Before I can reach him, Anne’s already on her feet.
She’s heading toward Ian with quick, confident steps and greets him with a warm hug.
He hugs her back, smiling, then glances toward the rest of us with a casual wave.
Anne turns to the table, cheerful and unaware.
“Guys, this is my friend Ian, you remember him, right? He’s from Stratford too. Same as me, Maddie, and Sebastian. We’ve run into him here at the Blackbird a few times.”
Ian clears his throat and greets everyone, sounding oddly emotional.
“Evening, and sorry for barging in… I’m here with some mates, and when I saw Anne, I had to say hello. Then I spotted someone I haven’t seen in ages…”
He turns his full attention to Sebastian, beaming.
“How long’s it been, Seb? Back in Stratford, fresh out of sixth form, we were just kids.
Look at you now. You’ve changed so much. You’ll have to tell me everything.
Hey, why don’t you give me your number? Maybe we can catch up sometime.”
He keeps talking, completely undeterred, but Sebastian only replies with quiet nods and short, clipped words.
He’s still as white as a sheet, and all the lightness he had earlier is gone.
If anything, he looks like he’s about to be sick, but no one else seems to notice.
I don’t care about the curious glances. I step in.
“Sebastian, didn’t you say we needed to make that video call to Maddie?”
I keep my tone light, casual. “She just messaged, said she’s free now. Perfect timing.”
He nods quickly, visibly relieved. I hear him exhale, like he’s been holding his breath since Ian walked in.
He gets up without a word, and I follow his lead.
“Sorry, guys, just going to step out and call Maddie,” I say to the table. “To somewhere quieter.”
Everyone nods, oblivious. Ian looks faintly disappointed, but I ignore him. I reach for Sebastian’s hand and guide him with me. He follows without a word.
His hand is small, soft, and damp with cold sweat.
If I had any doubts before, that settles it. Something’s definitely wrong.
I head straight for the men’s restroom. Once inside, I lock the door behind us and turn to face him, suddenly feeling awkward myself.
“What’s going on, Sebastian? You look like death.
Just a minute ago, you seemed fine, relaxed, even.
Did that guy Ian say something? Did he do something that made you uncomfortable?”
Sebastian’s eyes widen slightly, and then drop.
He shakes his head.
“No, Remi. Ian didn’t do anything. I haven’t seen him in forever. Don’t worry; I’m just… really tired.
