Chapter 40

Keith

I stepped out of the car, waiting by its side for Matthew to appear. I had already called him, and he suggested meeting me outside his house. As I observed, he walked out of their home, approaching me with a shy smile. "Hey," I greeted, returning the smile.

"Hi..." His speechlessness was evident, and his bashful expression remained.

"Is this your first time going out to a night event?" I asked. "Well, not technically a party," I corrected myself.

"Uh, yes," he replied. "It's my first time attending an event with a stranger or being invited by one," he added, making me shoot him a sharp look.

"A stranger?" I echoed his words, and he seemed uncomfortable. "Not a friend?" I inquired, and he hesitated as if seeking permission to address me as such. "Get in the car," I snapped, my patience wearing thin.

Over the last week, we had been with each other for a while, strolling through the garden, visiting libraries, and sharing meals at a canteen. I