It was a perfect summer evening as you arrived at the new café your brother had been raving about. You had been avoiding Bang Chan for months, trying to move on after discovering he had a girlfriend. The heartache had been tough, but you kept your distance, even from him.

Tonight, your brother mentioned Bang Chan would be joining them at the café. You were taken aback but tried to push aside your nervousness. As you walked in, you saw Bang Chan sitting at a table, chatting with your brother. He looked different—more subdued, with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

“Hey,” Bang Chan greeted you, his voice warm but carrying an undertone of uncertainty.

“Hi,” you responded, trying to stay composed.

As the evening went on, your brother chatted casually, but there was an awkwardness in the air. At one point, he remarked, “Chan’s been through a rough patch recently. He broke up with his girlfriend because she cheated on him.”

Bang Chan nodded, looking reflective. “Yeah, it’s been a tough few months. I’m trying to get back to normal. But enough about me. How have you been? I haven’t heard much from you lately.”

You paused, taken aback by the question but grateful for the chance to engage. You answered,