You don't pick it apart. You let the comment pass with a small, non-committal nod, keeping it light enough that it doesn't need explaining. "We'll see," you say. She studies you, then smiles faintly. "That usually means yes. Just not immediately." "That usually means I haven't decided how much I'll regret it yet." A quiet laugh. "Fair enough." The conversation drifts into something easier. Neither of you goes back to what she said, and you don't offer anything more. It sits in the background instead, deferred rather than dismissed. You find yourself listening more than talking, letting her carry the rhythm while your thoughts move elsewhere. The party, the drinks, the expectation behind it, all of it lingers just enough to stay present. It would be easy to follow through without thinking too much about it. Easier than explaining why you wouldn't. She stands after a while. "Alright. We'll head there after work. I'll text you the details." "I'll be there." As she walks off, the noise of the cafeteria fills the space again. You don't revisit the conversation, but it stays with you anyway, quiet and persistent. [[Cybercrime/The_Phisherman/Back to work|Return to work]]