Zoe's POV
I stood there, frozen, caught between all the staring eyes in the room.
Every face seemed to blur together with shock, curiosity, and judgment. It felt like I was standing inside a movie scene I hadn't agreed to play in. Only this time, I wasn't acting — I was the show.
My throat tightened as I took a step backward, confusion clouding my every thought. What now? What was I supposed to do when every part of me wanted to disappear through the floor?
Before I could piece my thoughts together, my hand had already left my pocket and lifted halfway up — awkwardly, uncertainly — in Jason's direction.
"Uh… th— thank you," I stuttered, forcing a polite smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.
Inside, I mocked myself. Thank you, really? I guess my modest side decided to show up at the worst possible time.
