Tristan Davis's face remained calm, his tone even. "She's not my girlfriend."

The smile froze on Hilaria Vargas's lips.

A passerby, catching the awkward shift between them, quickly tried to smooth things over with a laugh. "Sorry, I must have been mistaken."

Hilaria forced a small smile, shaking her head. "It's fine."

With a polite nod, the passerby moved on.

Tristan's cool voice broke the silence. "Let's go."

Hilaria was just about to nod when a shrill woman's voice rang out from across the square.

"Tristan Davis!"

They both turned toward the sound. A slim figure in a bright green costume was weaving through the festival crowd, brandishing a staff made from a tree branch, her long braids swinging behind her. Judging by her outfit, she was clearly another cosplayer from the carnival.

As Hilaria watched, the woman barreled straight through the crowd, bumping into several people without so much as an apology.

Hilaria glanced at Tristan, searching his face for any sign of recognition. He frowned slightly, apparently just as clueless as she was.

After collecting a few annoyed mutters from bystanders, the woman finally made it over to them. She brushed right past Hilaria and stopped in front of Tristan.

"Tristan Davis, did you come to pick me up?" she demanded.

That voice-

It was Cynthia Rivera.

Hilaria turned just in time to see Cynthia throw herself into Tristan's arms, wrapping both arms tightly around his waist, leaving Hilaria with nothing but a view of her back.

Hilaria pressed her lips together, swallowing the wave of bitterness rising in her chest.

Tristan's frown deepened. He placed his hands firmly on Cynthia's shoulders and pushed her away. "Cynthia."

She pouted, clinging to his arm. "Don't be so mean to me, Tristan."

He pushed her away again, this time his voice sharp. "Stand still."

Cynthia flinched, then reluctantly took a step back, her expression a mix of resentment and hurt. "Weren't you here to pick me up? I still need two more Tristans before I can go."

Tristan gave her a once-over, unimpressed. “I'm leaving soon."

Cynthia's shoulders slumped instantly. "You can't! I'm not done yet. Just wait for me a little longer, please?"

Tristan left no room for hope. “I just happened to be passing by. I'm not here for you."

Cynthia's eyes went wide. "What?"

She bit her lip, frustration and disappointment mixing in her voice. "But I thought you'd asked Steven where I was and came to get me."

Tristan didn't bother arguing. "What are you supposed to be dressed as?"

At that, Cynthia perked up and spun in a little circle for him. "Doesn't it look great?

This is my favorite video game character-Wild Jasmine. I told you before, I was invited by the organizers to cosplay at the festival!"

Tristan didn't answer. He glanced toward the entrance. "It's getting colder. Make sure you wear your coat when you head outside."

Cynthia's eyes sparkled. “Are you worried about me? I brought my coat, don't worry."

Hilaria's mood rose and fell with every word exchanged between the two of them. She saw Cynthia preparing to launch herself at Tristan again, excitement all over her face.

Quickly, Hilaria stepped forward. “Mr. Davis, it's almost time."

Tristan lifted his hand to stop Cynthia from coming any closer. "Alright. I'm leaving." Cynthia scowled. "Why do you leave the moment she says something?"

Tristan looked at her. "What?"

Hilaria stood beside Tristan, her expression perfectly polite but distant. “Cynthia, Mr. Davis has a meeting in half an hour. It's not—"

Before she could finish, Cynthia clenched her fists in frustration. “I saw it all! Don't try to hide this from me."