Tattoos aren’t widely accepted in Korean society, or at least not as much as they are in the US. When I was growing up, my parents would tell me only criminals and other social deviants have tattoos. That isn’t to say no one in South Korea has tattoos—a good number do. But it’s much more of a big “fuck you” to traditional values than it is here in the US, especially prominently visible ones like Celeste’s. And definitely more so if you’re a woman.

Gorgeously inked black flowers trail across her left arm and leg, giving her femme fatale vibes that make my heart skip a beat. I get the sudden urge to run my hands over them, to trace all the lines and curves.

But of course, I can’t do that. Not when it’s been eight years since we last saw each other.

I swallow, and ball my hands into fists before glancing away like I didn’t spend the last few seconds staring at her. My cheeks are red-hot, but I keep my expression indifferent. That and avoiding eye contact are the only things I can do to keep some semblance of my pride.

But fuck. Some people do age like fine wine.

In an attempt to regain my sanity, I pretend Celeste doesn’t exist, and address Gretchen instead.

“Sorry for barging in, but I wanted to check if you’re okay,” I say to her. “I can get you some water if you want…”

Gretchen heaves a long sigh and stumbles forward, away from Celeste. She jabs a finger in my direction and says, still slurring her words, “You. How do you know Celeste? She’s been cheating on me this whole time, hasn’t she?”

And that’s enough drama for me today. It appears I overstepped. Gretchen has stopped vomiting, at least, so it’s time for me to make my exit.

I back away, pushing the stall door open behind me. “Um, no idea about the second part but if she was, it wasn’t with me. We went to college together, that’s all. I haven’t seen her in eight years.”

I of course don’t mention she’s my ex. That’s a detail I doubt will sit well with Gretchen.

If Celeste visibly reacts to what I say, I don’t see it, because I force myself to keep ignoring her. Her mere presence, only a few feet away, makes my entire body tingle in an unfortunately not-unpleasant way. I can’t stay here.