Chapter 2

In a secluded spot of the private chamber, Ryan and Claire, the school's most attractive girl, were huddled close together.

Claire had chosen to wear a midriff-baring top and form-fitting pants that evening, accentuating her slender figure and statuesque legs.

The pair were noticeably isolated from the rest of the group.

Even their conversations appeared to be intimate exchanges of affection.

The romantic tension was evident, even through the display.

My heart constricted involuntarily.

Ryan had expressed his intention to pursue her just that afternoon. It seemed he had already succeeded by nightfall.

Claire drew a "Truth or Dare" card instructing her to perform push-ups with a male participant on her back. She was required to select a guy.

As expected, Ryan promptly volunteered.

The group erupted in cheers and playful taunts.

Claire's cheeks flushed as she obediently reclined on the couch.

Ryan positioned himself above her and effortlessly completed numerous push-ups.

He maintained a respectful demeanor throughout, carefully avoiding contact with Claire's body.

Until the final repetition, whether due to fatigue or intentionally.

He faltered and dropped directly onto Claire.

The surrounding clamor intensified, threatening to bring down the ceiling.

Ryan and Claire's faces grew even more crimson.

Amidst the frenzied applause, Ryan simply lowered his head and kissed Claire.

They engaged in a passionate embrace, oblivious to their surroundings.

It persisted for a full three minutes before they reluctantly parted.

During those interminable moments, I stared at the screen unblinkingly, so stunned I nearly forgot to breathe.

My heart felt as though it was being shredded.

I wanted to weep, but having shed too many tears earlier without hydrating, I had no more to give.

"Tsk tsk tsk, Mia, did you see that clearly? They were French kissing, tongue and all. He's completely smitten with her."

Lily sighed as she turned the camera and exited the private room.

She found a quiet spot and earnestly advised me: "Mia, don't hold it against me. If I hadn't shown you with your own eyes, you wouldn't have given up on him."

My throat was parched and my voice barely audible.

"Mm, I don't blame you."

I only blame myself for being so foolish for so many years.

I assumed that since I was always permitted to accompany Ryan, that position by his side would remain mine indefinitely.

"I just can't stand Ryan. What right does he have to lead you on for years, knowing you like him, pretending to be innocent while watching you fall deeper and deeper.

"Now you've seen it clearly. I sincerely hope you'll reconsider. Don't let him waste another four years of your life in college..."

"I won't, Lily."

I interrupted her, speaking calmly.

"I won't give myself another chance.

"Lily, I've made up my mind. I'm going to college in Florida with you.

"But you must promise to keep it a secret for now."

After saying that, to prevent myself from wavering again, I opened my laptop in front of her.

Without hesitation, at the last possible moment before the deadline, I changed my first choice to that renowned university in Florida.

Lily was naturally elated.

She had been imploring me to apply to the same school for ages.

But when we first began high school, I had already made a pact with Ryan that we would strive together and attend his dream school in New York after the SATs.

That's where his preferred aerospace program was located.

So despite not particularly enjoying the cold North, and lacking interest in that engineering-focused institution, I still made it my objective for all three years of high school.

After being neighbors for so long, both sets of parents were pleased for us to attend the same college.

Everyone, including myself, assumed Ryan and I would naturally become a couple after we became adults.

But now, I couldn't find any reason to go to New York anymore.

Or rather, after today, if I still clung to Ryan as before, I would loathe myself.

Now I just wanted to hide far away. The location didn't matter, as long as Ryan wasn't there.

If he was in the North, then I would go South.

Before retiring, I filled the entire bathtub, desiring to thoroughly cleanse myself.

But upon removing my clothes, the marks on my skin remained clearly visible.

Recollections of the previous night flooded back uncontrollably.

The searing heat of the young man's skin as we embraced tightly, the fiery breath in my ear as we made love, the lingering warmth still seemed to envelop me.

I shook my head vigorously, attempting to dispel these wild thoughts.

I found the coarsest loofah and scrubbed my skin repeatedly, only stopping when my entire body turned red.

Clumsily attempting to erase this most humiliating memory of my life.

As a result, I was in such discomfort that I couldn't sleep soundly all night.

Ryan indeed sent no further messages.

Breaking the habit we'd maintained for six years, ever since we got phones, of unfailingly wishing each other goodnight.

This was for the best.

It would have happened eventually anyway.

Might as well begin detoxing from tonight.

I dozed fitfully until nearly dawn.

The following morning while I was still deeply asleep, I suddenly felt someone plant a gentle kiss on my forehead in my dream.

I awoke with a start.

But what I saw upon opening my eyes was a familiar chin and Adam's apple.

The scent surrounding me from above was Ryan's preferred cedar fragrance, accompanied by a faint, unfamiliar hint of lemon.