Aeri stood a few steps behind me, her arms crossed, her tight white t-shirt and black mini skirt hugging her curves, her black shirt slightly rumpled, her eyes fixed on my back.
I stood at the reception desk, my white inner t-shirt, black shirt, and black pants feeling heavy, my hands in my pockets as I handed over my debit card, the weight of our earlier argument still pressing on my chest, her words—"we can't"—echoing in my mind.
"Thank you for your stay, sir." the receptionist said, her voice polite and warm, sliding my debit card back across the counter with a practiced smile. She handed me a receipt, her eyes flicking briefly to Aeri, who stood silent, her gaze distant, her lips pressed into a thin line.
I nodded, pocketing the card and receipt, my jaw tight, my hair falling over my eyes as I turned away from the desk.
