UNCOMFORTABLE

Claire adjusted her dress nervously as she stepped back into the hall, leaving behind the cool stillness of the balcony. Her head was buzzing, not from the music or the wine but from the swirl of emotions she couldn't quite pin down.

She barely had time to gather herself when a familiar voice called her name.

"Claire! Over here!"

It was Sarah, waving from a table where most of their old group had gathered. Claire forced a smile and headed toward them, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

Sliding into the empty chair beside Cassy, Claire found herself surrounded by a mix of faces she hadn't seen in years. Some were bright with excitement, others softened by nostalgia.

"Finally," Sarah teased. "We thought you'd vanished again, just like after high school."

Claire gave a small laugh. "No, just needed a breather. It's a lot to take in."

As the group delved into old stories, Claire tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting. She felt a sense of ease and unease simultaneously—a reminder of how things used to be and how much had changed.

And then, she felt it. The atmosphere around the table shifted.

Claire looked up just as Noah and the mysterious woman approached.

"Speak of the devil," Sarah whispered, nudging Cassy.

Noah's tall frame seemed to command attention effortlessly. His suit was immaculate, his dark hair perfectly styled, and those piercing eyes still carried the same enigmatic intensity Claire remembered. But now, they seemed even colder.

The woman beside him was breathtaking. Her smile was warm and confident, her green dress shimmering under the lights. She walked with the kind of elegance that drew every eye in the room, her hand lightly brushing Noah's arm.

"Here they come," someone murmured, a touch of awe in their voice.

As they reached the table, Olivia spoke first, her voice smooth and bright. "Hey, everyone. Long time no see."

Claire's chest tightened. Of course, it was Olivia.

Olivia Stone had always been the golden girl of their group. Charming, intelligent, and effortlessly likable, she had been everyone's favorite back in school. Teachers adored her, students admired her, and Claire… well, Claire had always felt like she couldn't quite measure up.

"Olivia!" Sarah exclaimed, jumping up to hug her. "You haven't changed a bit!"

Olivia laughed. "Neither have you. Except maybe your sense of humor—it's gotten worse."

Laughter erupted around the table as Olivia and Noah joined them. Noah pulled out a chair for Olivia, his movements casual yet deliberate. Claire couldn't ignore how perfectly they seemed to fit together—the golden pair.

As Olivia greeted everyone with ease, Claire stayed quiet, her gaze fixed on the glass in her hand.

"So, Olivia," one of the group members began, "how's life treating you? Still as fabulous as ever?"

Olivia waved a hand dismissively, her smile growing wider. "Oh, you know. Busy as always. But nothing compares to seeing all of you again."

Noah, however, remained mostly silent, his eyes scanning the table before briefly meeting Claire's. Her heart skipped a beat, but his expression was unreadable.

Claire's discomfort grew with every passing moment. The easy laughter, the way Olivia seemed to charm everyone so effortlessly, and Noah's quiet presence all combined to create a pressure she couldn't escape.

"Claire," Olivia said suddenly, turning her attention to her. "I heard you're taking a break from Hollywood. Must be nice to finally breathe a little."

Claire forced a smile. "It's been… refreshing."

"Of course," Olivia replied, her tone warm but somehow patronizing. "You always worked so hard back then. It's good to see you taking care of yourself."

The table fell into another round of laughter and chatter, but Claire felt like an outsider in her own group. Noah and Olivia's presence was like a spotlight, casting everyone else into the background.

When Noah leaned in to whisper something to Olivia, Claire had to look away. The way Olivia laughed softly at whatever he said made her stomach twist.

"Are you okay?" Cassy's voice was quiet, meant only for Claire.

Claire nodded quickly, though the lump in her throat didn't go away. "I'm fine. Just tired."

But deep down, she knew it wasn't just exhaustion. It was the past creeping up on her, the memories she'd tried so hard to bury now resurfacing in full force.

And worse, it was the realization that some things, no matter how much time passed, never truly changed.