36. Can't Hold Back

"I'm sorry, Starla, I didn't mean to startle you," William apologized sincerely, his voice low to avoid further attention.

Starla took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She asked, curiosity lacing her voice, "How did you know I was here?"

William smiled knowingly. "I know your habits, Starla. Plus, you mentioned yesterday that you were planning to spend the afternoon at the library."

Realizing his point, Starla nodded. She inquired, glancing around as she noticed the curious gazes of other library patrons directed at them. "Right... Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

William glanced around discreetly and then leaned in closer to Starla. He suggested quietly, "Let's talk somewhere else."

After that, the two left the library, their steps carrying them away from the curious stares that had followed their abrupt departure. As they walked through the quiet corridors, the evening sunlight filtered through tall windows, casting long shadows that stretched across the polished wooden floor. Starla adjusted her bag on her shoulder, her thoughts still lingering on William's unexpected visit and the intriguing proposal he had brought. Outside, the city streets were bustling with the last remnants of daylight, the air alive with the hum of activity as people hurried to their destinations.

...

Later that evening, William and Starla found themselves seated in a cozy corner of a dimly lit coffee shop. Soft jazz music played in the background, its mellow notes weaving through the air and adding a touch of elegance to the intimate setting. The cafe exuded a sense of warmth and comfort, with its soft lighting creating a romantic ambiance. Small, intimate tables were strategically placed around the room, each adorned with flickering candles that cast dancing shadows on the walls, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of pastries and desserts displayed enticingly at the counter. Patrons around them engaged in hushed conversations or focused quietly on their laptops, creating a gentle hum of activity that blended seamlessly with the music. Occasionally, the clinking of cups and the soft murmurs of orders being placed at the counter added to the cafe's soothing background soundtrack.

William and Starla sat facing each other, a small table adorned with a single candle between them. William's expression was thoughtful yet earnest, his eyes meeting Starla's with a mixture of anticipation and concern. Starla, in turn, gazed back at him intently, her features illuminated by the soft glow of the candlelight.

William leaned forward slightly, his expression serious yet gentle. He explained, his voice sincere, "Starla, I didn't send you a message because when I heard about it, I happened to be near the library."

Curious, Starla leaned in, her eyes locked on William's. She prompted, her curiosity piqued, "Heard about what?"

William took a moment, choosing his words carefully. He revealed, watching Starla's reaction closely. "The publishing house where I work is organizing a novel competition. The theme is a love triangle."

Starla sat back, her mind processing the information. After a moment of contemplation, she responded thoughtfully, "I'm not sure if I can decide right now. I need to think about it."

After William nodded in acknowledgment, they moved on to lighter topics, their conversation blending seamlessly with the gentle buzz of the coffee shop. The cozy ambiance enveloped them, offering a respite from the earlier tension at the library.

Amidst the soft jazz music and the comforting aroma of coffee, Starla found herself relaxing in William's company. His presence, always reassuring and familiar, had a way of calming her nerves. They discussed recent movies they had both seen, dissecting plots and characters with a shared enthusiasm for storytelling. William shared anecdotes from his work as an editor, offering insights into the publishing world that fascinated Starla.

The coffee shop hummed with activity around them, couples engaged in quiet conversations, friends catching up over steaming mugs, and the occasional writer hunched over a laptop, lost in their creative world.

...

Back to Ha-neul, Luna, Brad, and Maddie who were at a restaurant near the beach. Unlike before, the conversation this time was noticeably dominated by Maddie and Ha-neul. Maddie seemed to be putting in extra effort to capture Ha-neul's attention, subtly stoking Luna's already smoldering emotions. Luna couldn't help but feel her heart burn with jealousy as she observed Maddie's persistent attempts.

Brad, sitting beside Luna, glanced sideways and noticed her nervously twisting the hem of her blouse. He could sense the tension building between Luna and Maddie, exacerbated by Maddie's strategic moves.

"So, tell me more about our latest project," Maddie interjected smoothly, leaning in slightly towards him with a charming smile.

Ha-neul, always easygoing and polite, responded with enthusiasm, sharing details about the upcoming film and its intricate storyline. His eyes sparkled with passion as he described the characters and the unique challenges of the script.

Luna, trying to maintain her composure despite the mounting discomfort, sipped her drink quietly. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions as she listened to Maddie's flirtatious banter with Ha-neul. Every playful remark from Maddie towards Ha-neul felt like a deliberate challenge, a subtle assertion of her presence. Luna knew they were colleagues, but the way Maddie's laughter resonated in the air, mixed with Ha-neul's occasional chuckles, intensified Luna's growing discomfort.

She tried to distract herself by focusing on the soothing ambiance of the restaurant: the gentle murmur of other patrons, the soft clinking of cutlery, and the faint scent of seafood drifting from nearby tables. The coastal breeze gently rustled the curtains, casting subtle shadows on the polished wooden floor. Despite these comforting surroundings, Luna couldn't shake the gnawing feeling of being overshadowed.

Brad, ever observant of his friends' dynamics, subtly shifted the conversation towards a more neutral topic. He asked, hoping to diffuse some of the tension, "How did you come up with the concept for this film?"

Ha-neul gladly took the cue, steering the conversation away. He spoke animatedly about his inspiration, weaving anecdotes and insights into his storytelling approach. Meanwhile, Maddie continued to play her part, alternating between attentive interest in Ha-neul's words and subtle glances towards Luna, gauging her reaction. She knew exactly how to push Luna's buttons, a skill honed through years of navigating the competitive world of entertainment.

As the evening wore on, Luna found herself increasingly restless and unsettled. Despite her efforts to appear composed, her agitation became more pronounced with each passing minute. She subtly shifted in her seat, her fingers nervously tracing patterns on the tablecloth. Her gaze kept flickering between Ha-neul and Maddie, unable to shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

However, as the evening progressed, Luna found herself unable to suppress her growing unease any longer. The tension within her boiled over, fueling her desire to address the issue head-on. Her heart pounded with a mix of frustration and determination. Maddie's casual flirtations and Ha-neul's seemingly oblivious responses grated on Luna's nerves, stirring a storm of emotions within her. Moments later, Luna couldn't contain herself.

"Can I talk to you, Min-soo?" Luna glanced at Maddie sarcastically. "Alone."

The words startled Ha-neul, Maddie, and Brad. They hadn't expected Luna to single out Ha-neul like this. There was a tense anticipation hanging in the air as Luna's request hung there, her tone carrying an edge that hinted at unresolved issues. Ha-neul glanced briefly at Maddie, whose expression remained composed but guarded. Brad, seated beside Ha-neul, exchanged a quick glance with him, both silently acknowledging the unexpected turn of events.