"Hey, do you want some juice?" John asked Akai with a warm smile.
Akai's eyes lit up. "Hmm, I'd love some mango juice, please," she said.
"Okay, wait here," John said, and hurried off to the table laden with an array of colorful desserts and refreshing juices.
As Akai waited, her gaze wandered around the room, taking in the lively atmosphere. But then, her eyes landed on Ryder, standing beside Savannah as she charmed the guests with her bright smile. Akai's heart skipped a beat as she felt a pang of longing. Ryder seemed distant, like a stranger, and it filled her with a sense of melancholy.
Just then, John returned with a glass of mango juice and a selection of sweet treats. "Here, enjoy!" he said, his eyes sparkling with kindness.
Akai's gaze met John's, and she asked, "Aren't you having any juice?"
John's expression turned thoughtful. "No, I'll have some later... with him," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness.
