“Cut me some slack, will you?" Barlow retorted, "The mall's not open, I had to hunt for those at a grocery store

Karina made a face. The last thing she wanted was to wear something that screamed "outdated."

But since her own clothes were trashed, she didn't have much of a choice.

"Fine." After getting dressed, she climbed out of bed.

Barlow, turning around and catching her distasteful expression, stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“You actually look good in that getup, girl."

Karina blinked.

“What did you call me?"

The word “girl felt endearing to her, if just for a fleeting moment. She felt flattered, even pleased by the term.

However...

“I said ‘girl' because you look like a country bumpkin. Hence, girl.” Karina's jaw dropped.

So that was what he really meant.

“Shut your trap, Barlow!"

Flustered and red-faced, she lunged at him.

Barlow burst into laughter at her reaction, gripping her slender wrist while looking into her eyes.

“Alright, alright, I'm sorry, Happy now?"

His voice had a soft, almost tender quality. For that brief instant, Karina felt cherished.

But her skepticism kicked in quick. She wasn't about to be taken in by him again.

She wrenched her hand away and straightened her clothes.

"What time is it? Where's my phone

Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow on her.

The intimacy of the moment vanished as quickly as it arrived, replaced by the harsh light of day.