The noise at the table didn’t really die down after James’s question. If anything, it got louder—like everyone was waiting for a reaction, for drama, for something entertaining to happen.
My heart was still beating too fast.
I hated that I was the center of attention like this.
Ethan finally spoke again.
“She isn’t my type.”
The words were flat.
Simple.
No hesitation.
For a second, there was silence—like even the party noise around us softened just enough for it to land properly.
Then the group reacted again. A few laughs, a few whistles, someone muttering something I didn’t catch.
But I did.
I felt it.
Something in my chest tightened in a way I didn’t expect.
Not because I cared what he thought.
At least… that’s what I told myself immediately.
James leaned back, grinning li
