Chapter 18.1 - Small but not small help

"Yo… Mister Playboy…" When Ethan reentered the room after his conversation with the girl named Emily, his two friends, Lucas and Julia, welcomed him with grins that held a hint of mischief.

Rolling his eyes at their predictable antics, he braced himself for the upcoming teasing session. It wasn't the first time they had jumped at the chance to rib him about anything remotely related to romance or relationships.

"How was your little chat with the mysterious girl?" Julia's tone dripped with sweetness, but her twinkling eyes betrayed her true intentions.

Ethan let out an exasperated sigh, deciding to humor them. "Just a conversation, you guys. Nothing to write home about."

Lucas arched an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh, come on, Ethan. 'Just a conversation'? You've never been one to strike up random conversations with strangers, especially not attractive ones like her."