Chapter 8

Sienna walked through the corridor, her pace quickening when she spotted Riley walking with another girl. Instinctively, she ducked out of sight, pressing her back against the wall. Squinting, she tried to make out who the girl was but couldn’t recognize her from the distance. Curiosity gnawed at her as she tilted her head, tapping her chin with her finger, wondering if she knew the girl.

Not that it was any of her business, of course. But somehow, she wanted to know. It hadn't even been a week since Riley had confessed her feelings, and now here she was, casually walking with someone else. A sharp pang hit Sienna, freezing her in place. Why did she even care? It wasn’t like she was developing feelings for Riley... Or was she?

A tap on her shoulder startled her, making her gasp. She turned to find Ethan standing behind her. Her expression darkened at the sight of him.

"Wait," Ethan said quickly, grabbing her arm as she started to retreat. "Please, just... hear me out."

"What's there to talk about, Ethan?" she replied coldly, eyes narrowing. Ethan sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Just... please. Let's talk somewhere else."

Sienna glared at him but then conceded. "Fine," rolling her eyes, "But let go of me first." Ethan immediately released her arm, raising his hands in surrender.

They walked toward the small garden near the hallway that led to the library. A few students were scattered around, enjoying their break, making it a safe space for the conversation. Sienna leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, her posture defensive.

"Now, talk," she said, her tone sharp.

Ethan positioned himself beside her, keeping some distance. "I know I was a complete asshole at the after-event party. I'm sorry... for everything, especially for hurting you," he began, his voice heavy with regret. He chuckled softly, recalling Mia’s slap, though the humor quickly faded.

Sienna stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I… You know Riley’s part of the queer community, right?" he asked cautiously.

Sienna’s brow furrowed at the mention of Riley, ready to give Ethan a piece of her mind, but he cut her off with a chuckle.

"I guess the same goes for me. Well, I think I’m gay," he admitted, his fingers nervously fidgeting.

Sienna looked at him, unsurprised—she had her suspicions—she also had seen her before her very eye. "I don't know, Sienna. I know I hurt you, and made you feel used, and I’m sorry." Ethan lowered his gaze, his guilt visible.

"The truth is, I tried to hide it by playing the field—hooking up with everyone. But..." Ethan hesitated.

"But we were never intimate," Sienna interrupted, her voice steady. "You never touched me."

Ethan sighed. "Because you're too pure. I couldn’t let myself do that to you. You're beautiful, of course, but every time I looked at you... I saw you more like a little sister." He laughed softly, shaking his head. "What am I even saying? I’ve messed around with everyone—guys and girls—and here I am, telling you this..."

"Just get to the point, Ethan," Sienna said, her irritation starting to show.

"I tried being with girls, but it never felt right. I didn’t feel anything. Then the guy you saw that night... He made me feel something different, something special." Ethan smiled softly, as if the memory brought him peace. "With him, I feel like I can finally be myself, I can have the freedom to be me."

He crouched down, his elbows resting on his knees as he continued. "But I’m not out yet. I don't know how my parents would react if they found out. That’s why I tried to stay with you... to keep pretending."

Sienna chuckled bitterly. "So you did use me?"

Ethan nodded, biting his lip in shame. Sienna scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You know, your apology doesn’t change anything. You're only sorry because you got caught. You could’ve told me sooner—I might’ve even helped you keep up the act."

She paused, realizing that she, too, had been under pressure. Staying in a relationship with Ethan had been her way of avoiding being set up with someone by her parents. It had been for her peace of mind—for her selfish self. But now... everything felt uncertain. Ethan, Riley... Why was she even thinking about Riley at all?

Ethan stood up, looking at her apologetically. "I know you won’t forgive me for cheating, but I just—"

Sienna smiled faintly, punching his chest lightly. "Stop it. I know what you want, and thank you for finally telling me. At least now, I don’t have to wonder if I was a bad girlfriend for you to cheat."

Ethan smiled, pulling her into a hug. "I’m sorry, and thank you for understanding."

Sienna stiffened at first but then tapped him lightly on the back. Just as she was about to pull away, she froze, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure in the distance.

It was...Riley.

Riley plopped down on the bench, folding her lab coat neatly beside her before setting her laptop bag down. She released a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. Having finished the research experiment assigned by their professor, she had left class early, but her mind was elsewhere.

Her mood soured at the memory of seeing Sienna hugging Ethan. It wasn’t her place to meddle, but it pained her. Why did it hurt so much? But what's there to expect?

Lying back on the bench, she closed her eyes for a moment. “A penny for your thoughts?”

A voice broke through her reverie. She sat up, seeing Anne Montgomery, the girl with red-ombre hair, smiling at her. As she cleared her throat, she adjusted her coat and bag before settling back into a more comfortable position.

“I thought you’d be in class until four?” Anne asked, glancing at her wristwatch.

“Finished my lab early,” Riley replied with a shrug. Then she turned to Anne, a playful glint in her eyes. “So, are you single?”

Anne smirked, raising an eyebrow. “What about you? Are you single?”

Riley sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. “Yeah.”

Anne looked incredulous. “Are you sure? From what I’ve seen, you seem to have your fair share of admirers.” She laughed, teasingly nudging Riley.

“Careful, or I might just send you back to England,” Riley shot back, rolling her eyes playfully.

Anne feigned shock. “Didn’t you say you missed me? Now you want to send me packing? How cruel!” She pouted, a gesture that made Riley chuckle.

“Stop pouting! You look like an ugly duckling,” Riley joked, standing up in mock indignation.

“Why you—!” Anne leaped to her feet, laughing. “Let’s go,” Riley said, extending her hand, which Anne took eagerly. As they walked, Anne suddenly wrapped her arms around Riley's, holding on like a vine.

Sienna paused at the sight, her heart clenching. “Oh, isn’t that Riley?” Mia exclaimed, noticing Sienna’s stillness.

“Riley!” Mia called, pulling Sienna forward as they hurried to catch up.

“Oh, who’s she?” Mia asked, glancing at Anne, who was still entwined with Riley.

Sienna rolled her eyes in annoyance, crossing her arms tightly over her chest, her shoes tapping rhythmically against the ground.

Riley and Anne exchanged glances. “This is Anne,” Riley said, smiling brightly. “She’s part of the international exchange program. Remember the one offered last semester?”

Mia tilted her head, studying them curiously. “Oh,” she said, slowly nodding, silently taking glances at Sienna.

“Right, we’re heading to the coffee shop nearby. Want to join us?” Mia asked, looking at the pair.

“Do you want to come, Anne?” Riley asked, seeking Anne’s input.

Anne met Mia’s gaze and then saw how Sienna's body reacted, she turned to Riley, tightening her hold on Riley’s arm as she smiled sweetly. “Sure, I’d love to try it!”