Chapter 18: A Sudden Surge of Anger

Chloe Grace glanced back at Blaine Jackson, her thoughts momentarily wandering to what he had said earlier in the day.

*"He's my sister's senior from college, his last name is Jackson."* Wasn't this the explanation he'd prefer everyone to hear?

"Oh, so he's not your boyfriend?" Kyoko's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Then... could you introduce me? Maybe he could be my boyfriend?"

*I'd rather he be mine.* Chloe muttered inwardly, but outwardly she gave a nonchalant smile. "If you like him, you can talk to him yourself. His Japanese isn't perfect, but it's good enough for basic conversations." The thought of introducing the man she loved to someone else as a potential boyfriend? Over her dead body.

"Chloe Grace!" Blaine's irritated growl snapped her back to reality as he dragged her to the side. Just as he did, a boy who had been asking her questions earlier suddenly leaped forward, standing directly in front of her. He downed the rest of his drink in one gulp, clearly summoning liquid courage.

"Chloe, I'm heading back to South Korea tomorrow," he began, his voice trembling slightly but resolute. "Before I leave, I want to take this rare opportunity to confess my feelings for you!"

"Wha—?" Chloe was stunned, her mind blank.

"Yes, Chloe," the boy continued, swallowing hard. "I've always liked you. I just never had the courage to say it. I'm returning to Korea tomorrow, and if I don't tell you now, I'll regret it forever." His voice grew firmer as he mustered the last of his bravery. "Will you come back to Korea with me?"

A collective gasp echoed around the room, quickly replaced by cheers and whoops of excitement.

"Lee Woo-chul, way to go! We're rooting for you!" a group of boys hollered, egging him on.

"Chloe, that's so romantic!" Kyoko gushed, gripping her hand. "Woo-chul's family owns one of Korea's largest conglomerates. If you go with him, you wouldn't have to keep working part-time or sharing an apartment anymore."

"I…" Chloe stammered, caught completely off guard. A friend who was leaving for Korea had suddenly declared his love for her and wanted her to leave with him? How had things escalated to this?

"Chloe, why aren't you answering? Is it because you think I'm not handsome enough for you?" Woo-chul asked tentatively, his nervousness plain to see.

"No, no, no! That's not it at all." In truth, Woo-chul, while not as striking as Blaine, was still attractive and carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to luxury. Everything about him, from his tailored suit to his expensive watch, screamed wealth.

"So… does that mean you agree?" His face lit up with joy, not even waiting for her reply before addressing the entire room. "Everyone, Chloe said yes!"

"Yeah!" Deafening cheers erupted, drowning out Chloe's frustrated groan and Blaine's irritated scoff.

"Congratulations, Chloe!" Kyoko hugged her enthusiastically.

"…Congratulations, Chloe," others echoed, their voices brimming with excitement.

"To celebrate Chloe and Woo-chul's pairing, let's have a toast!" someone suggested. Before Chloe could react, she was swept toward Woo-chul, her friends pushing her to sit next to him.

"Chloe Grace!" Blaine's voice cut through the chaos. He watched in disbelief as Chloe allowed herself to be seated beside Woo-chul without resisting. He clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over.

"Excuse me, Mr. Jackson," Kyoko interjected, grabbing his arm with a playful smile. "Can we be friends?"

Blaine shot her an icy glare. "Sorry, I already have a girlfriend," he replied curtly in English.

Kyoko froze, stunned into silence as Blaine brushed past her, making his way toward Chloe. Without hesitation, he wedged himself between Chloe and Woo-chul, forcing them apart.

"Chloe Grace," he hissed, his voice low but laced with anger. "What kind of friends are these, stirring up nonsense and pairing two unrelated people together?"

"Huh?" Chloe glanced at him in confusion before her gaze drifted toward Kyoko, who stood dazed nearby. Misinterpreting his frustration, she assumed he was complaining about Kyoko's earlier comment. "If you don't like her, just say so. No one's forcing you to like someone you don't."

Her words struck a nerve, though she didn't realize it. For Chloe, liking Blaine was a painful reality—one where she loved him despite knowing he didn't feel the same.

"…What are you even saying? I can't follow your logic." Blaine frowned, his sharp eyes catching the glass in her hand. In one swift motion, he snatched it away. "You're a girl. Why are you drinking?"

Chloe blinked, her eyes darting around the room. Everyone was staring at them, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Uh… sorry," she mumbled, forcing an awkward smile. "He said my health hasn't fully recovered, so I shouldn't drink."

"Chloe, he's right," Woo-chul chimed in, seizing the opportunity to act like a caring boyfriend. He leaned across Blaine, reaching for Chloe's hand on the table. "I should've been more mindful. I apologize."

Chloe flinched, startled by his sudden gesture. But before she could react, Blaine grabbed her hand and yanked it away.

"Blaine, what are you doing?" she demanded.

"He's taking advantage of you! Don't you realize that?" Blaine snapped, glaring at Woo-chul.

"I wasn't!" Woo-chul protested, his tone earnest. "She's my girlfriend, and I'm just concerned about her."

"Girlfriend? Since when—wait, you can speak Chinese?" Blaine's surprise momentarily overrode his irritation.

Woo-chul offered a polite smile. "Is it that surprising? Chinese is becoming popular worldwide. I learned it so I could get closer to Chloe. That way, when she comes to Korea with me, I can speak her language and make her feel at home."

"Woo-chul?!" Chloe gasped, stunned by his confession. How was she only hearing this now?

"Who said she's going to Korea with you?" Blaine's cold remark cut through the air like a blade, silencing the room. This time, he spoke in English, ensuring everyone understood.

"Mr. Jackson, what do you mean by that? Chloe already agreed. Everyone here can vouch for me," Woo-chul argued.

"Did you hear her say it herself?" Blaine countered, his calm but firm tone leaving Woo-chul speechless.