Chapter 2

2

Leo seemed distracted the entire way to the bistro.

The moment he pushed open the door to the private room and saw Amber, his heart seemed to leap into his throat.

He acted like the perfect, doting boyfriend in front of her, showering me with fake affection.

"Babe, your period is coming up. Don't drink anything cold. I ordered a hot tea for you."

"And this dish is too spicy for you. Don't touch it."

I used to be so naive. I thought his attention to detail meant he truly loved me.

I didn't realize it was all a performance to make Amber jealous.

Even now, as he hovered over me, his eyes were constantly darting toward the woman across the table.

"Wow, Leo! Still spoiling her after all this time? You're a real role model, man!"

"For real, Nina, I'm so jealous. It's hard to find a guy who loves you this much. You guys should just get married after graduation. We're waiting for the invite!"

Our classmates teased us, laughing and joking. But when marriage was mentioned, both Leo and Amber's expressions shifted.

Amber's eyes turned red instantly. She grabbed her wine glass and downed it in one go.

"Yeah, I really envy Nina. Having someone who loves her that much. Unlike me, all alone. The person who said he'd stay with me forever doesn't want me anymore."

"Sorry, everyone... I'm not feeling well. I should go. Enjoy your dinner."

Before leaving, Amber gave Leo a tearful, lingering look. It was enough to completely steal his soul.

Leo looked panicked. "Amber? Wait!"

He stood up abruptly and chased after her, leaving me sitting there with everyone else staring in silence.

"Uh... what just happened? Nina, do you need to go check on him?"

I didn't say a word, my fork halfway to my mouth.

I knew exactly what was happening. Leo was likely doing everything in his power to comfort his precious childhood friend.

I wasn't actually interested in watching them.

But under the pressure of the group, I stood up and walked out anyway. I didn't expect to actually catch a show.

They weren't hard to find. They had just moved to a secluded spot near the back exit.

From behind a few crates, I saw it clearly. Leo had Amber pinned against the wall, and they were kissing like they couldn't breathe.

I didn't make a sound. I just pulled out my phone and hit the record button.

"I thought you were going to marry her! You're so good to her, you love her so much... so why are you kissing me!"

Amber pouted, acting spoiled and angry. Leo leaned in for another kiss.

"You idiot, I'm only being good to her for your sake. Didn't you cry and scream that you'd marry whoever got you that fellowship?"

"Being with her is just to make you move. You're too stubborn to admit you have feelings for me."

Amber wiped a tear and finally smiled.

"I was just joking... I didn't think you'd take it seriously. So, when are you going to break up with her? I hate seeing you two show off."

"Don't worry. I'm almost done getting her thesis and report. Once you use her work to win the competition, the faculty will definitely give you the spot. We'll be together for real after that."

Leo comforted her with endless patience. He was promising to use my life's work to build a ladder for her.

Even though I knew they were trash, hearing the words out loud still stung.

I took a deep breath and stopped the recording. I slipped away before they could notice me.