I like myself more

"You'd been quiet, Kristina." Kristina turned her head to the side, shrugging her shoulder as Noah sat on the stairs of the porch she was sitting on. "Ever since that day... is there a reason?"

"Reason... well, nothing in particular." A sigh tagged along with her remarks, taking a deep breath. "Just... yes, it's nothing."

Kristina hung her head low, fidgeting with her fingers. She couldn't just tell Noah that the person she chased and had a confrontation with a week ago reminded her of someone who was already dead. 

Noah studied her for a moment, parting his lips, but sighed deeply. "Do you truly think I will believe it is just nothing, Kristina?"

"Just pretend you believe it."

"I wanted to, but whenever you're this distracted, the reason is always him." 

The side of her lips curled up bitterly, raising her head to look at Noah. This man knew them from inside and out, just like an older brother.