Again, this chapter title is a lyric from "girls" by Girl in Red.
Zarina and Nylian had finished eating all the food in their picnic.
"So," he said, turning to her, "how have you liked the food so far?" She shrugged, not sure what to say.
"It's pretty great."
Nylian gave her, once again, a cocky grin and shifted closer. "Well, I'm hoping you'll continue to enjoy our dates as much as you've enjoyed this one."
What are you talking about? Zarina wanted to snap, but barely managed to bite her tongue. Witty remarks or snarky comebacks would get her nowhere but in trouble with her mother, and then she and Lyrei would be forced to break their friendship.
Instead, she forced herself to smile slightly as Nylian pulled her close to him. It almost pained her, but Zarina made herself rest her head on Nylian's shoulder.
Remember, this is just temporary.
Suddenly, though, Zarina had a random thought. She couldn't stop wondering if she'd actually be enjoying herself if instead of Nylian, it was…
Someone else.
No, stop thinking like that!
But what if…?
No! I said stop, and that's final! If I keep thinking like this, it'll show, and then where will that get me?
This last thought allowed her mind to focus for the time being—mostly on not vomiting on Nylian, which was an entire project of itself.
Still, the feeling that something was missing persisted in Zarina's mind. Eventually, it got to a point where she had decided enough was enough, she was ending the date, no matter what the consequences were.
Nylian stood up with her and took her hand as she was turning to leave.
"Zarina, before you go, I just wanted to say one last thing." She paused, turning back to face him.
He leaned closer.