Chapter 2

2.

Hearing my cold refusal, Meadow's pupils constricted in sheer disbelief.

Before today, I had never spoken to her in such a chilly tone, let alone turned her down.

Because back then, I had been utterly obsessed with her.

"Go team up with Logan," I said casually.

"You two look like a great match anyway."

Without waiting for her response, I grabbed another racket and walked over to Jenna.

Jenna was the daughter of the couple who ran the bakery beneath my apartment building.

Their breakfast sandwiches were always packed with extra bacon, and she always threw in a free iced coffee for me every morning.

I bought breakfast from her stall every single day before school.

Naturally, we had become close friends over the years.

Whenever I overslept, she would generously carry my breakfast straight to homeroom.

"Well, well, look who decided to grace me with his presence," Jenna teased, scrunching her nose playfully.

"Aren't your eyes supposed to be glued strictly to your precious Meadow?"

Everyone in school knew about my massive crush on Meadow.

I used to follow her everywhere like a shadow.

I even bought her gourmet breakfast every morning.

Jenna had seen it all.

"Who said she's the only one I care about?" I scoffed lightly.

"I don't have feelings for her. Her parents passed away, so she's just staying at our house. I only look out for her because my parents treat her like a sister."

Meadow's parents had been close family friends with mine.

Years ago, a terrible car crash had taken both of their lives. On their deathbeds, they had begged my parents to take care of her.

Ever since then, she had lived under our roof as a foster sister.