"Maybe he couldn’t afford a nice meal, so he decided to take advantage of this gathering?"
Though no one voiced these thoughts directly, the judgment was written all over their faces. Some classmates greeted Minh out of politeness but made little effort to include him in conversations. Others simply ignored him altogether. It was clear—he was an outsider among his own classmates.
Minh, however, didn’t seem to mind. He wasn’t there to impress anyone. He found a seat in the corner with his wife, quietly enjoying the food, occasionally serving her dishes with a gentle smile. If he noticed the cold stares and hushed remarks, he gave no indication.
The Bill Arrives
As the night progressed, conversations grew livelier, fueled by drinks and nostalgia. Old stories were shared, laughter echoed through the room, and for a brief moment, it felt like high school again.