Ronald couldn't believe his ears when she accepted his offer with a light laugh, "Alright then."
After they returned to the room, Kari handed Ronald one of the suites.
Growing up, times were tough for them.
They often shared a room, with Ronald on the bunk bed below and Kari on the top.
As Ronald grew older and the differences between genders became more pronounced, he moved into the storeroom for privacy.
Kari wasn't exactly comfortable being alone with men.
But Ronald had a knack for reading people and always knew how to keep things appropriate.
After freshening up, he changed into a pair of light grey jeans and a casual shirt, taking Kari downstairs.
The hotel boasted its own diner, filled with a dazzling array of dishes.
Kari had a boundless affection for good food.
Ronald trailed behind her, perfectly in step.
Together, they were quite the sight, drawing many an admiring glance.
Though Ronald seemed cool and collected, his attention was solely on Kari, making it clear she was spoken for, warding off any potential suitors.
Captivated by the culinary delights, Kari stood before the food counter, discussing her choices with the chef.
Ronald watched on, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Kari?"
A male voice cut through the air.
Kari's train of thought derailed as she looked up to replace Nathan standing not too far off.
Since Isaac's incident, Nathan had vanished from the scene.
It had been nearly a year since Kari last saw him. Her grip on the tray tightened ever so slightly before she casually grabbed some food and hurried off. A hurt expression briefly crossed Nathan's face.
"Nathan." Ronald stopped him in his tracks. "You and Kari broke up a long time ago. It's best if you keep your distance from now on."
Nathan, familiar with Ronald, glared with hostility. "Ronald, all you do is meddle. You know Kari's heart was with me, yet you still wormed your way in—" "Nathan, if you could've made things right, made your father face the consequences, perhaps Kari might have given you another chance."
Ronald's disdain was palpable. "But you couldn't, so stop bothering her."
Frozen, Nathan watched as Ronald picked up some food and followed Kari.
He let out a sigh.
He couldn't bring himself to see his own father go to jail.
And Kari could never forgive what happened. They were a lost cause.
Kari sat by the window, and Ronald joined her.
"Kari, are you okay?"
She took a sip of her juice, her gaze clear and straightforward. "Why wouldn't I be?"
She had long moved on from Nathan.
She wasn't someone who couldn't live without him.
Seeing her so composed, Ronald felt a weight lift off his chest, knowing Nathan no longer stood a chance. "Good to hear."
Kari knew what he was thinking and took a bite of her burger. "Ronald, do you like me?"
She usually called him "big brother," a reminder of their supposed familial bond, even after his feelings had become obvious. This was the first time she used his first name. Ronald set down his fork, his eyes locked on hers, feeling a surge of emotion. "I thought you knew."
Suddenly, Kari wasn't hungry anymore. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, pausing before speaking. "Ronald, thank you for everything you've done for me."
Ronald sensed trouble: "Kari, it's getting late, and I'm feeling pretty tired="
Was she about to friend-zone him?
Kari caught his attempt to dodge the subject, laughing softly. "If you're tired, I guess we can cancel our plans."
"Plans?"
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