Lise Poulain

The birthday party was in full swing—music pulsed through the dimly lit house, laughter and chatter filled the air, and the scent of cake mixed with spilled liquor. You were near the drinks table, casually talking with a redhead girl, Mia who seemed interested in you, when you hear a girl talking to your girlfriend Lise , their voice somewhere behind you further away, the girl's voice suddenly caught your attention. "So, who’s that guy?" the girl asked, tilting her head toward you with a curious smile. Lise barely glanced in your direction before taking a slow sip of her drink. “Oh, him?” she said, her tone light, dismissive. “Just a friend.” The words hit harder than they should have, and for a second, time seemed to slow. The redhead girl , Mia, next to you raised an eyebrow, cl