Chapter 2

As long as I follow the path of my dreams, I can avoid all mistakes and find the person who will save me.

I take a deep breath, pull out my phone, and start dialing.

Again and again, until on the third try, the call finally connects.

The sound of static crackles sharply, and I grip the phone tightly, my chest heaving.

The other person doesn't speak, only their breathing can be heard, growing increasingly rapid.

My tongue hovers restlessly in my mouth, as if brewing a storm.

"Nathan Carter, can you come pick me up?"

As soon as the words leave my mouth, the rain starts pouring down.

Everything becomes a blur before my eyes.

Faint cursing can be heard from the other end of the line, followed by Nathan's voice coming through clearly.

"Where are you?"

I nervously grip the umbrella handle, almost unable to catch my breath.

He sighs: "By the river, can't get back in this damn weather. Come get me."

My eyes widen slightly, hot tears instantly rolling down my cheeks.

In my dream, Nathan sees me cry and becomes flustered, stumbling over his words.

He's lonely too.

Now, everything has been left behind in the dream.

In the silent, rainy night, only our two voices can be heard.

"Why are you crying?"

"When will you get here?"

The two questions come almost simultaneously.I nodded vaguely, then answered softly after composing myself, "About twenty minutes."

"Mm."

With that, we ended the call.

Twenty minutes later, Nathan showed up.

Unfortunately, by the time I was filled with joy, he was already freezing cold.

He stared at my soaking wet body, gritting his teeth as he said each word, "Lena, you're a fucking genius."

I lowered my eyes, pressing my lips together in embarrassment.

"I know."

He gave me a long, hard look without saying anything more, just roughly shoved me into the car and tossed a blanket at me.

"Dry off."

He coldly threw out those two words, then turned the car around, giving me a deep stare through the rearview mirror.

After that, he looked away and smoothly stepped on the gas.

I obediently wrapped the blanket around myself, secretly studying him.

Nathan was extremely good-looking, but he was cold, always seeming unapproachable.

He was Alex's roommate, so he often saw me chasing after Alex. He probably didn't like me much either, right?

When he came over just now, his grip was strong, his palm warm and burning hot, not minding my state at all.

But, wouldn't suddenly changing things cause trouble for him?Moreover, he may not even like me.

Just as the atmosphere fell into silence, Nathan suddenly asked, "Back to the dorm?"

I tilted my head, gazing into his handsome eyes, when a sudden idea struck me.

"Back to yours," I replied.

He slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt by the roadside, splashing water.

He turned sideways, lit a cigarette, and looked at me coolly, "Lena, don't drag me into your games with Alex."

"It's not that," I shook my head gently.

Nathan chuckled, restarting the engine, and said nonchalantly, "Then get lost. I'll call you a ride."

He pulled out his phone, ready to call a car.

I quickly snatched his phone, startling him so much he nearly hit the steering wheel.

"That's not what I meant!"

Truthfully, I wasn't entirely sure what I meant either.

I just didn't want to go back to the dorm, nor did I want to go home.

Suddenly, I desperately wanted to stay near this man for a while.

"Can I crash at your place for the night?" I hid the phone behind my back, whispering, "If you really hate me that much, forget it..."

As I spoke, my voice gradually choked up.

Tears began to fall without warning, one after another, soaking my dry collar.Nathan took a long drag on his cigarette, his eyes fixed on me for what felt like an eternity. A flicker of complex emotion passed through his gaze, barely perceptible in the dim light. Raindrops traced meandering paths down the window pane, blurring the world beyond.

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe it was just my imagination, but he seemed... a little heartbroken.