Mysterious New Friend

Quin returned the following week as scheduled. And to Marnthe's surprise, he didn't behave like he had any beef against Geale.

He even brought a sushi platter from Calista's place - a dish he ordered beforehand to make sure he could pick it up early in the morning.

"Did you fail your exams?" Marnthe whispered, standing next to Quin behind the bar counter as they planned the division of labor for the lunch service.

"No, did you want me to?" Quin whispered back. "I can't take back the score posted online though."

"That's not it. I'm just…surprised. You barely messaged me after getting drunk here and now you're acting like you liked having Geale here from the beginning."

"Isn't that what you want me to do though? Like Geale? Not romantically, of course."

"I wanted you to be okay with him, but I don't want you to force yourself."

"You think I'm forcing myself?"

"You're answering my questions with another question."

"I am, huh? That's just because I like teasing you."