Chapter 3

Seraphina's eyes were filled with pity, her tone as gentle as the warm autumn sun, yet it pierced my chest like a knife.

I stood frozen, my gaze shifting to the shattered handmade ceramic mug on the table.

It was the birthday gift I had stayed up all night to fire, now broken into pieces scattered across the floor, like a silent mockery.

My emotions surged, angry and hurt, as I stepped forward to pick up the broken pieces of the mug.

Seraphina finally noticed me, releasing Mason and turning to ask.

"Mike, why are you here?"

I bent down to collect the shards, ignoring her.

She reached out to grab my arm, saying.

"The mug accidentally fell earlier, Mason almost got burned."

"Let's forget about this one, I'll get you a new one, okay?"

I kept my eyes down, shaking off her hand.

Without a word, I turned and ran out the door.

Seraphina caught up with me, stopping me by the fountain at the base of the apartment building.

She stared at my face, asking.

"Mike, what's wrong with you?"

I glared at her angrily, no longer able to contain my fury.

I could ignore what others said.

But not Seraphina.

Her every move, every glance, could make my heart skip a beat.

Yet there she stood, acting as if nothing had happened.I restrained the urge to shout, staring into her panicked eyes as I asked softly.

"Seraphina, do you really care about me?"

She froze for a moment, her gaze flickering, the tips of her ears turning red.

"Why are you asking this..."

I was desperate for this answer, an answer that would help me make some decisions:

"Do you care about me?"

But she chose to evade:

"There are so many people watching, Mike. Let's talk about this later."

"Later? No need. Let's clear things up right now."

Why could she comfort Mason so tenderly, yet refuse to give me even half a comforting word?

My heart ached like it was being pricked by needles. I gritted my teeth and opened my arms, wanting to embrace her, to numb myself with her softness.

But she pressed her hands against my shoulders, her tone serious.

"We're in public, Mike. Don't do this. I..."

Before she could finish, Mason's voice cut in.

"Seraphina!"

Mason, having changed his clothes, came running over breathlessly, naturally linking arms with Seraphina.

This scene was like a bucket of cold water thrown in my face. I let out a bitter laugh and blurted out.

"Yeah, you and I have to mind our image. Not like your little brother here, who can hug and cuddle you right after a shower. Aren't you worried about people gossiping..."

"Jaxon!Seraphina interrupted me, her voice filled with shock and anger. A few passersby around us began to murmur in hushed tones due to my words.

Mason's body swayed, his face flushing red once again.

He's so damn innocent

Seraphina grew frantic, her face darkening frighteningly. She grabbed my wrist forcefully.

"Stop talking nonsense. It's just a ceramic mug. I'll pay you for it, okay? Leave Mason out of this."

Her tone carried a warning, her grip on my wrist painful.

But the pain in my heart ran deeper. Watching her protect Mason, I forced out a smile.

"Am I the one talking nonsense, or are you two feeling guilty? I saw with my own eyes, he—"

Slap!

A sharp sound cut off my words.

Seraphina spoke coldly.

"Jaxon, when will you ever stop?"

I was stunned.

The burning sensation on my cheek left my mind blank.

In all our years together, we'd had our fair share of squabbles.

But for her to raise a hand against me for someone else? That changed everything.

A glimmer of triumph flashed in Mason's eyes as he softly called out.

"Seraphina... don't do this."

He put on a good guy act, bestowing his kindness upon me.

Seraphina looked at him, her eyes filled with tenderness. Then, tugging on his sleeve, she led him away, as if to say I wasn't even worthy of his pity.I stared blankly at their retreating figures until they disappeared from view, only then did tears blur the world before my eyes.

From that day forward, rumors ran rampant in our class group chat.

Everyone said I had been thoroughly dumped by Seraphina, with no chance of ever making a comeback.