Part-226

  Jawal’s fident demeanor faltered for just a moment after Mili’s cutting remark, but he quickly recovered, gng over at James for the first time siheir versation began. His eyes narrowed, and his teasing smile returned. "And who’s this guy?" Jawal asked, his tone ced with sarcasm. "Your new boyfriend?"

  James felt the weight of Jawal’s gaze, but before he could respond, Mili acted. Clearly irritated by the dire the versation was heading, she grabbed James's hand without hesitation. The gesture was sudden, but it made her point clear.

  "None of your business," she shot back, her voice sharp and decisive.

  James, caught off guard by the sudden physical tact, g her in surprise, but Mili didn’t meet his eyes. She was ser-focused on Jawal, her irritation obvious. Without giving Jawal a ce to reply, Mili turned on her heel, pulling James along with her as they walked away from the stadium.

  Jawal stood there, watg them leave, his smirk fading as they disappeared into the distance. For a moment, James could feel Jawal’s eyes burning into his back, but he chose to ig. He didn’t know what kind of history Mili and Jawal shared, but whatever it was, it clearly wasn’t something Mili wao revisit.

  As they walked in silence, Mili’s grip on James’s hand loosened, and she eventually let go ohey were far enough from the stadium. James could tell that Mili was still upset, her mood a stark trast to the carefree energy she had earlier.

  He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should say something. On one hand, it wasn’t his pce to pry into Mili’s personal life, especially if it involved something as sensitive as a past crush. But oher hand, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story than what had just happened.

  James couldn't shake the feeling that Mili’s rea wasn’t as indifferent as she cimed. He knew she had been surprised when she first found out it was Banani High pying. Could she have really e here for Jawal’s match?

  He g her sideways, debating whether or not to ask. Finally, curiosity got the better of him. "Was he your crush?" James asked, his voice careful, not wanting to push too hard.

  Mili sighed, rubbiemples as if the euation had given her a headache. "He was my ex-crush," she admitted, her voice ft. "A long-fotten one. Believe me, he means nothing to me now."

  James raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. There was a note of finality in her voice, as if she wao leave the versation behind. Yet, he couldn’t help but notice that her rea to Jawal’s presence had been anything but indifferent. The way she had frozen, the tension in her words, and the fact that she had grabbed his hand—it all hi something unresolved. But James decided not to push.

  "Alright," James said, nodding, keeping his tone light. "I believe you."