Chapter 122: Chapter 122

When they arrived at the burger joint that they had frequented in the past, it looked different from what they remembered.

Fortunately, no one recognized him or anything. Maybe they did a good job of looking and acting normal after all.

They quickly found a booth in the corner that was conveniently away from prying eyes. As they sat down, the familiar smell of grilled burgers and fries filled the air, bringing back a flood of nostalgic memories.

“This place has certainly changed a bit, hasn’t it?” Camille remarked, marveling at the renovation of the building. Back then, it had been smaller, with dull colors decorating the wallpaper.

But now, the surroundings were much more vibrant and inviting, and the area became spacious, too.

Michael grinned as he took a seat across from her. He looked so soft and boyish whenever he smiled so naturally like that. “It has,” he agreed. “It’s been ages since we were last here, right?”

They eagerly ordered their usual from years ago: cheeseburgers with fries and milkshakes. They didn’t usually eat like this, especially since they rarely ever went to fast food places now, so this was like a nice treat after working so hard.

Camille was especially excited. The earlier feeling of upset that she had felt after what happened with Christian now faded away in the back of her mind. She was with Michael now, her good friend, and they were about to eat together, which hadn’t happened in quite a while.

She never knew that she had such a craving for burgers before!

They didn’t have to wait long. When the food arrived, they immediately dug in.

Camille felt like her eyes were sparkling with joy right now. The burger was just as delicious as she remembered, and the milkshakes were perfectly creamy, just the way she liked them in the past.

She still liked it now. It definitely reminded her of the old days, and it sent a warm, fuzzy feeling in her chest.

“Remember that time when I skipped class just to come here?” Michael said, grinning.

Camille shook her head with exasperated fondness. “How could I forget? You were such a brat,” she remarked, memories flooding into her head one by one. “I caught you just as you were leaving through the gates. You thought you were so smart.”

“Yeah, and I ended up in detention for a week because of you,” Michael pointed out. “My dad was so pissed at me that he willingly allowed the principal to do that just so I would be taught a good lesson.”

Camille sent him a smug smile. “That’s what happens to naughty students who try to skip class. You shouldn’t waste your family and teachers’ efforts.”

Michael sighed, and it sounded almost dramatic. “You always picked on me, didn’t you?”

She shrugged. “I wouldn’t have picked on you so often if you were just a good, well-behaved student. But alas…”

“Gee, fine. I get it. I was a troublemaker, and you made it your responsibility to set me straight.”

They both laughed at that, and Camille felt the tension of the day melt away quite easily.

And as time went on, she could feel herself relaxing more and more. Michael truly felt like home to her, if she were to be honest. He made her feel comfortable and safe. He was like an anchor that she could hold on to, the one person that she could trust not to hurt or betray her.

He really had a way of making her forget her worries, even if it was only for a brief period of time.

After finishing their meal, they decided to visit the nearby food stalls, just like old times.

The night air was cool and refreshing, and the streets were bustling with activity, even though it was a little late.

On the other hand, this was a busy area, but that meant Michael and Camille could blend in with the crowd and act like a normal pair of friends.

Yeah. That was what they were, right?

Camille shook her head and tried not to think about it too much. They weren’t even acting like a couple. They weren’t holding hands or anything.

Wait, why was she feeling so self-conscious about this?

‘Get a grip, Camille,’ she scolded herself.

She looked around, trying to keep her mind occupied. The surrounding booths were filled with a variety of snacks and treats, from caramel apples to cotton candy.

Sweets. Desserts. Right! She could use some sweetness in her mouth right now.

“Hey, let’s go and get some churros,” she suggested.

Michael chuckled. “Ah, yes, of course. We can’t forget your favorite snack.”

“Good that you remember.”

“How could I not? You used to steal mine all the time.”

“Oh, shush.”

They bought some churros and cotton candy and strolled through the booths, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the night. For a moment, Camille actually felt like they were back in high school, just a couple of students hanging out after class and having a good time.

She pushed all thoughts of Christian out of her mind and forgot everything else, like her job and all the stress that came with it.

For that moment, it was just her and Michael.

But all good things had to come to an end. It was inevitable.

“Oh, it’s this late already?” Camille said as she checked the time on her phone. “I have to get going.”

“I’ll walk you and help you get a taxi,” Michael offered.

“Thank you, Michael. I appreciate it.”

As they prepared to leave, Camille looked down in surprise.

‘Huh?’

Michael was holding her hand.

It felt so warm… so reassuring.

It was so different from Christian’s rough touches.

He seemed to notice her gaze and smiled.

“So you won’t get lost,” he said gently.

Camille let him lead the way, feeling dazed. She could think of nothing else but Michael’s hand in hers.

Why?

Why did it feel so right?

And why did it make her feel so guilty?

Plagued by her thoughts, Camille didn’t even notice that they were now approaching the bus stop, where a few people were waiting, busy typing on their cell phones.

“We should do this more often,” Michael said. “It feels good to take a break like this, doesn’t it?”

“Ah…” Camille slowly pulled her hand away and forced a smile. “Yes. I agree. Maybe… if we have time next time.”

Michael looked at her for a moment. For a moment, it seemed as if he was about to say something but decided against it at the last second.

Instead, he smiled.

“Take care of yourself,” he said softly. “You deserve to be healthy and happy, okay?”

Camille felt her breath catch in her throat. “I… I’ll try,” she said, her voice wavering. “Thank you for tonight, Michael. It means more than you know.”

He reached out and patted her shoulder.

“You’re stronger than you think,” he said softly, almost as if giving her a silent message. “Remember that.”

After that, Michael helped her hail a cab, and she was on her way home.

And the reality of her situation began to creep back in, very slowly.

She knew that she would have to face Christian again and deal with all the stress.

But at least tonight, she had a good time.

And she didn’t regret it.