(Fall Evening, Halloween Party – After Andy & Michelle's Dance)
The applause was still fading when Michelle and Andy stepped off the dance floor.
Everyone around us looked entertained. Delighted.
Some even a little emotional.
But me?
I just sat there… still.
The moment Andy said "My Chelle" — so casually, like the name belonged to him — something in my chest tightened in a way I didn't expect.
Not jealousy.
Not regret.
Just… an ache.
An ache that reminded me of memories I hadn't revisited in a while.
Because when Andy looked at her like that — openly, warmly, without hesitation — I remembered the old conversation months ago. The one he had with me, Steven, and Lara in the canteen hallway.
The moment he told us:
"She's the kind of pretty that makes me want to introduce her to my parents."
And:
"I want you all to give her a chance. Treat her as our sister-in-law."
I remember laughing at him.
Even teasing back.
"If I pursue her, you won't hit me or something?"
