Chapter 2

2 The sight of English gave me a headache.

By cramming, I managed to get a decent score, but my speaking was awful. Thankfully, Melissa, an English major, was always there for me.

She didn't come on the trip, and my mangled English earned me quite a few side-eyes.

I signed up for next month's exam and started reviewing past papers.

Soon I was drowsy and slumped onto my desk.

Half-asleep, I heard the sound of keys turning in the lock and footsteps: "Lee?" she called my name a few times.

When she reached the study, saw me slumped on the desk, her voice seemed irritated.

"Lee."

I rubbed my eyes and sat up, "You're back?"

She paused, her brow furrowing deeper.

I didn't know what she was angry about.

Was she angry that I didn't wait for her like before, didn't question her absence, didn't suspect her relationship with Ryan, and didn't start a fight?

"I just got back, I texted you, and you didn't reply," she said.

I checked my phone; she had several missed calls and messages asking where I was. It was almost 1 am.

"Ryan's claustrophobia acted up; he started hurting himself, and I couldn't leave…"

"Oh."

I didn't even let her finish. She paused, then sighed, "I know you're upset, but I and he…"

"Upset about what?"

I smiled, stretched, and walked toward the bedroom, "It's late, I'm tired. We can talk tomorrow."

"Lee?"

Her tone was displeased, "Can you just say what's on your mind? Don't play games with me."

I was confused, "What's wrong?"

"You…" For once, she couldn't speak.

It was always her who chose not to speak, not that she couldn't.

I got into bed, "Let's sleep, you must be tired too."

My breathing evened out quickly.

Drowsily, I seemed to hear her slam the door.

I knew what she was angry about.

She rarely gave me a way out, and I didn't take it.

But it didn't matter anymore. I slept well.

The next morning, I opened the bedroom door; a small cake sat on the table.

Melissa was sitting there, "Lee, a belated happy twenty-sixth birthday."

I blinked.

She remembered I went overseas for my birthday.

"Actually, the reason I didn't go with you was because Ryan's claustrophobia treatment failed, and the doctor said he might self-harm if I wasn't there. That night I fell asleep on his bed, it wasn't what you think. And last night…"

I walked closer, looking at the delicate cake, "Did you make this for me? Thank you!"

She froze, "Lee…"

The candles were lit. I clasped my hands, wished for a 6.5 on my IELTS, blew out the candles, and smiled at her, "Thank you, I got the assignment on my first day back."

Melissa frowned, "Lee, can you let me explain?"

I smiled, "About you and Ryan? No need, I'm not jealous anymore."

Her expression was strange.

I cut the cake, put a piece in front of her, and took a bite of mine, "It's good."

"You're not angry?"

I smiled lightly, "No, you two grew up together; taking care of each other is normal."

She was silent for a moment.

When she looked at me again, her eyes held…guilt.

"Lee, there's a company party tonight, plus-ones are welcome."

I was eating cake, and I looked up, "Huh?"

In the past, I would've been ecstatic, hugging her and showering her with kisses.

But now, I just put down the cake, "I can't, I have something to do tonight."