Mira was shocked. She hadn't expected Zamian to say such cheesy words. Where had he learned that from? She stayed quiet, and it wasn't just her. Even John, usually unshakable, was silent. Clearly, neither of them had anticipated such affection from Zamian, who was usually reserved.
The ride continued in awkward quietness. Mira stole a glance at Zamian, who was gazing out the window, a small unknown smile playing on his lips. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable exactly, but it felt charged, as if something unspoken lingered in the air. The tension rose a little more when Zamian's phone pinged, cutting through the stillness like a sharp note.
Zamian pulled out his phone and read the message in silence, his expression tightening slightly. Though he didn't say a word, Mira felt the change in the atmosphere. The air grew heavier, and John, always perceptive, seemed to pick up on the shift as well. The cheerful lightness of the moment faded. Something was wrong.
