To the girl I chased after, my mouth muttered gratitude for her help to get me out of that uncomfortable situation of those siblings' fight.
"Thank you." Her walk paused at my word; she only resumed her stride once I reached her side.
"I heard you were slandered for something you never did," I commented only with my nod; I managed to conceal my sadness behind a lenten smile. "I'm sorry for I knew it late that nothing I did to defend you."
"What are you sorry for? Haha…." I, in my effort to bite the bitterness of her sympathy, faked a giggle. "It's not your fault, anyway."
Her footsteps discontinued; rather, her head jerked to me with a serious expression masking her face. "I hope you won't hide anything from me next time. Remember, I am here all ears to whatever your problem is."
I
