Page 196 of The Bittersweet Bond

You're such a sap!

Bas

Only for you.

So! You’re coming tomorrow, right?

Evin

Maybe… why?

Bas

Because… I want you to be there.

Evin

Bas…

Bas

I planned something. Nothing big, just… something for you.

Evin

What is it?

Bas

If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?

Evin

You know I hate being the center of attention.

Bas

You’re my only center.

Evin

Okay, I’ll come.

Bas

Good. Can’t wait to see you.

Chapter 52

Neon Lights & Hidden Truths

Evin

Through the windshield, the house glowed like something out of a movie—golden lights spilling onto the driveway, blurred figures moving behind the glass, the flicker of neon from a backyard beer pong table. The music pulsed low and steady, a heartbeat against the night. Inside the car, everything felt still. Not tense, not awkward—just unfamiliar. Like stepping back into something that once felt easy but now carried a different weight.

"We're here," Bas repeated and leaning back into his seat. His hands still rested loosely on the steering wheel, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go. Next to him, Bellamy scrolled absentmindedly through his phone, as detached as ever, while in the backseat, Milka and Evin jostled each other for space in the mirror of their phones.

"Alright, here’s the plan," Milka suddenly announced, her voice filled with playful determination. "We go in, grab drinks, and ditch the guys. Deal?"

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