章 17: Chapter 17: No Other Way

*Eason*

I had been walking for what felt like hours, replaying the conversation I had with Tony over and over again in my head. The streets seemed to blur as I wandered, not paying attention to where I was going. My mind was too busy wrestling with the mix of anger, frustration, and unresolved feelings that had been plaguing me ever since everything spiraled out of control.

When I finally came to a jolt of surprise ran through me as I recognized the familiar surroundings—I was in Lena’s neighborhood.

What the hell was I doing here?

My mind raced, trying to piece together how I had ended up so close to her place. I stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do next, when I glimpsed a small convenience store nearby. Hopefully, a cold beverage would snap me out of my daze.

As I reached for the door, it swung open and Lena stepped out. She froze when she saw me, her expression shifting from surprise to something I couldn't quite decipher.