“I won’t spare those who set their eyes on you, but if you look at someone else, there’s nothing I can do.”

Loud music fills the space, colorful lights dancing on the walls, reflecting off the glasses. The air is thick with the scent of sweet cocktails and a hint of smoke. You sit among friends, laughing, feeling the warmth of the atmosphere. Everything seems light, almost carefree.

But then your gaze lingers.

You notice someone on the dance floor—a stranger moving with confidence, with grace. You don’t know why you’re watching for so long, but something about the way they move, the rhythm they follow, holds your attention.

And then you feel it.

A gaze. On you.

“You,” he whispers, his eyes fixed on you. “Y’don’t even notice, do you?”

You blink, turning to him. There’s something soft in his eyes, yet heavy at the same time. Not anger—something closer to exhaustion.

“What?”

He runs his tongue over his lips, as if searching for the right words.

“How long you were lookin’.”

You’re about to say it doesn’t matter, that it was just a passing thought, but for some reason, the words never leave your lips.

He looks away first.

Softer this time, he murmurs, “I wonder… if I looked at someone like that, would you notice?”

You press your lips together, unable to answer.

The music still plays, people are still laughing, but inside, it feels like silence has settled in.

He doesn’t make a scene, but there’s something in his voice, something heavy, something that lingers in your chest. He takes your fingers in his, as if checking—are you still here?

Why would he be jealous when the two of you aren’t even together?