Chapter 4 — Misunderstood Beneath the Sun
The next day, the girls we met yesterday joined our group.
"Yah, Seth! Let's go get some ice!" Sonnie shouted as he and the others walked toward the store—with the girls following close behind.
"This place…" I muttered, feeling uneasy. "I'll eat somewhere else."
"What now? Where are you going?" Henry asked, grabbing my arm before I could slip away.
Before I could answer, we stepped inside the small beach café.
"Welcome!" a familiar voice greeted.
I froze. It was Belle.
She stood behind the counter, smiling politely, but when her eyes met mine, I caught the faint disappointment in her expression.
I wanted to say something, but Sonnie and the others had already pulled me along to our table.
As we sat down, one of the girls in our group whispered something to her friend.
"Hey, look—it's the country bumpkin," she said, glancing at Belle.
The others laughed.
Sonnie and the rest exchanged awkward looks, unsure what to do. I frowned, staring at the table, my chest tightening.
Why would they say that?
When Belle brought our food, her smile was faint—more out of habit than joy. I wanted to apologize for them, but the words wouldn't come.
Then one of the girls with curly hair plopped down beside me.
"Hey, you kind of look like one of those teen movie actors!" she said playfully, leaning closer.
I leaned back slightly, trying to keep some distance. "Uh… really?"
"If you comb your hair this way—" she reached toward me, still talking.
I turned my head instinctively—right toward Belle.
She had stopped by another table, tray in hand, her expression unreadable.
"Che…" I heard her click her tongue softly before turning away.
My stomach dropped.
No, no, no… she's misunderstanding everything!
Inside, I was screaming. Nooooo! I'm not like that!
But on the outside, I could only sit there, red-faced, frozen in place, as my heart sank beneath the sound of everyone else's laughter.
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