“That doesn’t count,” I mutter.
Her eyebrows lift. “Why not?”
Because I want more than just proximity,I think.Because I want you choosing me even when you don’t have to.
Instead, I say, “You come in late. You leave early.”
She bites her lip, clearly trying not to smile again. “Are you complaining, Raja-sa?”
I exhale sharply. “Don’t call me that when you’re teasing me.”
“So youarejealous.”
I give up.
“I don’t like having rivals,” I say simply.
Her eyes widen slightly. “Rivals?”
“Yes,” I say, gesturing toward the door. “You’ve been laughing more with her than with me.”
She stares at me for a second, then her shoulders shake again. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I’m serious,” I insist.
She steps closer, close enough that I can smell her—faint soap, something sweet underneath. “You know she’s my best friend, right?”
“I know. That doesn’t change the fact that she’s monopolizing you.”
Her smile turns soft again, less teasing now. “You’re adorable when you’re insecure.”
“I am not insecure.”
“You absolutely are.”
“You were gone the whole evening.”
“She’s leaving tomorrow,” Sitara says gently. “I wanted to spend time with her.”
I nod. “I know.”But it seemed like you forgot me. Worse, like you didn’t need me.
She studies my face for a moment, then reaches out and taps my chest lightly. “You didn’t want to say anything.”
I sigh. “I didn’t want to sound ridiculous.”
She smiles. “Too late.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re enjoying this.”
“Maybe a little,” she admits. “It’s cute seeing you all flustered.”
I feel my ears heat up again. “I am not flustered.”
She laughs softly and finally sits beside me on the bed, close enough that her knee brushes mine. The contact sends a quiet jolt through me.
“I missed you, too,” she says, more quietly now.
That helps.
