Page 68 of A Solid Guide to Surviving a Situationship

“Enjoy your reunion,” I muttered, already stepping away.

“James—” Andre started.

But I was already walking away. Because if I stayed there any longer, I might actually start enjoying Kyle’s company.

And that?

That was dangerous.

Days later, I found myself questioning my life choices.

Specifically, why I agreed to play badminton.

“Whose idea was this?” I asked, already out of breath, gripping the racket like it had personally offended me.

“Yours,” Andi said casually, not even looking at me as she served the shuttlecock across the court with surprising precision.

“That sounds like something I would say ironically and not literally,” I shot back.

Mel darted to the side, returning the shot with ease. “Well, it’s not ironic now. Move, James!”

“I am moving!” I said, taking two dramatic steps that did absolutely nothing to help volley the shuttlecock.

Beside me, Honey let out an exaggerated groan, bending slightly with her hands on her thighs.

“This is abuse,” she declared. “Why are we doing cardio in public? I didn’t sign up to sweat in front of strangers.”

“Speak for yourself,” Andi said. “I look hot.”

“You do look hot,” I admitted, wiping my forehead. “I look like I just got dumped and decided to run it off.”

“You did get dumped,” Mel pointed out.

“Exactly,” I said. “But I didn’t agree to this level of suffering.”

The shuttlecock dropped between me and Honey again, and we both just stared at it.

“Who’s getting that?” I asked, craving for air.

Honey shook her head. “Not emotionally, no.”

Andi groaned from across the net. “Oh my God! You two are useless!”

“It’s not our fault,” Honey said, straightening up. “Why is it even called a shuttlecock? That alone feels like a red flag.”

I snorted.

“Right?” she continued. “Like, who named this? And why does it feel like I’m chasing cocks around a court at ten in the morning?”

Andi held her laugh.

“You know the common thing about shuttlecocks and cocks?” I asked.

Honey shook her head.

“They both make you tired, uncomfortable, and sweaty,” I answered.

Andi choked from laughing.