Stretching out his arm, he greeted him casually.

“Morning.”

With a firm but distant tone, Ellis returned the gesture.

“Good morning.”

Their gazes locked for a moment, charged with unspoken tension, as if both understood they were sizing each other up. Without another word, Eric hopped off the bike, leaned it to the side, and came to stand beside Hadley.

Reaching toward her, he opened his hand.

“Left my water bottle at home. Mind sharing?”

Rather than wait for Hadley’s response, Eric grabbed the thermos she had lifted and brought it straight to his lips, ignoring the cap altogether.

“Still warm. Just how I like it.” He gulped down several mouthfuls, then exhaled with satisfaction.

Confused by his forwardness, Hadley cast a glance at Ellis, unsure how to respond.

Ellis caught her look and offered a calm shake of the head, his easy smile brushing off the moment as if it meant nothing at all. A heavy stillness settled over them, yet no one took the initiative to break it.

“So… what were you two chatting about before I showed up?” Eventually, Eric let out a small chuckle, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

He tried to sound casual, but the stiffness in his voice betrayed his unease. Watching them get along earlier had clearly unsettled him.

Rather than respond, Hadley kept her mouth shut and looked away.

“Just making small talk. Nothing important.” Ellis stepped in with a calm shrug.

Seeing that the moment for a proper conversation with Hadley had passed, he decided it was time to leave.

“Alright then, Miss Pearson, Mr. Scott. I’ll take my leave.”

“Mr. Gomez…” With a sheepish smile, Hadley offered a quiet apology.

g ? ln σ ν s?com, home to the best fiction

“Take care.”

“Goodbye,” Ellis responded with a nod. He shot Eric a quick look, then broke into a jog without saying another word.

Hadley and Eric remained still—just the two of them—neither speaking nor moving.

Only after Ellis disappeared down the road did Eric notice the unease hanging in the air.

“Hadley…” Tilting his head slightly, Eric finally said her name. There was remorse written all over his face.

Snapping her head up, Hadley stared at him, disbelief flooding her features.

“Tell me the truth. Did you do that on purpose?”

“Do what? What are you talking about?”

A hollow laugh slipped from Hadley’s lips.

“Oh, come on. You picked up my phone that day. You saw the message, didn’t you?”

There was a pause as Eric faltered. He wasn’t sure if honesty would make things better or worse.

Hadley’s eyes narrowed as she pieced it together.

“That’s what this is, isn’t it? You followed me all the way here. Why?”

.

.

.