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Transcript
00:00My boyfriend burns the admission letter I just got and hasn't opened yet.
00:03He says,
00:04One of us should go to college while the other covers the tuition fee.
00:08He calls it teamwork.
00:09I smile and nod.
00:11The admission letter he burned is his own.
00:14I'm more than happy if he's going to cover my tuition fee.
00:18Finn, did you see an admission letter on the table?
00:21When I come home with a bunch of bags, I notice my boyfriend is already there.
00:25We live next to each other.
00:26We grew up together and started dating when we're older.
00:30My parents are away all the time, and Finn's divorced parents ignores him.
00:34Feeling heartbroken for him, I gave him a copy of my house key so he could come over any time
00:39he wanted.
00:40Right now, he's sitting on the sofa and eating takeout as he fiddles with his lighter.
00:45Finn looks very calm.
00:47Something's off.
00:48He should have read the admission letter by now.
00:50The letter belongs to him.
00:52Out of respect, when it was delivered this morning, I didn't open it.
00:56I left it in plain sight on the table as a surprise for him.
01:00Finn's admission letter came early, and he aced the SAT with flying colors.
01:05I think he got into an elite college.
01:07I want to celebrate his success.
01:10I usually watch my spending.
01:12But I went out and bought some nice food and a small cake so we could celebrate together.
01:17No, I didn't see it.
01:18Surprisingly, Finn shakes his head.
01:22Thing is, I know I left it on the table before I went out.
01:25I have a good memory.
01:27I know I'm right.
01:28It can't be.
01:29I left an admission letter before going out.
01:32I'm very confused.
01:34I'm about to search when he speak.
01:36I remember now.
01:37Finn suddenly grabs my hand and says with unease,
01:40I burned it.
01:41He points at the kitchen trash can, still smoking.
01:44What?
01:45Why would you burn an admission letter?
01:48I rush into the kitchen and reach out to salvage the burning letter.
01:51Half of it is scorched.
01:53But I have to do what I can.
01:55Finn studied long and hard to get this.
01:57I can't let it go up in flames.
01:59I just can't.
02:01It's already ruined.
02:02Don't hurt yourself.
02:03I'll be worried.
02:04Acting concerned, Finn grabs my burned hand and drags me to the couch, despite my protests.
02:10The fire in the kitchen trash can dies down.
02:13The black smoke thinning.
02:15Why, Finn?
02:16Why did you do that?
02:17I'm utterly confused.
02:19He's always said he had a lousy family, and he needed to get into a college to change his life
02:25for the better.
02:25Why would he burn his admission letter?
02:28One of us going to college is enough.
02:31After I keep pressuring him, he finally tells me what he really thinks.
02:35He must have realized how despicable he had been.
02:38After all, he doesn't dare to meet my gaze.
02:40What do you mean?
02:41I think I heard it wrong.
02:43What does he mean by that?
02:44What about me, then?
02:46We aced the SAT.
02:48We can attend college instead of working.
02:51That's stupid.
02:52Why doesn't he take the easy way?
02:55He didn't burn his own admission letter just to go to work, did he?
02:59Has he got a screw loose?
03:00I just don't get it.
03:02I just told you, college costs a lot.
03:05One of us should keep studying for a bright future, while the other covers the tuition fee.
03:10It's teamwork.
03:11Are you cool with that?
03:12Flushed Finn makes a cruel request, eager to go to college.
03:16When his parents divorced, he chose independence.
03:20Then, he got an old house and $50,000 from them.
03:24Now, the money is nearly gone.
03:28He doesn't have money, and he doesn't want to be shamed for working while in college.
03:33So, he thought of me.
03:34When he saw the admission letter on my table, he immediately thought it was mine.
03:40Instead of congratulating me, he quickly burned it to stop me from going to college.
03:46That way, I'll have no choice but to work and cover his tuition fee.
03:51He believes I love him too much to reject him.
03:54I don't really agree with Finn.
03:57But isn't this unfair to the one who has to work to cover the tuition fee?
04:01Giving up your future for the sake of someone else isn't teamwork.
04:05That's self-sabotage.
04:07My family isn't as poor as he thinks.
04:09His parents left him, but mine just work abroad and give me money monthly.
04:13To comfort him, I lied about getting $3,000 every few months.
04:18Over the years, I've managed to save up enough money to put both of us through college.
04:24He really doesn't have to cover my tuition fee.
04:27Before I can tell him my plan, he says,
04:30After I graduate, I'll marry you immediately.
04:32I won't forget how you support me through college.
04:35That's when I finally see his intentions.
04:37So, he thought the letter was mine.
04:40He burned it, so I could work and cover his tuition fee.
04:43He wants me to give up for him.
04:46Finn didn't even talk to me first before he burned the admission letter.
04:49He made empty promises, but I'm the one who suffers.
04:53How utterly shameless.
04:55I'm not a hopeless romantic.
04:57What he said didn't make me feel moved.
04:59I'm glad I didn't tell him the truth.
05:01Otherwise, given his character, he would have chewed me up and spit me out.
05:05My family is better off than he thinks.
05:08For the past months, I worked for his struggles, not my own needs.
05:13When I don't respond, he tries to comfort me.
05:16I know how you feel.
05:17I'll buy you a snack, okay?
05:19A snack is enough to give up my future?
05:21I'm not a fool.
05:23I thought he loved me, even if he's cheap.
05:26But if he loves me, he wouldn't manipulate me and secure his future at the cost of mine.
05:31But it still isn't time to confront him.
05:34We're neighbors, so we often meet.
05:36I have to stay here until I go to college.
05:39An idea pops into my head.
05:40I could use his method against him.
05:43I smile and say, it's okay.
05:45Since you burned the letter, there's nothing to debate.
05:47Let's put you through college.
05:49Finn believes I've caved, and he feels relieved.
05:52Yeah, the letter's burned.
05:53You should just get a job.
05:55I nod and go along with him.
05:56You're the best.
05:58Finn grins, thinking it's too easy to manipulate me.
06:02Ten minutes later, he actually asks me for money.
06:05Anyway, I'm short on cash.
06:06I have to buy a new suitcase for college.
06:08I need $1,000.
06:10In the past, I would have given him.
06:12He made up all sorts of reasons and borrowed money from me, but he never paid back.
06:17I used to think we were a couple, and we grew up together.
06:21So, I never asked about it.
06:23At the thought of that, I say, money's tight for me, too.
06:26When are you paying back the money you borrowed from me?
06:29I feel dizzy lately.
06:30I need over $5,000 for a full checkup.
06:34Finn shifts topics fast.
06:36My part-time shift is about to start.
06:38Make sure you eat the peaches in the fridge.
06:40Then, he immediately leaves, afraid I'll make him pay up.
06:44Looking at the leftover on the table, I pull out the receipt.
06:47The takeout cost $49.
06:49A breakfast of this price is expensive to me.
06:52It seems he's not that poor.
06:54He just likes playing poor in front of me, because he knows I'll feel bad for him.
06:59Spoiling a man never ends well.
07:01I check in the fridge.
07:03There are peaches inside.
07:04He bought them a few days ago, and hadn't finished them because they were too sour for him.
07:09They're not fresh.
07:10I grab one, wash it, and peel it.
07:13It does taste sour.
07:14As I throw it into the trash can, I make up my mind to break up with Finn after I
07:19got everything out of him.
07:21He manipulated me.
07:22It's only fair I give him a taste of his own medicine.
07:25The doorbell rings.
07:26I assume Finn came back.
07:28It's the postman from this morning.
07:30He hands over another admission letter.
07:32Too many mails earlier, and this one was at the bottom of the pile.
07:36I only just noticed it.
07:37Please sign for it.
07:38I smile as I sign for it.
07:40The postman asks,
07:42Say, did you give Finn his admission letter?
07:45He lives nearby, and he knows Finn and I are a couple.
07:49That was why he gave me Finn's letter this morning.
07:51I nod and say, I did, but he immediately burned it.
07:56Maybe he doesn't want to go to college.
07:58Or maybe he thought he could get a soft copy online.
08:01I'm also confused.
08:03The postman is shocked, but he says nothing.
08:06After all, he's just a postman.
08:08Finn can do anything with the letter.
08:10After the postman left, I read my admission letter.
08:13I'm overjoyed seeing I got into Whitford.
08:16Amazing.
08:17My hard work has paid off.
08:18After I informed my parents, I put a picture of my admission letter online.
08:23The caption reads,
08:24I got in.
08:25Finn immediately calls me.
08:27He's even more excited.
08:28Is that a picture of my admission letter?
08:31Is it here already?
08:32Did you take it?
08:34Are you using my letter to brag because yours was burned to ashes and thrown in the trash?
08:38I can see where you come from, and I forgive you for stealing it.
08:42Don't do it again.
08:43How could he accuse me of stealing his letter?
08:46A surge of anger rise within me.
08:48Then I realize he also wants Whitford.
08:50That explains it.
08:52But I think about what he did and answer vaguely.
08:55The postman did just bring it over.
08:57But how can you be sure this is your admission letter?
09:01Amused, Finn says cockily.
09:03Yours was burned.
09:05Of course, it's mine.
09:07Then he ignores me and shows off my picture on his social media account.
09:11He also says in the group chat,
09:14Congratulate me, everyone.
09:15I'm accepted into Whitford.
09:18They congratulate Finn.
09:20Someone mentions me.
09:21Holly got into Whitford, too.
09:23You two are going to the same college.
09:25I'm so jealous.
09:26But Finn says...
09:28While that's true, she might not go.
09:30Let's just focus on me.
09:32Someone suggests...
09:34Finn, you got into Whitford now.
09:36Maybe you should treat everyone to a meal.
09:38We can get together again before you go.
09:41The others immediately chime in.
09:43Yeah.
09:43Let's go to the hot new steak buffet joint.
09:46Drinks are on the house.
09:48I thought Finn would say no.
09:50That buffet is $100 a head.
09:52Hosting everyone costs $6,000.
09:55He only earns $4,000 at a cafe.
09:58He doesn't need to agree.
10:00But the good news got to him.
10:02All right.
10:03Let's meet there next Saturday.
10:05Finn's lost his mind.
10:07$6,000 is far too much.
10:09We'd need ages to save that.
10:11I text him.
10:12You have to call it off now.
10:14Save your money.
10:16Finn ignores me.
10:17Maybe he didn't see it.
10:18Or maybe the letter from Whitford got to his head.
10:21At night, Finn comes home from work.
10:23He came to my place and I say,
10:25Finn, all you did was get into college.
10:28Do you have to splurge like this?
10:30Making money is still not easy for us.
10:33You really don't have to do this.
10:35This is the first time Finn retorts.
10:37He says,
10:38I'm about to start college.
10:40I deserve the spotlight.
10:42Don't ruin it.
10:43I'll be a college student.
10:44A high school grad shouldn't boss me around.
10:47High school grad?
10:48I also got into Whitford and my grades are better.
10:51I nearly scoffed.
10:52How have I never noticed?
10:54I sigh as I sat on the couch and watched TV.
10:57I'll tolerate him a while longer,
10:59then confront him before college.
11:01Although we're on the same campus,
11:03we won't see each other unless we want to.
11:05But Finn is utterly shameless, he says.
11:08You'll foot the bill.
11:09I got into college.
11:11That's a win for you as my girlfriend.
11:13As if I didn't get in.
11:15All this nonsense makes me sick.
11:17I can't stand it anymore.
11:19I sneer at Finn.
11:20I also got into college and my grades are better.
11:23You make it sound like you're a big deal.
11:26Finn gets upset.
11:27I've never spoken to him this way, he says.
11:30Your admission letter is burned and you're not going.
11:33So you didn't get in.
11:34I didn't think he'd say something like this, I retort.
11:38I did get into college.
11:39The letter is also available online.
11:41I can always print it.
11:43Who said burning the letter means the acceptance is gone?
11:47Finn falls silent for a while, before he persuades me again.
11:50I've burned your letter.
11:52What's done is done.
11:53Just support me through college.
11:55Once I find success, I'll marry you.
11:58His empty promises made me sick.
12:00I'm done pretending.
12:01I confront him.
12:02But the burned admission letter isn't mine.
12:06Finn freezes, a bad feeling rising.
12:09What?
12:09I grin and say, I just got my admission letter.
12:12Like you, I got into Whitford.
12:14I say mockingly, as you said, what's done is done.
12:18Just accept it and help me through college.
12:20Finn can't believe it.
12:22You mean the letter I burned is actually mine?
12:25It can't be.
12:26Why would you have my admission letter?
12:27I shrug and say, the postman couldn't reach you through the phone, and he knows we're
12:32dating, so he gave it to me.
12:34I put it on the table so you'll see it.
12:36But you thought it was mine.
12:38Then you burned it, just so I would get a job and support you.
12:42You didn't think it was yours.
12:44It doesn't matter, though.
12:45As you said, it's time to accept it.
12:47Now, it's your turn to move on and get a job.
12:50I expect you to cover my tuition fee.
12:53When he realizes his letter was burned, he blames me.
12:57You went too far.
12:58This matters.
12:59You should have told me.
13:00It's ridiculous.
13:01Really?
13:02You were the one who burned the letter.
13:04If it's important, why'd you do it?
13:07Your future matters, but mine doesn't?
13:09You're lucky I told you before college starts.
13:12I call Finn out bluntly.
13:14If it were you, you'd never tell me.
13:16My relentless questions made Finn blush.
13:18He finally softens.
13:20Sighing, he says,
13:22Let's break up.
13:22We're not a good fit.
13:24I grin.
13:24He's upset he can't manipulate me.
13:26Or maybe he's just threatening me and wants me to back down.
13:29But this time, he's crossed the line.
13:32Way too far.
13:33I nod and say,
13:35All right.
13:35Pay back the money I lent you in three days.
13:38Or I'll press charges.
13:40Finn isn't expecting this and starts panicking.
13:43He's worried he has to pay me back in full.
13:46He rises and says he has to go to his side gig.
13:49I stop him.
13:50I'll let you know the amount.
13:52We're done.
13:53So hand back my house key.
13:54The way I decisively broke up with Finn makes him feel embarrassed.
13:59He tosses the key to my table.
14:01Take it.
14:01Like I'm going to eat your lousy food at your place every day.
14:04I'll borrow from my friend and pay you back.
14:06I'll find out how much I spent on you.
14:09Finn rarely spent on me.
14:11He's long a tent at my place.
14:12To save money, we don't really go on dates.
14:14When we watch a movie, I always return the favor after he treats me.
14:18I don't let what he said bother me.
14:20At night, Finn actually sends me a list.
14:23It's so detailed that he even included the market price of the peaches he left in my fridge.
14:28Not a single penny is missed.
14:30He values the items at $3,000 and only returns $3,500.
14:36I quickly go through it and realize most of the stuff he bought were food he disliked.
14:41And he just shoved them into my fridge for me to deal with.
14:44He even included the cab fare he occasionally paid, expecting me to share it.
14:49It's come to this.
14:51I have a wonderful memory and I keep records.
14:53I stayed up all night checking every transaction with the payment app.
14:58Eventually, I got an exact figure, including the meals we shared over the past year and a half.
15:04So Finn owes me $13,000 in total.
15:08Before sunrise, I send Finn the list and remind him to pay.
15:12After Finn goes through it, he knocks on my door.
15:15How dare you include the meals at your place!
15:18I'm not scared at all.
15:20I grab a rolling pin and ready myself for a fight.
15:23You're the one who gets all calculative first.
15:26I'm glad we never shared a bed, or you would have charged me as well.
15:30Hearing that, Finn starts being unreasonable.
15:32You were all alone.
15:34I dated you out of pity.
15:35Now you keep score?
15:36I misjudged you.
15:37Finn can't win and starts using my background to belittle me, hoping it'll save him.
15:42Too bad.
15:43I'm not a hopeless romantic.
15:45I keep a clear head.
15:46I cross my arms and warn him.
15:49Pay in two days, or we'll meet in court.
15:51For two days, Finn never stops texting me, hoping I'd let him off the hook for our past relationship.
15:56I ignore his texts.
15:58With five minutes left, Finn reluctantly sent me $6,500.
16:03He repaid that sum and denies the rest of his debt.
16:06Finn says, forget our dating expenses.
16:09It's unseemly.
16:10Nothing's left between us.
16:12Given his character, getting $6,500 back is enough.
16:16The rest doesn't matter anymore.
16:18He doesn't even have money for college now.
16:21After the breakup, I no longer cook his favorite meals.
16:24Cooking for myself is far easier.
16:26Also, he loved seafood and out-of-season fruit.
16:29I dislike those, so my expenses dropped a lot.
16:33Money is no longer tight.
16:34I quit my part-time job, grabbed my backpack, and bought a ticket to a city to enjoy my summer
16:39leisure trip.
16:40Without my support, life became much harder for Finn.
16:44When I cooked for him, he complained that my dishes were bland.
16:47He even ordered takeouts after I cooked and refused to eat my dishes.
16:51Now, he can eat anything.
16:54Finn finds constant takeout boring and costly.
16:57He called me controlling.
16:59No drinking.
17:00No late-night gaming.
17:02Without me around, Finn gets alcohol poisoning twice.
17:06He games nonstop for two sleepless nights and can't walk straight looking lifeless.
17:11Finn's friends see how thin he's gotten and urge him to make up with me.
17:15Finn remembers how I took care of him and finally calls me.
17:19I was enjoying my trip, and I'm surprised he calls me.
17:23What?
17:24Finn ponders and says,
17:26I'll admit I was wrong.
17:27I was too selfish.
17:29We can go to college together if you take me back.
17:31We'll also work side gigs together.
17:33Is that supposed to be a prize or something?
17:36Why use it as a leverage?
17:38Traveling for two weeks has expanded my horizon.
17:40I'm in a good mood, and as forgotten about him, I can't stand the sound of his voice.
17:45I'm good.
17:46Save the chance for someone else.
17:47Don't say hi to me if we meet on campus.
17:50Before Finn can say another word, I hang up the phone.
17:53When we meet again, army training is almost here.
17:56I rush back a few days before the registration.
17:59I've just arrived at the neighborhood when I bump into Finn and Jane Snow, his new girlfriend.
18:04Jane and I were classmates.
18:06When I dated Finn, she's constantly tried to steal him, but I ignored her.
18:10Finn's never liked her because she was chunky, and he avoided her.
18:14Not much time has passed, but they've actually moved in together.
18:18When Finn sees me, he grabs Jane and walks away.
18:22He probably feels ashamed I saw him leeching off her.
18:25But Jane wants to gloat.
18:27She stands in my way, arm linked with Finn.
18:30Holly, Finn is my boyfriend now.
18:32I want you to stay away from him.
18:34I didn't hold back at all.
18:36A shameless leech like him makes me sick.
18:39Do what you want with him.
18:40Finn stifles his anger, holding back from protest, and tugs at Jane's arm.
18:46It's not worth wasting time on her.
18:48Jane nods and says to me,
18:50Unlike you, I care about more than money.
18:53You might have refused it, but I'm more than willing to work and support him through college.
18:57We'll get married when he graduates.
19:00Same old trick.
19:01That's all Finn's got.
19:03Unlike me, Jane falls for it.
19:05In the next few days, for some reason, I keep running into Finn and Jane flaunting their love.
19:11But one-sided devotion never works.
19:13No one should waste their lives on a scumbag like Finn.
19:16Not even Jane.
19:18I try to persuade her to break up when she's alone, but she won't listen.
19:22Eventually, I give up.
19:23Some fools won't listen.
19:25Less than six months into Whitford, Finn got a new girlfriend behind Jane's back.
19:29I can't stand it.
19:31And text Jane anonymously.
19:34The next day, Jane shows up and confronts Finn.
19:37Feeling ashamed, Finn acts like he doesn't know her and denies using her money.
19:42Jane cries and yells,
19:43I'm supporting you through college, and you're pretending I'm a stranger.
19:47You said you'll marry me when you graduate.
19:50How could you cheat on me?
19:52She pulls out pictures of her and Finn, and even videos of them hanging out at their place.
19:58Finn's new girlfriend is enraged and slap him hard.
20:01We're through, you scumbag.
20:03Jane is even fiercer.
20:05She pounces on him before slapping him on both cheeks.
20:09It's over between us, you scumbag.
20:11Give me back every penny I spent on you.
20:13Finn's cheeks immediately swell.
20:15He wants to hit Jane back, but the security guards stop him.
20:19After this, Finn became infamous on campus, shunned by everyone.
20:23Seeing how it ends for him feels so good.
20:26Worse for Finn.
20:28Jane presses charges and posts the truth online after he refuses to repay her.
20:33Finn seeks a side job, but no one will hire him.
20:36That's when someone gave him an idea.
20:38Finn has striking looks, fit for a bar host.
20:41At first, he's reluctant, but he ends up working there for the money.
20:45Though he earns money now, such a place ruins his focus on studies.
20:49Very soon, he is expelled for failing many courses.
20:52So, he works there for good now.
20:54Years later, I run into Finn while out at a bar with my friend.
20:58Whether from party drugs or botched plastic surgery, his cheeks are swollen and unsightly.
21:04He spots me and quickly looks away.
21:06He's too embarrassed to see me now.
21:08I ignore him as well.
21:10I have a bright future, and I won't mingle with him anymore.
21:14The moment I turn around, Finn springs to his feet and stumbles over with half a bottle of liquor in
21:19his hand.
21:20Holly!
21:21He calls out to me, his voice hoarse.
21:24I stop, and my friend asks me.
21:26You know him?
21:27Ex-boyfriend.
21:28I say briefly, Finn is already in front of me.
21:31His stench makes me take a step back.
21:33Finn stares at me a moment, then laughs.
21:35You're doing pretty well.
21:37None of your business.
21:38I'm about to leave, but he stops me.
21:40Don't go.
21:41We used to be very close.
21:43I stare at him.
21:44We have nothing to talk about.
21:46We do.
21:47Finn's eyes turn red.
21:48You know something?
21:50When I got expelled, you popped into my head.
21:52That's just absurd.
21:54Why?
21:55Do you expect me to support you?
21:57Finn is stumped.
21:59Several guys sitting behind him jeer.
22:01Finn!
22:02Who is she?
22:03Introduce us!
22:04Finn ignores them and glares at me.
22:07If only I'd burned your admission letter.
22:09He pisses me off completely.
22:11What did you say?
22:12He admits everything in his inebriated state.
22:15If I have done that, you would be living a lousy life now.
22:18I would have graduated and work in top management somewhere.
22:21Jane would never have sued me either, and I wouldn't have to work here.
22:25I quiver with rage.
22:27My friend grabs my arm.
22:28Don't waste words on him.
22:30Let's go.
22:30But I stayed put.
22:31I burst out laughing as I look at Finn.
22:34Finn, do you know what your worst mistake is?
22:38He freezes.
22:38I keep going.
22:40It's not burning my letter or getting sued by Jane.
22:43It's the fact that you still think ruining others will lift you up.
22:47Finn's cheeks flush.
22:49Raising the liquor bottle, he tries to hit me.
22:51That's when someone reaches out and catches his arm firmly.
22:55Finn, knock it off.
22:57A young man in a bar uniform came over.
22:59I don't know him, but his voice carries authority.
23:03Finn immediately drops his attitude.
23:05Kurt, I'm just chatting with an old friend.
23:07Enough.
23:08Kurt lets go of Finn's arm.
23:10Sit down, and don't disturb the customers.
23:12Finn shoots me a look before going back to his booth.
23:15I sigh in relief and nod at Kurt.
23:19Kurt waves me off.
23:20It's fine.
23:21Finn's worked here six months.
23:22I know his type.
23:23Are you his ex?
23:24I hum in reply.
23:25He smiles.
23:26His loss.
23:27I fell silent and take a seat with my friend.
23:30But it's far from over.
23:32Days later, I receive a text from an unknown number.
23:35The text reads,
23:36Holly, it's me, Finn.
23:38I was drunk that night.
23:39Ignore what I said.
23:40It's just not fair.
23:41We both got into Whitford and you graduated.
23:44Yet I'm in this mess.
23:45I don't reply to Finn.
23:46And he texts me again.
23:48Can you lend me some money?
23:49Money's tight.
23:50I can't pay rent.
23:51I immediately block his number.
23:53But he texts me with another.
23:55You crossed a line.
23:56No matter what, we grew up together.
23:58You must have gotten a good, high-paying job.
24:01Just lend me some money or else.
24:03My heart lurches at his text.
24:05What's he implying?
24:07Instead of another text from Finn, I got a phone call from Mom.
24:10Holly, did you offend someone today?
24:13I freeze.
24:13Huh?
24:14Mom sounds worried.
24:16Someone splashed paint on our door and left a note with your name asking you to pay up.
24:22I am instantly furious.
24:24Finn.
24:25I report it to the police and call the building management.
24:28In the security footage, Finn is seen going into my apartment with a paint can.
24:33And it's empty when he leaves.
24:35He's arrested in no time.
24:38At the police department, Finn looks defeated.
24:41I was just intimidating her.
24:43He mumbles.
24:44I wouldn't do anything.
24:45The officer asks me.
24:46Thoughts?
24:47As I look at Finn, memories flood my mind.
24:50When we were neighbors, Finn always gave me his umbrella as he ran home in the rain.
24:55When my parents were away, he shared his food with me.
24:58Whenever I screwed up an exam, he'd ruffle my hair.
25:01Everything's fine.
25:02When did Finn start to change?
25:04Was it the day his parents divorced and no one wanted him?
25:08Or was it when he found out he could use my sympathy against me?
25:11I don't know.
25:12What's certain is, he did something horrible and there's no going back for him.
25:17Let him face the law, I say to the officer.
25:19Finn looks up.
25:20Holly, that's going too far.
25:22I didn't even hurt you.
25:23I ignore him.
25:25The sky has turned dark when I step outside.
25:28My friend's outside.
25:29She sees me and hands me a hot drink.
25:31All taken care of?
25:32I nod.
25:33How long will he be held?
25:35No idea.
25:36Depends on the police.
25:37She sighs.
25:38What is he thinking?
25:39If he has apologized to you, you might have forgiven him.
25:42How stupid.
25:43I fell silent.
25:44Yeah, what's he thinking?
25:45But I know people like him will never think they're wrong.
25:48They think the world owes them.
25:51Finn is detained for ten days.
25:52When he's freed, he texts me for the last time.
25:56Holly, we're even now.
25:57Let's pretend we don't know each other.
25:59I delete his text and leave it at that.
26:01I thought that would be the end of it.
26:03Two weeks later, I got a call from a stranger.
26:05Hello?
26:06Is this Holly?
26:07I'm Jane Snow.
26:08Jane?
26:09The woman who sued Finn for scamming her.
26:12Yes?
26:12I ask.
26:13She sounds exhausted.
26:15Can we meet and talk about Finn?
26:17I hesitate before agreeing to it.
26:20We agree to meet at the coffee shop below my office.
26:22Jane is much paler and skinnier now.
26:25She wears a faded sweatshirt and sits in the corner.
26:28When she sees me, she waves at me.
26:31Jane says,
26:32It's been long.
26:32I sit across from her.
26:34What's up?
26:34Jane falls silent before she grins.
26:37You know I hated your guts back then.
26:39I freeze.
26:39I thought you gave me Finn because you're sick of him.
26:42Her gaze falls.
26:43I thought I could fix him and make him love me.
26:46I remain quiet.
26:47Jane keeps going.
26:48I worked three jobs to support him.
26:50I was exhausted, only to find he dated another woman with my money.
26:55I knew, I say.
26:56I was the one who told you.
26:58Jane nods and says,
26:59I knew.
27:00I was quite grateful too, but I hated you again.
27:03Why?
27:03I saw him for who he is, and I realized how stupid I was.
27:07Jane's eyes turn red.
27:09I sued Finn for payment, but he couldn't pay.
27:11Winning the case changed nothing.
27:14I don't know what to say.
27:15Jane wipes tears from her eyes.
27:17I asked you out because Finn came after me.
27:20I tense up.
27:21Why?
27:22He wants to patch things up.
27:24Jane chuckles bitterly.
27:25He said he's working at a bar, and he makes good money.
27:28He'll pay me back.
27:29You trust him?
27:30Jane shakes her head before nodding.
27:32I didn't at first, but he came to me every day, doing chores.
27:36I thought maybe this time it's real.
27:38I meet her eyes, realizing why she wanted to meet.
27:41You want to know if Finn will change.
27:43Jane nods.
27:45I fall silent.
27:46Jane, all I can do is tell you what I saw.
27:48I speak slowly.
27:50After Finn got out of jail, he texted me and said we're even.
27:53Do you think someone who sees their mistake will say something like that?
27:57Her expression shifted.
27:59I keep going.
28:00All Finn's realized is that he can't live without relying on others.
28:04Jane lowers her head, her shoulders trembling.
28:07It takes her some time to smile at me.
28:09I think I get it now.
28:10Jane rises.
28:11I call out to her.
28:12Jane.
28:13She turns around.
28:14You owe him nothing.
28:16Jane freezes for a second, tears up, then leaves the coffee shop.
28:20I thought it was over, but I receive an invitation a month later.
28:24Jane is getting married, but Finn isn't the groom.
28:28I attend it.
28:29Jane's in a white wedding dress, linking arms with a kind man while beaming.
28:34She waves at me when she sees me.
28:35She seeks me out after the ceremony.
28:37Thank you for your advice, Jane says.
28:40Otherwise, I might repeat the mistake.
28:41I chuckle.
28:42You saw through it yourself.
28:44Jane shakes her head.
28:45I finally got it.
28:47A man like Finn is never satisfied.
28:49He'll just ask for a mile when given an inch, and he'll never have enough, even if you've
28:55given everything to him.
28:57I meet her eyes and see she's moved on.
29:00How's your husband?
29:01I ask.
29:02He's a wonderful man.
29:04I met him at work.
29:05He didn't care that I was scammed and even helped with my debt.
29:09That's amazing.
29:11Jane looks at me and says,
29:12Holly, you're wiser than I am.
29:14I mocked you for only caring about money, but I was the fool all along.
29:19I fall silent.
29:20We have to keep in touch.
29:22I nod at her.
29:23As I step out of the venue, the sun is setting.
29:26I receive a text from work about next week's business trip, and I reply to it.
29:30Life goes on.
29:32I thought I'd never see Finn again.
29:34But the universe likes to surprise us sometimes.
29:37Two years later, I transferred to another city.
29:39There's a night market near my new company.
29:42I have supper there sometimes.
29:43One night, my colleague and I search for food there.
29:46We pass by a barbecue stall, and he suddenly asks,
29:49Does that guy look like a celebrity to you?
29:52I follow his gaze.
29:54A guy's grilling skewers.
29:56Fire glowing on his face.
29:58It's Finn.
29:59He's thinner, healthier-faced, yet more wrinkled.
30:02He grills, wiping sweat now and then.
30:05I say nothing as I pull my colleague to an empty table.
30:08Finn doesn't see me.
30:09He is swamped, grilling while serving, while the stall owner shouts at him,
30:13Finn, table three has been waiting forever.
30:16Just a minute.
30:17He served table three, then ran back to the grill.
30:20My colleague asks,
30:21You know him?
30:22I nod.
30:24An old neighbor.
30:25Wanna say hi?
30:26I shake my head.
30:27Forget it.
30:28It's not necessary.
30:29After we're done eating, I walk over to pay.
30:32Finn is busy with the meat.
30:33Bill, please, I say.
30:35He looks up and freezes.
30:38The brush slips onto the grill.
30:40Sparks scorch his hand.
30:41But he doesn't feel it.
30:43Holly?
30:44He calls out to me, his voice hoarse.
30:46I look at his smoke-stained face and remain speechless.
30:49The stall owner cries out,
30:51Finn, stop spacing out and get back to work.
30:54Finn immediately tends to the meat again.
30:57$62.
30:58He says, after I paid and was about to leave,
31:00he suddenly calls out to me.
31:02I stop walking.
31:03He says, with his back to me,
31:05I'm sorry about what I did.
31:07I don't turn around.
31:08Okay.
31:09As I leave, I heard the owner asking,
31:11Why are you crying, Finn?
31:13He doesn't answer.
31:14My colleague asks me,
31:16Why didn't you say anything?
31:18I pause for a moment.
31:19I don't need it.
31:20Honestly, I don't.
31:22I've waited a long time for his apology.
31:24But when he actually does it,
31:26I no longer need it.
31:27After that, I sometimes think of Finn.
31:29How his eyes stung from the smoke at the barbecue stall.
31:32How his voice trembled when he apologized.
31:35How he froze when the vendor asked why he cried.
31:37But it's only now and then.
31:40After all, I have my own life now.
31:43I've been to places and lived well.
31:45Life is good.
31:46A year later, I return home.
31:49Mom brings up Finn.
31:50I heard he's back.
31:51She says.
31:52He opened up a barbecue joint and it's doing well.
31:55I chew my food.
31:57He also asked about you.
31:58Mom glances at me.
31:59And how you're doing.
32:01What'd you tell him?
32:01I said, you're doing well.
32:03Mom says.
32:04He froze, then murmured, wonderful.
32:07I fall silent.
32:08Mom sighs.
32:09He's a good person as a kid.
32:10How did he change so much?
32:12I look at the fireworks outside the window.
32:15People change.
32:16Some for better.
32:17Some for worse.
32:18Finn chose his path and must face the consequences.
32:22On my way back to the city, I drive by a street and see a barbecue joint.
32:27Stone's Grill.
32:28A man is adding charcoal to the stove.
32:31It's Finn.
32:32He's slightly chubbier.
32:33But there's color in his face now.
32:35Finn notices me.
32:36Our gazes meet for a few seconds.
32:38He nods at me and I nod back.
32:41Lights green.
32:42I sped past the street, the barbecue shop.
32:45And the man I once hated, resented, and loved.
32:48Finn was still standing there.
32:49Watching as my car turns the corner, I didn't look back.
32:53Long road ahead.
32:54No time for the past.
32:56Life goes on when I'm back in the city.
32:58I have a new work partner.
32:59His name is Sean Lane.
33:01He works fast and says little.
33:03We get along well.
33:04One late night, he suddenly asks.
33:06Have you been hurt by a man before?
33:08Where did that come from?
33:10Sean chuckles.
33:11You work like there's no tomorrow.
33:14As if you're running from something.
33:17I decided not to answer that.
33:19He drops it and hands me a cup of coffee.
33:21Don't overwork yourself.
33:23We become closer after that.
33:25We eat, watch movies, and work overtime together.
33:29Mom calls me and asks if I'm dating someone.
33:31I tell her no.
33:32Sean is a pretty amazing guy.
33:35Think about him.
33:36I chuckle.
33:36How do you know him?
33:38Mom says,
33:39I saw the picture you posted.
33:41I check.
33:42And I did post a picture of us.
33:44Sean was next to me.
33:45I fall silent.
33:46Some things can't be explained.
33:48One day, Sean asks me out.
33:51There's somewhere I need to take you.
33:52And I go with him.
33:53It's a small village deep in the mountains with fantastic views.
33:57This is my hometown.
33:58I grew up here.
34:00You never told me about this place.
34:02Sean chuckles.
34:03It's just an ordinary village.
34:05We walk through the village and saw all the places that hold precious memories for him.
34:10In the evening, Sean takes me to a mountain.
34:12We get a view of the village on the top.
34:15I come here to unwind whenever I was upset.
34:17Looking down from here, everything feels fine again.
34:20Then, it suddenly came to me.
34:22Sean, I say.
34:24He turns around.
34:25Are you hitting on me?
34:27Sean freezes before he chuckles.
34:29Yeah, I was being quite obvious too.
34:31Haven't you noticed?
34:32My heart softens.
34:34I did, but I want to hear it from you.
34:36He gives me a serious look.
34:39Here goes nothing.
34:39I love you, Holly.
34:40I smell nature's scent in the wind.
34:43I nod and say, all right.
34:45Sean waits a beat, then grows anxious.
34:47What do you mean by that?
34:49It means, I heard you.
34:51Sean scratches his head helplessly.
34:53Can't you just be clear?
34:54I say deliberately no.
34:56He sighs and grabs my hand.
34:58I'll keep trying.
34:59His hands warm.
35:00After that, Sean gets more obvious.
35:02Morning breakfast, noon coffee, nightly rides home.
35:05Our colleagues ask,
35:07Sean, when will you two get married?
35:09He just looks at me without a word.
35:11I feel nervous and look at the documents, but I'm actually overjoyed.
35:16One night, we work very late.
35:18It rains as we step out.
35:20Sean shields me and we run to the parking lot.
35:22We're drenched when we get into the car.
35:25He looks at me and suddenly chuckles.
35:27What's so funny?
35:28You're a dripping mess.
35:31I shot him a look.
35:33Then, he kisses my forehead.
35:35Both of us are stunned.
35:36Silence fills the car for a few seconds.
35:39Holly.
35:40I didn't let him finish.
35:42I lean over and kiss him on the lips.
35:44This time, he's frozen.
35:46By the time he realizes it, I'm back in my seat, all buckled up.
35:50You can take me home now.
35:52Sean looks at me and grins.
35:55Okay.
35:55That night, he sends me home.
35:57He calls out to me when I get out of his car.
36:00Holly.
36:00I turn around.
36:02I'm serious about this.
36:04I'm aware of that.
36:05How about you?
36:06Are you serious as well?
36:08I ponder and say, I am.
36:11Sean chuckles merrily.
36:12Everything just happens naturally.
36:14We meet each other's parents, get engaged, and plan a wedding.
36:17Mom is overjoyed, telling everyone that I'm getting married.
36:21Sean is a great guy.
36:22Sean's parents, like me, always cook for me.
36:25Life is simple, but steady.
36:27Before the wedding, I go home.
36:29I find the admission letter in an old box.
36:32It was almost burned, but it belonged to me.
36:34I sit by the bed and look at it.
36:36Memories flooding back.
36:38That summer, I came home with food and saw Finn fiddling with a lighter.
36:42He looked nervous when he said he burned the letter.
36:46When I learned the truth, I was overwhelmed.
36:49I felt a small rush of satisfaction when I decided to get revenge.
36:54I also thought about how Finn apologized to me.
36:57I think about how Finn looked as I drove past him and left.
37:01I put the letter back into the box, letting the past rest.
37:04Many attend our wedding.
37:06The hall is packed with colleagues, friends, and relatives.
37:10Sean is waiting for me on the stage.
37:11I link arms with Dad and walk toward Sean.
37:15Halfway through, I notice a familiar figure in the corner.
37:18It's Finn.
37:19He's at the farthest corner, staring at me.
37:21Catching my gaze, he nods at me.
37:23Then turns and leads.
37:24I freeze, then walk on.
37:26Sean takes my hand and asks,
37:28Is something wrong?
37:29It's nothing.
37:30Smooth wedding.
37:32We exchanged rings, drink wines, and cut the cake.
37:35Everyone had fun.
37:36By the time it ends, it's midnight.
37:38Sean drank a lot and fell asleep on me.
37:41I watch him feeling emotional.
37:43Life is never the way you think it is.
37:45Those you expect to stay forever?
37:47Leaves.
37:48Those you think are gone for good?
37:50Returns.
37:51The ones who truly matter appear when least expected.
37:55My phone buzzes.
37:56It's a text from an unknown number.
37:58Congratulations, Holly.
37:59I know who it is.
38:01I delete the text.
38:02Lean on Sean and sleep.
38:04The next day, we went on our honeymoon.
38:06Sunshine.
38:07Sandy beaches and waves.
38:09Sean holds my hand on the beach.
38:11I've been meaning to ask,
38:12Were you hurt deeply by a guy?
38:15Where did that come from?
38:16When you first joined the company,
38:18you were guarded and polite to everyone,
38:21never letting anyone in.
38:22I fall silent.
38:23Sean keeps going.
38:24You slowly got better, but the wall's still there.
38:27You didn't let down your guard
38:28until that day at the mountaintop.
38:30I look at Sean and smile.
38:32Are you aware of how clever you are?
38:34What does that mean?
38:35What I'm trying to say is that you're right.
38:39Sean picks me up and spins me around.
38:41Starting today, you've got me.
38:43I hold his neck and laugh heartily.
38:46Yeah, I've got him.
38:47The one who stood on the mountaintop with me,
38:49shielded me from rain,
38:50and loved me from the bottom of his heart.
38:53Finn is a passing chapter.
38:55Sean is my home.
38:56After my honeymoon,
38:57I receive a parcel from Stone's Grill at my hometown.
39:01There's a metal box in it,
39:02containing a picture of us when we were kids.
39:05In the picture,
39:06Finn and I were holding ice cream in our hands,
39:08smiling innocently.
39:10There's also a note.
39:11Holly, I held onto this picture for years.
39:14I thought about returning it,
39:15but I decided to keep it as a memento of a simpler time.
39:18Don't reply.
39:19I won't bother you anymore.
39:20Enjoy your life.
39:21After a long time,
39:23I closed the metal box and put it in storage.
39:25Who sent it?
39:26A friend.
39:27Sean drops it.
39:29A year later,
39:30our daughter is born.
39:31Sean dotes on her endlessly.
39:33Mom helps us take care of her.
39:35She looks just like Holly when she was a baby.
39:38Watching them fills me with joy.
39:40One day,
39:41I drive by that street.
39:43Stone's Grill is there,
39:44but with a new sign.
39:45A stranger greets guests outside.
39:48I pull over and buy some skewers.
39:50She cooks them well.
39:52Seems like you're doing well.
39:54The woman smiles.
39:55Enough to get by.
39:57How long has this store been here?
39:59Three years,
40:00I think.
40:00I bought it last year.
40:02The old owner retired.
40:03Where did he go?
40:04She says,
40:05I heard he left far away and never came back.
40:08I nod in response and walk back to the car.
40:11Sean asks,
40:12A friend.
40:13I respond,
40:14An old neighbor.
40:14He drops it.
40:15We drive out of town and head home.
40:18The town shrinks in the rear view mirror before disappearing.
40:21My daughter Sarah babbles behind me.
40:23Sean grips the wheel,
40:25glancing at me occasionally.
40:26I lean on my seat and look out the window.
40:28The sunlight is warm.
40:30I think of how a young boy gave his umbrella and ran in the rain.
40:33He stood at my door,
40:35giving me snacks.
40:36He looked nervous when he burned my letter.
40:39His voice trembled when he apologized.
40:41On my wedding day,
40:42he turned away and left quietly.
40:44Those memories feel like a far dream.
40:47Everyone's moved on and I live happily now.
40:50A loving family,
40:51a great job,
40:52and simple days.
40:54That's happiness.
40:55As for Finn,
40:56I hope he'll find his purpose in life.
40:58We have to keep moving forward.
41:00No turning back.
41:01One weekend,
41:02I go to the supermarket.
41:03Suddenly,
41:04my daughter Sarah points at the frozen drumstick.
41:06Mom barbecue.
41:08I freeze and chuckle.
41:09Sean will grill them for you.
41:11Sean is really into barbecue lately.
41:13He set up a grill and uses it often.
41:15When we go home,
41:17Sean lights the grill.
41:18Sarah squats nearby,
41:20squinting at the smoke.
41:21As I look at them,
41:22I suddenly remember how Finn stood in front of the grill,
41:25unable to open his eyes.
41:27My phone buzzes.
41:28Someone from work is asking about next Monday's meeting.
41:31I reply,
41:32Got it.
41:33Then,
41:33I delete the text.
41:34Mom!
41:35Sarah runs over with a skewer of grilled wings.
41:38Dad said it's done.
41:39Here you go.
41:39I crouch and take a bite.
41:41Tasty?
41:41Sarah looks at me.
41:43It really is.
41:44Sean calls out to us.
41:45Don't just eat.
41:46I could use some help.
41:47I walk over with Sarah.
41:49The sun is setting.
41:50The yard smells of barbecue.
41:52The past drifts away like the smoke.
42:22The sun is setting.
42:23I'll see you next week.
42:24You
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