter twisted in my chest.

By the time we reached the university, I was already on edge. Aiden headed straight to the last row, sliding into the far corner. Cassian, without a moment’s hesitation, sat right beside him as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

He never sits naturally with me, I thought bitterly.

This time, though, I didn’t take my usual seat in the front. No-I sat right beside Cassian. Both of them froze, eyes wide, staring at me like I’d grown a second head.

"What? Something wrong?" I asked, raising a brow.

Cassian fumbled, shaking his head quickly. "No, no, it’s just... you usually sit in the front. Sitting here feels... different."

A smirk tugged at my lips before I could stop it. "Can you blame me? After last night?"

His face flamed red, his eyes darting away, confusion flickering across his features. He looked like he was scrambling through foggy memories. My amusement faltered, replaced by a sharp pang.

Did he really forget?

I leaned closer, voice dropping, serious. "You don’t remember?"

Cassian froze, and Aiden immediately cut in. "What happened yesterday?"

Both pairs of eyes turned to me. Cassian opened his mouth, stammering, "I-I just remember a little... not everything, I-"

"Ye, okay." The words snapped out of me harsher than I intended.

His lips pressed together. The playful spark I’d seen a moment ago dimmed, replaced by something tight and... hurt. And it hit me, unexpectedly, like a blow to the chest. Why do I even care? Why should it bother me that he doesn’t remember?

I turned away, pulling my books out with more force than necessary.

(Cassian’s POV)

"Ye, okay."

The coldness in his tone left me stunned. Just seconds ago, he’d smirked at me, playful, teasing. And now this? The shift was so sharp it felt like a cut.

I stared at my hands, fists curling in my lap. Why does it hurt? Why do I care so much that he’s upset with me?

It shouldn’t matter. He’s the male lead. He’s supposed to end up with Aiden. Not me. Not me.

I forced a smile, looked at Aiden, and blurted out, "Hey... wanna switch seats?"

From the corner of my eye, I saw Leonel’s head snap toward me. A short, humorless laugh escaped his lips. "Wow. Incredible."

He stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, and strode off choosing an empty seat all the way across the room.

I froze.

Beside me, Aiden whistled low, smirking. "Damn. Looks like someone’s pissed."

My stomach dropped. Oh god. What did I do?