Chapter 80: Aeri will be with Sara
The city streets were cold and sharp, the chilly wind cutting through my black t-shirt as I walked, my shoes scuffing the ground, my bag bouncing lightly on one shoulder.
*I should call her,* I thought, a small smile tugging at my lips. *Tell her I’m coming, maybe we can still grab some food somewhere, hit up that late-night dinner she loves.*
I took my phone out from my pocket, the screen lighting up with a notifications—texts, app alerts, the usual chaos. I swiped them aside without looking, too tired to care, and went straight to my contacts.
Aeri’s name sat at the top, her picture a candid shot of her grinning in a park, her eyes crinkling. I hit call, tucking one hand back into my pocket, the phone pressed to my ear as I kept walking, the city blurring around me.
*Ring. Ring. Ring.* The phone droned on, longer than usual, the sound sharp against the quiet of the street. I frowned, glancing at the screen, wondering if she was asleep already. Finally, a click.
"Hello—" I started, but stopped dead, her tone cutting through.
"S-stop, idiot!" Aeri’s voice came through, giggling, like she was shoving someone away, playful but distracted. My steps slowed, my brow furrowing, the wind suddenly colder against my skin.
"Yes? Hello, Ezra..." she said, her voice settling, though I could hear the smile in it.
"Umm, hello," I said, my voice, curious. "Where are you, Aeri?" I shifted the phone, my bag slipping a little on my shoulder as I stopped under a flickering streetlight, the city’s hum fading into the background.