The stars above the reunion venue sparkled faintly, a quiet contrast to the chatter and music inside. Claire remained on the balcony, her arms crossed as the cool breeze caressed her skin. She replayed the evening in her mind—the glances, the whispers, and most of all, them.
Noah and the woman.
She had expected to see old classmates, even prepared herself for an awkward reunion or two. But she hadn't been prepared for this. She hadn't been prepared for her.
Her name echoed in Claire's mind, unspoken yet loud enough to drown out the world around her. She was someone everyone in their circle knew, someone admired by many. But to Claire, she was much more complicated than just a familiar face.
"Claire?"
The voice startled her. She turned to see Cassy stepping onto the balcony, her expression curious. "You disappeared again. Everything okay?"
Claire forced a smile. "Yeah, just needed some air."
Cassy gave her a skeptical look but didn't push. She leaned against the railing beside Claire, her gaze sweeping over the grounds below. "It's strange, isn't it? Seeing everyone again after so long. Feels like a different lifetime."
Claire nodded absently, her thoughts still tangled. She hesitated, then decided to test the waters. "Did you… see Noah tonight?"
Cassy's eyebrows shot up. "Of course. Hard to miss him, especially with her by his side." She let out a low whistle. "They looked like something out of a fairy tale. Everyone's talking about them."
Claire's stomach churned. She hated how much that one statement affected her, how it pulled her back into memories she'd tried to bury.
Cassy tilted her head, studying Claire. "You're unusually quiet. You okay?"
"I'm fine," Claire lied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
Cassy leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Can I just say something? I know you're not asking, but… doesn't it feel a little odd? Them showing up like that?"
Claire blinked, surprised by the comment. "What do you mean?"
Cassy shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but it feels like there's something… off about it. Like they're trying too hard to make a statement or something." She paused, then added, "And she—she hasn't even spoken to you yet, has she?"
Claire froze. "No," she admitted quietly.
Cassy's gaze sharpened. "Huh. That's… interesting."
Before Claire could respond, a burst of laughter from inside caught their attention. Cassy sighed, pushing herself away from the railing. "I should get back in there. You coming?"
"In a minute," Claire said, her tone distant.
Cassy nodded, giving her a small pat on the shoulder before heading back inside.
Left alone again, Claire stared out into the night. Her mind raced, memories flooding back unbidden.
It had been years since she last saw her. Years since their friendship had ended. And yet, even now, the sight of her stirred up emotions Claire thought she had buried.
Back then, she had trusted her completely. They had shared everything—dreams, secrets, and even their unspoken fears. Until it all fell apart.
Now, seeing her with Noah, Claire couldn't help but wonder. Was this deliberate? A coincidence? Or something more?
The door to the balcony opened again, and for a fleeting moment, Claire's heart leapt, thinking it might be Noah. But it was just another classmate, looking for fresh air.
Claire took it as her cue to leave.
Inside, the reunion was winding down, but her mind remained in chaos. She knew she wouldn't get answers tonight—not from Noah, and certainly not from her.
But the questions lingered, their weight pressing heavily on her chest.