I Wasted Years Simping for the Wrong Girl — Reborn, I Finally See the One Who Never Left! - video Dailymotion

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00:00Back in senior year, while every other simp is busy fawning over the two-faced campus it girl,

00:04I only have eyes for the ice-cold girl who has nothing to do with me. And no, it's not

00:08because

00:08of her figure, it's because in my past life, I couldn't tell a fake from a hidden gem. I got

00:12hit

00:12by a car buying milk for the two-faced girl and ended up paralyzed in a hospital bed for three

00:16years. And that girl? She showed up once with a group of classmates, then never again. But Vera,

00:20the aloof girl I barely knew, showed up one day eyes red looking like she had rushed to get there

00:24and stayed, for three full years, until she died saving a little girl from a river, and that fierce

00:28adorable presence disappeared from my room forever. Now I'm reborn, standing at a bubble tea shop,

00:32staring at the girl I never deserved. How blind was I not to see she liked me? Just then, a

00:36soft voice

00:37floats in from the door. Xiao, you still haven't gotten it yet? I'm holding a cup of bubble tea in

00:40my hand, still warm. Vera knows it's for Mia. Mia walks in, and the first thing she sees is Vera

00:45standing right in front of me. Mia squares her shoulders, full of confidence, because she knows

00:48that no matter how perfect Vera is, there's one thing Vera can never beat her at. Xiao likes me,

00:53not her. It doesn't matter how gorgeous Vera is. With that thought, Mia slides up next to me with a

00:57sweet smile, pressing against my arm. Vera, fancy seeing you here. What a coincidence. Then she

01:01holds out her hand to me, out of habit. I tear open the cup and push the straw in. A

01:04shadow flickers

01:05across Vera's eyes. Just as Mia reaches for the cup, I hand it to Vera instead. Want some? It might

01:09be a little sweet, though. This one's 70% sugar. Want me to get you a fresh one? Vera stares

01:13at me

01:14like she can't believe what she's seeing. Her eyes are full of confusion. Beside us, Mia whines softly.

01:18Xiao, that's my drink. I turn to look at her. If you want one, go buy it yourself. Right over

01:21there.

01:22I even helpfully point toward the order counter. Mia looks at me, stunned and hurt.

01:25Didn't you buy that from me? I've been waiting outside for ages. It's so cold out. She glances

01:29at the cup in my hand, eyes and cheeks flushing pink. Is it because you ran into Vera? So you

01:32gave

01:33it to her first? She murmurs with a wounded little smile. Xiao, you're too kind. I look at her and

01:37laugh. I pull the drink back. I don't offer it to Vera anymore. The moment Vera sees me take it

01:41back,

01:41the light in her eyes dies completely. But she keeps her back straight and says like it doesn't matter at

01:45all. I can afford my own bubble tea. Mia watches me take it back exactly as she predicted

01:49and feels a quiet rush of satisfaction. She puts on a little pout and says,

01:52Of course Vera can buy her own drink. She's loaded. Xiao, you really didn't have to.

01:56But since you already offered it to her, I don't want it now. She's about to ask me to buy

01:59her a

02:00new one. Because no way is she touching something that's been near Vera. But instead of offering it

02:03to Mia, I put the straw straight to my own lips and take a sip. Then I pull out my

02:07phone and hand

02:07it to Vera. This one's too sweet. Pick whatever you like. I know you can buy your own, but I

02:11want to

02:11treat you. I don't even glance at Mia. Mia freezes. And for some reason a wave of panic rises in

02:15her

02:15chest. Stone, who came in with Mia and hasn't said a word this whole time, has gone from shocked and

02:19jealous that I know Vera. To quietly thrilled, his moment has finally come. He leans over to Mia

02:23softly. Mia, what do you want? I'll get it for you. I glance at Stone. Same class as me. Also

02:27into Mia. Always seen himself as my rival. In my past life, watching him orbit Mia used to drive me

02:31crazy. Now? I couldn't care less. It has nothing to do with Mia anymore. Mia is stinging inside.

02:36She's so used to me revolving around her every move. This is the first time I've ever ignored her.

02:40And mixed in with the sulking and the anger is a deliberate pettiness. So Mia turns to Stone with a

02:44pointed sweetness. Sure. Brown sugar bubble tea 70% sugar. Thanks. Then she deliberately looks

02:48my way, waiting for me to step in like I always do. But I've already looked away, smiling at Vera

02:52instead. Go ahead, pick one. Vera's heart is beating a little fast. She reaches for my phone,

02:56and then her own phone buzzes. She stops, like she's snapping out of a dream. It's fine. I don't

03:01want any. She picks up her phone and steps outside to take the call. Mia watches this and something

03:05sinks in her chest. Something feels off about Zhao today. I glance at the door with a flicker of concern,

03:10then quietly order Vera a hot milk tea. Meanwhile, Stone comes back fast with two cups and eagerly

03:15holds one out. Here, Mia. 70% sugar. It's getting late. Let me walk you home. Mia takes the cup

03:19and

03:19immediately frowns. Cold? In this weather? Is Stone actually made of rock? But she lets a smile

03:23cross her face anyway, a practiced little smile, and says sweetly, Thank you, Stone. You're so

03:27thoughtful. Mia sees that I'm not even looking their way, and her expression darkens. She glances at

03:31Stone, who is staring at her with obvious devotion. Xiao always walks her home. Everyone else left the

03:36party early, but Xiao came here just to get her bubble tea. And Stone stayed behind too,

03:39clearly hoping to get a moment alone with her. But Xiao's attitude right now, so Mia turns to Stone with

03:43a

03:43defiant tilt of her chin. Okay, walk me home then. She looks over at me as she says it. I

03:47give her

03:48nothing, not even a glance. Is this about her confession at the party and me turning her down?

03:52Mia stares at the cold drink in her hand, frowning. I pick up Vera's order just as Stone is already

03:56eagerly announcing, My ride's here, let's go, Mia. Mia is still staring at me with those big watery eyes.

04:00I smile and give a little wave. Bye! Stone leads a pouty Mia out. Just as they leave,

04:05Vera pushes through the door. She pauses, eyes landing on me, still standing in the shop. I see her come

04:09in

04:09and hand her the drink I ordered. Thirty percent sugar, pure fresh milk, bubble tea at night messes

04:13with your sleep. Vera has seen this side of me before. Warm, attentive, gentle. But that warmth

04:18has always been aimed at Mia, the lucky girl, never at her. So right now Vera doesn't know what to

04:21do

04:21with herself. Doesn't even know what expression to make. She looks away and says coolly,

04:25Who asked you to decide for me? I can buy my own. The moment it's out she regrets it. That

04:29probably

04:29annoyed Xiao, but I just laugh. Fine. Pay me back next time. You can treat me. Next time.

04:34Vera's heart skips at the word. The corner of her mouth lifts just slightly,

04:37against her will. She reaches out and takes the cup. She tries to sound casual. The next time,

04:41I'll treat you. I kind of want to ruffle her hair, but that would be weird. Vera seems to

04:44remember something. I have to go. I think of what she said earlier, that she had something to tell

04:48me. It must be a confession. Didn't you say you had something to say? Vera touches her faintly warm

04:52ear. Next time, I sigh. Then let me walk you. No need, my driver's here, I'm going. Vera feels like

04:57I've been too gentle with her today. Unsettlingly so. It throws her off balance. She waves and turns to

05:01leave. I call out a soft, Hey, but she's already out the door. Vera gets into the car and sits

05:05there,

05:05staring at the warm cup in her hands, slightly dazed. She really did come here planning to confess

05:09today. Even knowing Xiao's heart has always belonged to Mia, she still wanted to try. If

05:13she doesn't try, there's no chance at all. Her family wants her to study abroad the moment college

05:16entrance exams are over. But she can't bring herself to leave Xiao behind. Vera looks out the window.

05:20But after what just happened, maybe she's not completely out of chances. At least Xiao seems

05:24like his eyes don't only see Mia anymore. And he knows she likes 30% sugar. Something about him

05:28feels different. On my end, I watch Vera's car pull away, then head straight home. Dad is on the

05:32couch reading when I walk in. We're a comfortable family, not rich, but steady. Dad

05:35is a teacher. Mom is a doctor. She's not home tonight, probably on a night shift. Dad glances

05:39up at his son, who sighs the moment he walks in. What's going on? You sigh every time you

05:43see me. In my past life, after the accident, my dad, once so cheerful and warm, went nearly

05:47white-haired within two days. His face aged with new lines, like he aged 10 years overnight.

05:51Those years after must have been torture for both my parents. My eyes sting, but I still pull

05:55up a smile. No, I didn't. I didn't sigh. Hey, old man, you're still up? Ha, I'd love to sleep.

05:59Dad puts down his book and stands. Your mom told me. She noticed you weren't sleeping well

06:02the past couple days. Up too late at night. She figured you were running hot, so she asked

06:06me to make you some herbal sweet soup. He heads to the kitchen, grumbling. My wife cares about

06:09you more than she cares about me. I follow behind him, watching his still straight back.

06:13Of course, I'm her flesh and blood. The truth is, I'd been losing sleep those past few nights

06:16because I was obsessing over how to confess to Mia at the party. The necklace I bought did

06:20get given away, but the confession still crashed and burned. Years of scholarship money, almost

06:24all of it spent on Mia. Not a single cent spent on my parents. Not even a dollar. And

06:28yet Mom is still up worrying about my sleep. And Dad, who never stays up late, is waiting

06:32for me to come home and drink soup. Dad lifts the lid and pauses mid-motion. There's a second

06:36portion inside, save for Mom when she gets home. Then he turns around and sees me standing

06:40behind him, eyes red. Hey, you don't have to get emotional about soup. He hesitates.

06:44You broke? Need allowance money? Even so, don't cry about it. He gives me a look. I force a

06:48crooked smile. Come on, I just suddenly feel how hard you both work. Dad blinks. Something

06:52about today's version of his son feels off. Before he can figure it out, I've already taken

06:55the bowl and walked out. Dad follows with a sigh. Talk to me if something's going on. You're

06:59growing up. I get that you keep things to yourself now. That's fine. But if something's

07:03too big to handle alone, you come to us. You're still young. Got it, old man. You talk too

07:06much. I bow my head and take a sip of the soup. I don't look up. Go to sleep before

07:10Mom gets

07:10home, or you'll just wake up again. A tear drops quietly into the bowl as I speak.

07:14All right, you little punk. Leave the bowl when you're done. I'll wash it tomorrow. And

07:16get to bed early. You're up all night every night. Dad shuffles toward the bedroom, but stops

07:20at the door. You still got money? You're always helping that classmate of yours. You're not

07:23going broke on her, are you? My parents are genuinely good people. What a shame I wasn't a good

07:27son to them in my past life. I'm fine. Go to sleep. Stop worrying. Dad doesn't say anything

07:31else. He goes in and closes the door. I sit in the living room for a long time after finishing

07:35the soup. In my past life, the last three years were spent entirely in the hospital.

07:38The accident left my body wrecked, and every single day meant IV drips and medications.

07:42My parents and Vera took turns at my bedside day after day for three full years. This time,

07:46I'm going to be good to Vera. Good to my parents. I won't let them down again. As for Mia,

07:50she can stay in the past. Then a thought hits me. I don't think I have Vera's contact.

07:53Oh, come on. I grab my phone and search. Sure enough. Nothing. I sigh.

07:57I open a profile picture. Just a basketball and an empty court. Bro, you got Vera's contact?

08:01A question mark pings back immediately. Then, you're switching simps on me? At least your

08:05taste finally improved. That sharp-tongued voice is Leo, my best friend. We haven't been on speaking

08:09terms lately, because he couldn't stand watching me simp for Mia. He was so fed up knowing I planned

08:13to confess tonight that Leo didn't even show up to the party. But in my past life, when he found

08:16out

08:16I had gotten hurt because of Mia, Leo, even though we were still on bad terms, went back to school

08:20to pick up his college acceptance letter and tore into Mia right there on campus. I heard he said

08:24things so brutal she broke down crying on the spot. Then later he ran into Mia getting cozy

08:28with another guy on the street and couldn't hold back. He went at her again. The guy with

08:31her threw a punch. Leo threw one back, and both of them ended up at the police station.

08:34Turns out the other guy had connections. Leo got a criminal record from that fight, which

08:38meant he could never take the government job exam. For life. Looking at Leo's spiky text

08:42now, something aches in my chest. I can't help smiling anyway. I send a voice message.

08:46Ball game tomorrow? A beat. Then a voice message fires back. Pure irritation.

08:49Ball game? Are you serious? Haven't even finished my homework and school's back in two days.

08:53We'll play when I'm free. Then he sends a contact card. Vera's contact. You were in the same club

08:57and you don't even have her info? Embarrassing. I send him a meme. Something like, thanks daddy.

09:01Then tap the contact card. She's already in my contacts. I blink. I open the chat and find

09:05there's actually a message history. But reading it now feels like a punch to the gut. Every holiday,

09:09every single birthday, she sent a message right on time. And every single time, I replied

09:13with one word, thanks. I close my eyes. They sting. And suddenly I don't have the nerve to send

09:17her a single word. How many little secrets does Vera have that I never knew? I tap into her social

09:21feed. Meanwhile, Mia gets home. Her grandmother is already asleep. The building is old and run

09:26down. Even the stairwell light is broken. And Stone, true to his name, dropped her off at the

09:30entrance and left. Standing there in the dark, Mia thinks of me. For years, I walked her to her door

09:34without fail, rain or shine. She goes up to her room, checks her phone. Nothing from me. She tosses it

09:39onto the bed with a flash of anger. Xiao is so out of line. She was literally just thinking if

09:43he

09:43apologized, she would grudgingly forgive him. But fine. She is absolutely done with him.

09:47Her fingers drift to the necklace I pressed into her hand earlier tonight. Mia picks up her phone

09:51again and posts to her social media. The night is so cold. I miss you. Even if you've already

09:55grown tired of me. Then she waits, full of hope for me to respond. But the next day comes. And

09:59still nothing. First day back at school. Leo shows up early. He's surprised to find the classroom

10:03already half full. He spots me and raises an eyebrow. Here already? Not outfetching your princess?

10:07In my past life, I showed up before the school bus every single day, rain or shine,

10:10picking Mia up and walking her home. Leo was so used to it that seeing me just sitting at my

10:14desk

10:14feels wrong. He can't help taking a jab. I glance up from my textbook. Drop the sarcasm.

10:18I brought you breakfast. Eat up before the teacher gets here. Leo looks at the soy milk

10:22and egg crepe on his desk. His mood visibly lifts, but his tone stays sharp. My family runs

10:26a breakfast shop. Why are you bringing me food? That's what he says. But he eats without hesitation.

10:29Don't push it. By the time class is about to start, the room is filling up. Leo finishes the last

10:33bite of his egg crepe and finally looks at me properly. So what's the deal with Mia? You're

10:36really done chasing her? Done. My voice is flat. Studying hard, nailing the college exam,

10:40doing my part for the future. Leo gives me a look.

10:42Then why did you ask for Vera's contact that night? He raises an eyebrow. Don't tell me you

10:46couldn't see that she likes you. I turn to Leo. You knew? A lot of people do. You were the

10:50only

10:50one walking around completely blind, a real gem right in front of you, and you were worshipping

10:54a fake. Leo doesn't bother hiding the contempt, but instead of getting defensive, I nod in agreement.

10:58Yeah, I had my head completely in the clouds. We're still talking when a commotion breaks out

11:02in front of us. Sophie is fussing over Mia, who walks in with red-rimmed eyes.

11:05Mia, why are you so late? Xiao's already here. Mia goes still. She turns to look at me,

11:09eyes wet. I glance up at her. There's still a trace of warmth in my eyes, but the moment I

11:13see her it fades. I look away and murmur to Leo, do me a favor and let it go.

11:17Leo snorts. He glances at Mia and says nothing. That's enough to make Mia's tears spill over.

11:21For two days she held herself back from texting me, posting once a day on social media, waiting

11:25for me to reach out first. But this morning she woke up to silence. She finally broke.

11:29She sent me a message. Xiao, I'm craving egg crepe. But the moment it sent, an error popped

11:33up. They are no longer connected. Mia's stomach drops. He deleted her. Her hands shake as she

11:37pulls up my social profile. Blank. Completely empty. The mix of hurt and anger in Mia's chest

11:41turns to pure panic. She scrambles to get ready and rushes downstairs. Sure enough, that familiar

11:46figure is nowhere to be seen. Hey, Mia, why are you crying? Stone walks in just in time to see

11:50her tears and can't stop himself from calling out. What happened? His voice carries. Heads turn all

11:55around the classroom. Every head except mine. I keep my head down and write in the answer I just

11:58worked out. Xiao, how could you do this? Mia doesn't take Stone's tissue. She doesn't care who's

12:02watching. She knows exactly how to pull at people's hearts. Tears fall one by one. Her voice trembles.

12:07Why did you delete me? My pen stops. I finally look up at her. So familiar. The wounded look.

12:11The teary eyes as if I've committed some unforgivable crime. She's used this look on

12:14me so many times before. But this time I just stare back. Cold. I was cleaning up my contacts.

12:19Some people weren't necessary. That word drains the color from Mia's face. Not necessary.

12:22I watch her in silence. Around us classmates murmur and lean in. Hungry for the drama. But before

12:26they can get much more the homeroom teacher pushes the door open. Mia bows her head. Tears still

12:30falling. Sophie quietly slips her some tissues. Feeling secondhand embarrassment. But also

12:34deeply curious about what went down. Mia takes the tissues. Mouths a quiet thank you. Wipes her eyes

12:38and sets her bag down at her desk. Out of habit she reaches inside. And feels something warm. She

12:42pulls it out. It's breakfast. Her eyes light up. She knew Xiao couldn't really ignore her. He was

12:46just sulking right? Was it because of Stone? Xiao really needs to work on that temper. Mia grumbles

12:50inwardly. But underneath the complaints is real unease. Xiao's attitude lately has been impossible to read.

12:54So many guys like her. None of them compare to Xiao. She touches the necklace. She'll give him an

12:58opening after class. Something gracious. As for him embarrassing her publicly. She'll settle that

13:02score later. With that thought I stand up and stretch lazily. Just in time to see Mia set a

13:06rice noodle roll in the necklace on my desk. Eyes still red. Her voice wavers. Since we're

13:10apparently strangers now. Take it all back. You don't have to be nice to me anymore. Not ever.

13:14She lingers with a mournful reluctant look. Next to me Leo rolls his eyes so hard it's a wonder they

13:18don't fall out. What is this? A K-drama? Mia turns back to her seat and starts counting down in

13:22her

13:22head. Waiting for Xiao to come coax her. She barely gets to ten before a familiar hand drops the bag

13:26back onto her desk. Her lips start to curve. And then she hears me say. I didn't buy this. But

13:30I'll take

13:31the necklace back. Should be able to recoup something. Mia's expression freezes. Meanwhile

13:34I'm in a great mood. I'd thought about asking for it back before but couldn't bring myself to.

13:38Now I look at the necklace she just handed back herself. What a shame. Worn once. Already second

13:43hand. Leo isn't there a second hand jewelry shop near your place? Come with me after school and

13:46help me sell this thing. Might still get a decent price. This time Leo actually believes it. I've

13:50really stopped simping. Something in him relaxes. He figures last night's rejection must have

13:54finally knocked some sense into me. Yeah. There's one. Piece still looks pretty new. You could just

13:58give it to my mom. Resale's gonna cost me a few hundred. No. My mom doesn't want something that's

14:01already been on someone else. It's been touched. I don't even think before saying it. Up ahead Mia

14:05feels the world blur. And the tears come. What is wrong with Xiao today? Stone picks exactly this

14:10moment to come jogging over. Spots the breakfast on her desk. And says eagerly. Hey Mia why aren't

14:14you eating? That place just opened. I queued all morning for it. Mia is already a mess of hurt and

14:18fury. And my word touched. Sends all that rage straight at Stone. She snatches the bag and hurls it at

14:22him without hesitation. Who asked for your breakfast? Can you just stay away from me? She shoves her chair

14:26aside and storms out. Stone takes the hit and just stands there. Dazed. Not even sure what

14:29just happened. One of the guys nearby has been watching the whole thing and grins. Stone? The

14:33class beauty thought it was from Xiao. Turns out it was you. She's not interested. Stone spins and

14:37glares at me. Face twisting. Xiao you shameless. Did you tell her it was from you? I never said it

14:41was. She assumed. Not my problem. I scoff. Instead of being mad at the person who threw food on you,

14:46you come at me. What are you? A dog? Just bite whoever's closest? The whole room goes quiet. They're so

14:50used to the calm, polished version of me. Today I've blown that image apart hit by hit. Leo gives me

14:54a

14:54thumbs up, then turns to a stunned Stone with a smirk. Done picking on easy targets? The easy

14:58target just grew a spine. You might want to go check on your girl, before someone else steps in

15:02and simps for her, and you're out of the picture. Stone's face goes tight. He shoots one last glare

15:06at me, then turns and leaves. Leo looks at me. Since when did you grow claws? A sharp mouth is

15:10its own reward. Now I finally get why you love doing this. I give him an easy smile. After the

15:14morning's drama, Mia doesn't approach me again. She's rattled but still convinces herself I'm angry

15:18because of her rejection, and because she lets Stone fawn over her. So she ignores every guy around

15:22her, wearing a look of pure wounded suffering. But she can't stop the creeping thought. What

15:26if Xiao really is done with her? A cold fear of being abandoned settles in. The whole morning,

15:30her mind drifts. When the lunch bell rings, the guys bolt for the door like it's a race.

15:33I drag Leo with me. He protests loudly. What's the rush? The sweet and sour pork ribs at the

15:37cafeteria, only on Mondays. I'm already pulling him and running, voiced tight with urgency.

15:41Behind us, Mia watches us go, face pale. She turns to Sophie. Can I eat with you today?

15:45Sophie looks at her pitiful expression and sighs. Okay, but Mia, what's going on with you and Xiao?

15:50That one question makes Mia's eyes go red all over again. Sophie waves her hands quickly.

15:54Never mind, never mind, you don't have to, it's fine. Mia wipes her eyes. Let's just go to the

15:57cafeteria. The girls head out together. In the cafeteria queue, Leo notices me scanning the

16:01room and gets curious. Looking for someone? Hmm. Truth is, I don't even like sweet and sour pork

16:06ribs, but I know Vera does. In my past life, she mentioned more than once that she missed them

16:09from this cafeteria, which means she really loves them. Sure enough, I spot Vera at the entrance,

16:13pulling Lily in with her, rushing, but the line is already long. If they queue from the back,

16:17there might not be any left. Lily sighs and looks at Vera. Expressionless as always,

16:20but the disappointment is there. I'm so sorry, Vera, this is on me. If I hadn't gotten my period

16:24out of nowhere, we wouldn't have missed it. It's not your fault. If we don't get it today,

16:27we'll come back next week. Vera glances at the line. Even knowing they probably won't make it,

16:31Vera joins the back of the line anyway. Two people behind them is Mia's group.

16:34Mia looks at Vera ahead of her. She is the kind of person who draws every eye just by standing

16:38still.

16:39Meanwhile, I walk up and order three servings of sweet and sour pork ribs. Two to go.

16:42How much do you love this dish? Taking leftovers home now? Leo stares at me, baffled. I glance at

16:47him. Mind your business. When Leo sees me heading toward the back of the line with two takeout boxes,

16:51it hits him. Is this guy seriously packing ribs for Mia? Vera hadn't even noticed Mia's group

16:55behind her. Then a burst of excited voices breaks through. Mia, look, it's Xiao. He's coming this

16:59way. That takeout has to be for you. Vera is dangerously attuned to my name. She looks up and

17:03sees me holding two boxes of sweet and sour pork ribs. He's been so impossible today. I'm not talking to

17:08him. Mia's voice carries a mix of hurt and pride. She casually glances toward Vera,

17:11and sure enough, Vera's eyes are locked on me, and I'm walking straight toward Mia's side. The

17:15knot in Mia's chest loosens just a little. She knew Xiao wouldn't really ignore her. She lets

17:19herself smile, runs a hand through her hair, heart unexpectedly fluttering. She's decided

17:23she'll forgive him. The thing is, I genuinely hadn't even noticed Mia's group. You are unbelievable.

17:27I hear Leo muttering and grumbling, and he shoots me a look. How long have you been going? On,

17:31I say exasperated. I'm about to ask what he's even complaining about when I realize I'm already in

17:35front of Vera. I plan to hand her the takeout first, then deal with Leo. But the moment I step

17:38up to

17:39Vera before I can say a word, Mia's voice cuts in. A pale hand snatches the bag from mine.

17:43Thanks for packing this for me. I yank it back immediately. Then I look at a stunned Mia.

17:46No, the nerve, this isn't for you. The words land like a slap. Heads snap toward me from all

17:51directions. I don't acknowledge any of them. I turn to Vera, whose expression hasn't had time

17:54to go neutral yet. Vera, this is for you. Gone is every trace of the cold impatience I showed Mia.

17:59My voice is soft. The crowd that had been quietly enjoying the drama suddenly freezes. This just

18:03became a whole different kind of show. Two of the school's most stunning girls, and a moment that cuts

18:06between them. Vera snaps back to reality as Lily quietly pinches her side. She looks down at the

18:11two boxes in my hands. For me? Yeah. I got two extra servings. Saw you in this line? Figured you

18:15must like them too. My voice is warm as I look at her. Mia has been completely erased from the

18:19scene.

18:19Her face drains of color. Every watching eye feels like a laugh aimed at her. She shoots a burning

18:24glare at me and Vera, then bolts out of the cafeteria, eyes red. Sophie lets out a surprise sound

18:28and follows. Then someone calls out softly, Xiao, Mia just ran out crying. My expression doesn't change.

18:32I glance at her. What does that have to do with me? Lily lets out a quiet laugh. Looks like

18:36her best

18:36friend's secret crush might actually be going somewhere. She smiles and reaches over to take

18:40the takeout from my hands. Thanks kiddo. We almost thought we'd miss out today. Vera looks up at me

18:43too. She caught everything. Every bit of what just happened with Mia, including that glare Mia threw

18:48at her. Vera can't deny it. There's a quiet warmth rising in her chest right now, but none of it

18:52shows

18:52on her face. Instead she lifts her chin just slightly. Voice firm. I'll transfer you the money later.

18:56Behind her Lily rolls her eyes. That proud prickly habit of her best friend. No wonder everyone calls her

19:01an untouchable flower. I just smile. Deal. We'll go grab a table. You go get your trays. I pull Leo

19:05away from the

19:06crowd he's been happily watching with. Once we sit down, Leo can't hold it in. What is going on with

19:10you? He stares at me across the table. You're not acting like yourself at all today. Leo has known me

19:13since elementary school. He knows me better than anyone. He expected me to stop chasing Mia, maybe

19:17ignore her a little. But this? This is something else entirely. Not like me at all. I meet his confused,

19:22concerned eyes and smile. I just let go. Why spend your life worrying what everyone thinks when you

19:25could just live for yourself? Leo goes quiet. He nods slowly without a word. I like that. You used to

19:30front so hard. Looked popular but everyone was just taking advantage. I sigh. Leo, you know why you don't have

19:35many friends? Your mouth is a weapon. Leo shrugs, completely unbothered. Who needs a crowd? One real

19:39one is hard enough to find. Looking at Leo now, I think of everything from my past life. My eyes

19:43soften. I nod. You're right. I had planned to snag a good spot, maybe even eat lunch with Vera, but

19:48she

19:48took her food to go. As she left, she glanced over at us. I gave her my best grin. Vera

19:52looked away fast.

19:53Her step's just a little too quick. Leo stares at me in my ridiculous grin like he can barely stand

19:57to

19:57watch. What's going on with you and Vera? I thought you were just trying to get at Mia. I glance

20:01at him.

20:01Not obvious enough? Leo makes a go on face, signaling me to just say it.

20:04I smile and shake my head. Can't tell you. Let's just say I found a hidden gem, and I want

20:08to keep

20:08her all to myself. Leo looks at me like I've lost it. I just grin. Then my phone buzzes. That

20:12profile

20:13picture, the one I've stared at a hundred times and never had the nerve to message first, appears on

20:17my screen, followed by a digital cash transfer. I don't accept it. Instead I type, Vera, keep your

20:21money. Count that, plus the bubble tea from last time. Take me to dinner instead. I send it and wait.

20:25But before Vera replies, a text message comes in, from Mia. Xiao, I'm waiting at our usual spot. If you

20:30don't come, I'm not leaving. I stare at it. Eyebrow twitching. I forgot to block her number.

20:34My fingers move without hesitation, blocked, and a deeply satisfied smile spreads across my face.

20:38Leo watches me go from smiling to blank-faced in two seconds flat, and looks unsettled.

20:43Bro, you need to go pray at a temple or something. Seriously, for years I've felt like something was

20:47off with you. Like you were put under a spell. He sighs. Honestly, what did you ever see in Mia?

20:51She's not even that pretty. Grades are average, soft and helpless every single day. All she does is

20:55play victim. I genuinely cannot see the appeal. I look at him, and I actually think about it. Why did

20:59I

20:59fall for Mia in the first place? We were in the same class freshman year. Her family didn't have

21:03much. Her school fees were waived. I didn't pay much attention to her at first. She just seemed

21:06sweet. Never said no to anyone. Until one day, I passed by the back gate where stray cats always

21:11gathered, and there was this small, slight girl crouching with a can of cat food, feeding them

21:15with such gentleness. That image burned itself into me. I still remember it clearly now, but I just

21:19smile and say, I guess I was just under a spell. Liking someone, giving everything, no point

21:22regretting that. But knowing how it ended still leaves a bitter taste. So in this life, I'm not making

21:26the same mistake. A little disappointed. Lunch break ends and still no reply from Vera. Looks like

21:30that meal isn't happening today. Sophie turns around and asks, Xiao, where did Mia go? I look

21:34at her blankly. How would I know? Aren't you her seatmate? You don't know, so you're asking me?

21:38Sophie blinks. She's waiting for you in the garden by the side gate. Didn't you get her message? I

21:42just give her a look and go back to scrolling. Leo gives a cold laugh. Sophie, you know what you

21:46are

21:46in this story? Mia's the lead. You're the sidekick. Whatever she says goes. Sophie spins around and

21:50glares. You're the sidekick. She turns back to her desk in a huff, and doesn't bring up Mia again.

21:54Mia really had waited in that garden the entire lunch break. Xiao never showed. As the bell draws near,

21:58she panics and texts Sophie. She had asked Sophie to quietly tip Xiao off. So why hadn't he come?

22:03Sophie's reply is short and sharp. How should I know? Sort out your own problems. It's not like

22:06you don't have a mouth. Even through a screen, the anger is obvious. Mia stares. Something happened

22:10in that classroom while she was gone, didn't it? She can't afford to actually skip class, though.

22:13She goes back. Sure enough, I'm there. And from the moment she sits down, I keep my head down and

22:17work through problems. Not one glance at her. Mia wants to cry again. She still has no idea what's

22:21gotten into me. She spends the rest of the day just waiting for the evening break. Senior year means

22:25mandatory evening study hall, but there's a two-hour break in between. Mia has barely eaten

22:29all day. Lunch was just a bread roll she bought with her card, and she just checked. Her card

22:33balance is barely $90. When the bell rings, Mia turns to me right away. Eat together? Her voice

22:37is smaller than usual. None of that old entitlement. Leo stands up. Still going to sell that necklace?

22:42Yeah. But the moment I'm on my feet, my hand gets grabbed. Mia's eyes are red. Her voice drops low.

22:46Xiao, that necklace was a gift. You really don't want it back? I finally look at her properly,

22:50then look down at the hand wrapped around my wrist. I ease it off gently. You said it yourself.

22:54It was a gift. You gave it back this morning. What I do with it is my call. But I

22:58changed my

22:58mind, Xiao. I want it back, Mia whispers. Unfortunately for her, I shake my head. Too bad.

23:03I don't want to. Then I turn to Leo. Let's go. Mia sits frozen, watching me walk out without

23:07looking back. She lowers her head, lost. What did she even do wrong? Stone had been waiting at the

23:11back of the room this whole time. He watches me leave, then walks over and crouches in front of Mia,

23:15holding out a tissue. Mia, don't be sad. I think Xiao's moved on. I saw him talking to Vera in

23:19the

23:19cafeteria. He's not worth it. Xiao would never—Mia shoves his hand away and stands. She tilts her chin up with

23:24a

23:24cool dismissive look. Stay away from me. Then she turns and walks off. Leo and I had already set

23:28out. Sell the necklace, then grab dinner. But just as we reach the school gate, my phone buzzes.

23:32It's Vera. What do you want to eat? Right now? I stop walking. I turn to Leo. I'm not going.

23:36Backing out? Leo stops too, eyebrow raised. Resale on this thing really is terrible, honestly. But

23:41instead of agreeing, I just pull out the necklace and press it into his hand. You sell it for me.

23:45Whatever you eat tonight, I'm covering it. I've got somewhere to be. I'll make it up to you.

23:48I spin and run back toward the school. Leo calls after me. I don't look back. Just wave.

23:52Damn. You didn't even tell me your price. Leo stands there, staring at the necklace in his palm.

23:56Honestly, I'm not thinking about it. I hadn't even planned on taking the necklace back in the

23:59first place. So whatever he gets is a bonus. And now that I've finally shaken off Mia the

24:02freeloader, life is looking pretty sweet. I run back to the school building and text Vera.

24:06Vera, I'm downstairs. Where are you? A girl's voice calls out nearby. Hey, over here. I follow the

24:10voice. It's Vera, standing with Lily from lunch. I jog over, grinning. Sorry about that. I just saw

24:15your message. Vera watches the boy running toward her through the backlit haze of evening light,

24:18easy smile on his face. A scene she never let herself imagine. The image she knows best is me

24:22running toward someone else. The message wasn't even from her. She had no idea what to write.

24:26During the break it was Lily who couldn't take it anymore. She snatched Vera's phone and sent the

24:29message herself. Vera was still grabbing at Lily's arm, panicking, when before she could even process

24:33what happened, Lily had already called me over. I think you two have something going on, and kiddo's

24:37definitely keen. The moment Lily says it, Vera's mind races trying to figure out how to respond

24:41without making things awkward. Lily doesn't give her time to think. You two go eat. Bring me back some cold

24:45noodles from the side gate, thanks. I glance at her, surprised. You're not coming?

24:48Lily waves me off. Nope. I've got homework due. Tonight. You two go. I'm heading up. She gives

24:52the still silent Vera a firm nudge and leans in to whisper, go get him. Then she heads upstairs

24:56without looking back. I turn to Vera who hasn't said a word. Ready to go? Vera tilts that stunning

25:00face toward me, and her voice carries a sharp edge. Do you call every girl that? It stops me cold.

25:04I

25:04mean, what I really want to call her is something else entirely, but that's not something I can say,

25:08so I just smile. I'll call you Ray. Everyone else calls you by your first name. I want something

25:11different. The girl in front of me goes pink. She turns away with a small huff and starts walking

25:15faster, tossing back, whatever, it's just a name. I let the smile pull at my

25:18lips and catch up in two steps. Exactly. Just a name. So what are we eating? That Ray

25:22is still burning on Vera's face. She walks faster, her voice coming out sharper than she

25:26intends. Whatever. Didn't you say I was treating? You pick. I'm just the one paying. The words

25:30are barely out before she regrets them. She sneaks a glance at me, afraid to see any sign

25:34of annoyance, and her voice drops. I just don't want Lily to wait too long for her food, and

25:38we have class soon. She trails off, voice getting smaller and smaller. She's thinking,

25:42Xiao would have been annoyed by now. Why can't she fix this about herself? But I'm not

25:45annoyed at all. I say, thoughtfully, let's get noodles at the street stalls by the back

25:49gate. There's a new shop that just opened, not sure if it's good yet, but Vera blinks

25:52when she hears my voice, calm, unchanged. She can't help looking up at me. She's always

25:56known I'm gentle, but this is the first time she's felt it so directly. Seeing her go quiet,

26:00I make a small questioning sound. Don't like noodles? We can go somewhere else. She looks

26:03away quickly. I like noodles. Noodles it is then. The noodle shop is still in its soft open

26:08phase, only two or three tables inside. I order the same as Vera, then tell the server,

26:12no cilantro in either bowl. Vera looks up, curious. How did you know I don't eat cilantro

26:16or green onion? I know a lot more than that, but I can't say that, so I just smile. I

26:19overheard

26:20you mention it to your friend in the cafeteria once. Vera blinks. Did she say that? She doesn't

26:24remember, but she figures I have no reason to lie, so she just nods. My eyes keep drifting

26:28back to her face. In my past life, after she was gone, I spent another month in agony, and

26:32the month before that, I hadn't seen her at all. Do I have something on my face? My gaze

26:36is too obvious. It flusters her. She touches her cheek self-consciously. I shake my head,

26:40smiling. Nothing. You're just really beautiful. Vera goes still. People have told her this before,

26:44but this is the first time she's heard it from me. I realize instantly that came out wrong. Way

26:48too forward. I clear my throat. Actually, what I mean is, you have a very distinctive look,

26:52unlike anyone else. Even as I say it, I know it's worse. Sure enough, Vera gives me a look of

26:56pure

26:57disbelief, who looks completely identical to someone else. Unless you're a twin, silence falls between us.

27:01The awkwardness settles in. I sigh internally. What happened to me, I used to be able to keep any

27:05conversation going. I glance at her. She's looking down, lost in thought. Then after a moment,

27:09she speaks. If sitting here with me feels awkward, you really don't have to force it. I didn't

27:13especially want to come out either. In Vera's mind, I'd been too polite to turn down her message,

27:17so now I'm stuck sitting across from her, uncomfortable. She couldn't hold it in. The

27:21tension must be killing me. I look at her and shake my head. No, I just ran out of things

27:24to

27:25say I'm nervous. Vera looks up. Nervous? You've argued in front of packed rooms at debate competitions.

27:29That's when it comes back to me. Vera and I first met through the debate club. I was a freshman.

27:33She was a year ahead, vice president. And then Mia said I was spending too much time at club,

27:37so I quit, just like that. I think Vera actually pulled me aside to ask why. But I was in

27:40a rush

27:41to get back to Mia, and I can't even remember what excuse I gave her. Hearing her mention the

27:44debates now, I can't help it. You still remember that? I don't, Vera says without thinking. And

27:48then remembers she's the one who just brought it up. Saying she doesn't remember is too obvious.

27:52She taps the table. I mean, I heard some of the younger girls mention it, so it came back to

27:55me.

27:55That's all. I wish there was a recording. I never saved anything. I sigh, genuinely wistful.

28:00I don't really remember how I did or what you were like back then. Vera glances at me.

28:03There is a recording. The club has it on file. It just takes some digging. I can't hide the light

28:07that jumps into my face. Really? But I'm not in the club anymore. Can I even access it? Vera sees

28:11how genuinely excited I am and tries to play it cool. I can look for it when I have time.

28:15If I

28:16have time. The truth is, she has a copy saved on her own phone. One she has watched more times

28:20than

28:20she'll ever admit. That recording is where it all started for her. Thinking of it now, she glances over

28:24at me and meets my eyes, already smiling. Her heart lurches. She wants to look away, but that would only

28:28make it more awkward. So she holds my gaze, keeps her expression neutral, while her ears and cheeks burn

28:33completely out of her control. My eyes drift to those slowly reddening ears. Finally, she looks

28:37away. You blush easily. Vera reaches up and touches her burning ear and she can't stop herself from

28:40pushing back. I flush when it's warm. It's just how I am. We're both still in our jackets, but all

28:45I do

28:45is smile and nod. That does sound like a unique condition. Vera can't tell if I'm teasing or being

28:49genuine. It's clearly a lie, but I say it with such a straight face. She gives up and looks down.

28:53Right then, the noodles arrive. A perfect save. They eat in silence, all the way through without a

28:57word. But somewhere in that quiet, Vera notices the awkwardness has dissolved, replaced by

29:01something easy, natural, like they've shared a hundred meals like this before. It's a strange

29:04thought, but it makes something bloom quietly in her chest. If it could always be like this,

29:08that would be nice. When the bowls are empty, I speak. I've wanted to talk to you so many times

29:11before. I just never had the nerve. Vera looks up. Why? Did you need something? Not really. I just

29:16want to know, what were you going to say that night? I look straight at her. I have a second

29:19chance.

29:19I'm not wasting a single second. This time, I'm keeping my hidden gem for myself. Vera stares at me,

29:24caught off guard. The truth is, what she didn't say that night slipped away that same evening,

29:28along with what little courage she had. In the days after, she opened my chat window more times

29:32than she can count but never sent a word. Everything between them has been polite,

29:35surface level. And in Vera's mind, maybe I was only warm to her that night because that's just

29:38who I am. Gentle with everyone. She probably wasn't special. So Vera had let it go. She thought that

29:43moment was buried. But I still remember it. And now I'm bringing it back up. She looks at me,

29:46clearly waiting for an answer. Vera suddenly doesn't know what to say. She can't even tell. Does

29:50Xiao know she likes him? And if he does, Vera suddenly has no idea what to say. Does Xiao even

29:56know she

29:56likes him? And if he does, if that's why he's asking, does that mean he might feel something

29:59too? Then what was Mia? She can't read Xiao at all. So the words just won't come. Across from her,

30:04I see the look on her face and quietly let out a breath. I can't bring myself to push her.

30:08Besides,

30:08to Vera right now, I'm probably just someone she has a small crush on. We don't know each other the

30:12way we did in my past life. But I'm not worried. In my past life, I was in the worst

30:15shape imaginable.

30:16And Vera never once gave up on me. So there's no way I'm failing now. I shift the conversation

30:20myself. Did you forget? It's fine. Forget it. Vera gives a soft sound of agreement,

30:24then asks, almost casually, how come I haven't seen you with Mia lately? Did something happen?

30:28I pause. No matter what, the way I used to treat Mia, everyone saw it for two years. I used

30:32to

30:32wonder if we actually got together someday, would Vera mind? Honestly, I have no one to blame but

30:36myself. I really did simp for Mia for a long time. No point denying it. Even now that I've stopped,

30:40all those years of feelings and money, they happened. Vera brings it up and I go quiet for a moment.

30:44We're just classmates. No reason to be together every day. Besides, boys and girls,

30:48that brief silence doesn't go unnoticed. Vera wants to ask directly, didn't you like Mia? Then how come

30:52you're eating alone with me? But she doesn't dare. The one who falls first always carries more self

30:56doubt. Mia? Then how come you're here with me alone? But she can't ask. When you fall first,

31:00you're always the more insecure one. So she just says, oh. Whatever she's feeling inside,

31:04none of it shows. Then she scans the code and pays. Let's go. I watch the light go out of

31:07her

31:08and sigh quietly. Looks like I messed that up. Guess I'll just have to be even better to her from

31:11now on.

31:12Vera deserves nothing less than the best. The two of us walk back toward the school's side gate,

31:16picking up Lily's cold noodles along the way. After a few steps, Vera glances over.

31:19You go ahead. I hum and ask, where are you going? Vera reaches into her bag and pulls out a

31:23can of

31:24cat food, giving it a little shake. To feed the strays. I stare at the brand on the can. The

31:27exact

31:27same one Mia was holding the day I first noticed her. I hesitate. Stray cats? These were a gift from

31:32one of my mom's friends. We have a cat at home, but she can't finish this many cans, and she's

31:36supposed to be on a diet anyway, so I bring them out for the strays. Vera glances at me. Do

31:39you want to

31:39come? I'm still catching up with the moment. I nod. Then I watch Vera navigate straight to the spot

31:43like she's done it a hundred times. Pulling out another small bag of dry food, sets it all down alongside

31:47the cat food, and turns to leave. I stop her. You're not waiting for them? No. They're very

31:51cautious. Something crosses Vera's face. She frowns. It was fine at first, but when I was in

31:5610th grade, I came one day and one of them was just gone. For a long time after that, they

31:59wouldn't

31:59touch anything I left. I always suspected someone had lured them away before. The hand holding Lily's

32:03cold noodles tightens. That can of cat food suddenly feels wrong to look at. Something flickers in my

32:08memory. Scattered pieces. The day after I saw Mia feeding cats, her hands had scratches on them. Her

32:12seatmate made a big deal about it. That was the first time I ever showed Mia any attention.

32:16I bought her medicine. Is that brand of cat food expensive? Vera looks at me when I ask that.

32:20It's okay. Not cheap, though. Imported. And just like that, I feel myself waking up. The version of

32:24Mia I'd filtered through rose-colored glass shatters completely. That cat food wasn't cheap. There was no

32:29way Mia could have afforded it back then. And she never once showed any love for animals after that.

32:33The scratches on her hands. The way she flinched the time she accidentally saw a stray. And that missing

32:37cat. I feel like an absolute fool. Then something tugs at my sleeve. Vera's voice drops to almost

32:41nothing. Look. I follow where she's pointing. A few stray cats are peeking out cautiously.

32:45Tiny kittens trailing behind them. I turn to look at the girl beside me. The way she looks at them.

32:49So soft. There are even more little ones now. I'll bring some goat milk next time. My voice

32:53softens without me meaning to. Did they ever find the one that went missing? Vera's expression falls.

32:57No. Lily and I search the whole area, but- Vera's voice gets quieter. No, we looked everywhere around

33:02here. Nothing. She pauses. We did find some blood. I close my eyes for a moment. I'm sorry. It has

33:06nothing to do with you. Vera gives me a slightly puzzled look at the apology. She glances back at the

33:10cats.

33:11Let's go. Lily's going to be hungry. I take one last look at the little group,

33:13then follow Vera. Do you come every day? Pretty much. And I'm not the only one who feeds them.

33:17Others do too. But I always worry. Vera glances at me mid-sentence. Not that I worry. I just pass

33:22by anyway. I smile. Bring me next time then. Vera looks at me, surprised. You like cats? Her eyes

33:26light up a little. Starting today, Vera goes quiet, then falls into step beside me. It's fine not to

33:31like them. Not everyone does. As long as you don't hurt them. I tighten my grip on what I'm holding,

33:35and glance back at the cats one more time. Vera stops at the fork in the path. The noodles

33:39tonight were good. The thank you she wants to add just won't come out. I don't mind at all.

33:42I'll walk you up. Vera blinks. No need. It's just a few steps. I know where I'm going. She takes

33:47the

33:47cold noodles right out of my hand and turns away quickly. I reach up and rub my nose. Did I

33:51spook

33:51her? Probably. A near stranger being this eager must feel off. I sigh. But I genuinely can't find

33:56other chances to be helpful. We're not even in the same building. I sigh again. We're not even in the

34:00same building. I watch her figure disappear at the top of the stairwell. Only then do I turn to go,

34:03and nearly jump out of my skin. Stone is standing right behind me. What the… I stare at him.

34:07Are you serious right now? Stone gives me a cold, mocking look. Everyone says you're so polite and gentle,

34:12Xiao. Those fangirls should see you now. I can't be bothered. I step around him to leave. Stone

34:16stops me. Hold on. Are you going after Vera, then can you stay away from Mia? I stop and turn

34:20to

34:20Stone. I sigh. Bro. A simp who never stops simping ends up with nothing. Give it up and you might

34:24actually win. Trust me on this one. As the words leave my mouth, I feel like I'm radiating saint

34:28energy. What is this? Taking the ultimate high road, overflowing with wisdom and goodwill? But Stone

34:33just looks at me like I'm adorably clueless. You okay, Xiao? I pause. One last look at Stone.

34:37I'm fine. I'm just worried that if you keep this up, you won't be. Then I ignore him completely.

34:41I turn and walk away clean. Stone stands there, completely lost, not even sure why he came in

34:46the first place. After a long moment, he shouts at my back,

34:48You're out of your mind. I feel pretty good about myself. That was practically charity.

34:52I head to the convenience store in high spirits, planning to grab some snacks and find an excuse

34:55to pass them to Vera later. Then, from way down the street, I spot Mia walking out of the store.

34:59I pause for just a second, then walk right past her and into the store. Mia had just opened her

35:03mouth

35:03to call out. She pauses, then goes back inside too. She watches me walk past without a word,

35:08her expression darkening. She squeezes the bread in her hand and follows me back in.

35:11I notice her behind me but say nothing. I start scanning the shelves. Three years is more than

35:15enough to know Vera's tastes. I move fast and sure. Mia can tell the snacks aren't for her.

35:19The realization hits her cold he really is done. She watches me pick up a chocolate she absolutely

35:23hates and says quietly, You're not Xiao. I stop. I turn and frown at her.

35:26What did you say? My pulse jumps. Did she figure something out? No. That's not it.

35:30Xiao would never treat me this way. You're not him. Mia's voice is full of hurt.

35:33I breathe out in relief. She's just performing again. I look at Mia and feel absolutely nothing.

35:37Lady, your grades are bad enough as it is. Lay off the K-dramas and romance novels.

35:41Teachers tell us to read more, not that kind of stuff. That single word,

35:44lady, makes Mia's face flush red. The tears she was about to shed get swallowed right back down.

35:49Xiao, you, she glares at me through gritted teeth. What is wrong with you? Is it just because

35:52I turned you down? We agreed to wait until after the exams, didn't we? I make a short sound.

35:56Not really. I just had a change of heart. The way I look at Mia now. It's like looking at

36:00a

36:00complete stranger. You were right. Grades come first. Mia's eyes light up.

36:03She thinks I've had a change of heart. The way I look at her now, still like looking at a

36:06complete stranger. You were right. Grades come first. Mia's eyes brighten. So it really was

36:10the rejection. She softens her voice. As long as you know I was thinking about our future,

36:14I cut her off. Whose future you were thinking about, I have no idea. It has nothing to do with

36:18me. All I want now is to study. Do well on my exams. So stop performing for me every day.

36:22It's uncomfortable. Try Stone. He'd be thrilled. What do you mean?

36:25Xiao, are you jealous? Fine. I'll stop talking to Stone. Just don't ignore me. I've been

36:29miserable all day. I've been crying for hours. Mia grabs my sleeve. Voice urgent.

36:32I was never close to Stone to begin with. It's your fault for upsetting me that night.

36:36For not walking me home. That's why I acted out. Just a little. I breathe deep, pull my

36:39sleeve free, and look her straight in the eye. Let me be direct. From now on, you and I are

36:43completely done. I stop myself and let out a short, hollow laugh. Actually, we were never

36:47really anything to begin with. I look at Mia with cold, flat eyes. Simply put, your walking

36:50ATM has closed for business. Permanently. Got it? Mia steps back involuntarily, heart hammering.

36:55This version of Xiao is a stranger to her. She doesn't know what to say. Go soft, like

36:58always. She opens her mouth. I never treated you like an ATM. She keeps her chin up,

37:02despite the humiliation. You gave me those things on your own. I never forced you. Mia

37:05genuinely doesn't understand what's gotten into me. How could he say something so cruel?

37:09Why talk about himself like he's nothing? She holds my gaze, scraping together whatever

37:12dignity she has left. Word by word. You chose to, didn't you? I look at this girl telling

37:16me I chose all of it. And I laugh. Yeah, that was on me. I was the fool. And now

37:20I'm choosing

37:20not to be. So could you give me some space? I'm asking the teacher to move my seat when I

37:24get back. And stop walking around looking like I've wronged you, saying things that leave

37:27everything half said. Mia, I don't owe you anything. Then what were the past two, nearly three

37:31years? Mia stares at me like I've lost my mind. Call it bad luck on my part. Then I

37:34stop caring who's watching. I turn and head for the register. Today, from the very beginning,

37:38Mia has been running a non-stop K-drama. I have no intention of spending another second

37:41on her. There's too much I want to do. No time to waste. I pay and walk straight out.

37:45Mia stands frozen, only that mocking phrase echoing in her head. Bad luck. Nearly three years

37:49and all she gets is bad luck. She's back in childhood suddenly. The neighbor's whispering,

37:53what bad luck having a girl? Born under a bad sign. Bad luck. They say the car crash

37:56happened just from buying her a toy. So unlucky. Such a bad omen. Her grandmother's

38:00hand across her face. Bad luck charm. Meeting you is the worst thing that happened to this

38:03family. Why don't you just die? Mia doesn't want to cry anymore. She ignores the people

38:07around her, squeezes her bread, and walks out of the store. Mia doesn't want to cry. She

38:11ignores everyone around her, squeezes her bread tight, and walks out. Xiao was the first person

38:14who ever treated her this well. She doesn't want to let go. Before, she wanted everyone to

38:18like her. Everyone to be good to her. And she overlooked Xiao. Now she sees clearly. All of them

38:22put together don't come close to one Xiao. He'll come around. I head straight to the repeat

38:25year building after leaving the store. Peek inside and Vera isn't at her desk. But Lily is.

38:29Lily spots me and comes out. Who are you looking for, kiddo? Ray. Lily blinks, then catches on.

38:34Ray means Vera. She can't help but smile. One meal out, and they're already this close. She's in the

38:38bathroom. Evening study hall is about to start, though. You sure you want to wait? No, it's fine.

38:42These are for her. Could you pass them along? I'll head out. Thanks, Lily. I smile and hand Lily

38:46the snacks. This is actually perfect. Handing them to Vera directly, she might refuse. This way,

38:50she'll probably reach out on her own. With any luck, she'll want to repay me with another meal.

38:53I know her too well. She hates feeling like she owes anyone anything. I drop the bag and go.

38:57Lily holds it up and peeks inside. Every single thing Vera loves. Lily has a feeling her best

39:01friend's secret crush might be coming to an end. If this kid Xiao has zero feelings for Vera,

39:05she'll do a handstand. Vera slides into the classroom right as the bell rings and immediately

39:08sees the bag on her desk. Her eyes narrow slightly. People have secretly stuffed things into her bag

39:13before, but leaving them openly on her desk like this is rare, and Lily would never just let that

39:16slide. Vera sits back down. Someone left snacks on her desk. This brazenly, out in the open.

39:21Lily would have stopped anyone. Vera slides into her seat, leans over and asks quietly,

39:25What is this? Lily glances at her and smiles, then sticks a note on the bag. It reads,

39:29Your kiddo says these are yours. Ask him yourself. Kiddo? Vera looks genuinely confused.

39:33Then almost disbelieving, she mouths in barely a whisper, Xiao. Lily nods, dropping her voice too.

39:37Obviously. How many kiddos do you have, or do you not want it? I'll take it then.

39:41Sure enough. Before Lily's hand even touches the bag, Vera snatches it and shoves it into her own desk.

39:45Back in my classroom, I head straight to the teacher's office and explain the seat situation to

39:48the homeroom teacher. He's skeptical at first, but after some back and forth, he agrees.

39:52I'm in a good mood heading into evening study hall. Leo slips me $890, the money from selling

39:56the necklace. After the store incident, Mia finally goes quiet. She doesn't glance at me once the

40:00entire study hall. I don't care. My mind is on Vera. Why hasn't she messaged yet? Nothing comes

40:04through until the bell. Right after class, I turn to Leo. Don't leave yet. We're switching seats.

40:08Sophie and Mia both hear it. Mia's hand tightens around her pen, but she forces herself not to turn

40:12around, not to say anything. Sophie has no such filter. She turns around, clearly surprised.

40:16You're switching seats? Yeah. I answered then look at Leo. Come on, switch.

40:19Switch. Leo equally blunt turns and asks, we're switching seats? Yes. I answer again and look

40:23at Leo. Just switch. Leo gives me a look. Switch with who exactly? I need to get home and help

40:27my grandma. Can we just hurry? I spot Stone walking over. Hey, want to switch seats? You

40:31wanted me away from your girl, right? Come on. Yes or no? I give a subtle nod toward Mia. Stone

40:35immediately says yes. Sophie looks at Mia and finds she's already packed up, quietly ready to go.

40:39Mia is actually hurting inside, but she says nothing. She puts on her bag and walks out. Stone waves a

40:44hand. Don't bother moving the desk. Just rearrange it yourselves. I've got somewhere to be.

40:47He's not letting this chance slip by. Leo mutters something colorful under his breath,

40:50but since he's in a rush to get home too, he gets it done in about 30 seconds. Once it's

40:54sorted,

40:54Leo and I head home together. It's just past 10 when I get back. My phone starts buzzing back to

40:58back. One is a new friend request from Mia. One is a message from Vera. I don't hesitate for a

41:02second. I ignore Mia's request and open Vera's message. One dry line. Thanks for the snacks.

41:06Wasn't necessary. I don't really eat snacks. I laugh quietly and type back. I thought Ray would like

41:10them when I picked them out. So do you? On the other end, Vera sees the word Ray, and it's

41:14like she can

41:15hear my voice saying it out loud. Her face goes completely red. She buries her face in a pillow

41:18and rolls around on her bed. She finally picks up her phone after a while, still red. She clutches

41:23the pillow over her burning face, collapses onto the bed, and after a long moment peeks at the phone

41:27again, then throws it aside. Xiao lately feels dangerously flirty. She can already feel her mind

41:31spiraling. No, she's going to take a shower first. Meanwhile, I've already finished dinner and made it

41:35back to my room, but still nothing from Vera. I look at my message. Did I say something wrong?

41:39Maybe she doesn't like being called Ray, but she said it was fine before. I click my tongue.

41:42Might as well shower. When I come out, there's a message from Vera. They're okay.

41:46Five minutes later, probably because I hadn't replied, she sends,

41:49Let me transfer you the money. I'm towel drying my hair with one hand and typing with the other.

41:52I'm just finishing typing no, when a video call pops up out of nowhere. I blink,

41:56then answer without thinking. The screen shows a ceiling and a light fixture. Then Vera's voice

41:59exasperated. Pie, you knocked my phone. Then Vera looks at the screen, at my face,

42:03and at my bare shoulder showing above the frame. For once Vera's expression completely breaks.

42:07She stares blankly, genuinely trying to process why Xiao's face is on her screen,

42:10and why he appears to be without a shirt. I look at her dazed expression and can't help laughing.

42:14You called me on video. I thought something was wrong, so I picked up. Vera feels like she might

42:18actually combust. Her fair face goes completely red in an instant, and for some reason, instead

42:22of hanging up immediately, she doesn't hang up. Her face floods with color, and without thinking,

42:25she still doesn't end the call. She just flips the phone face down out of pure reflex. It's only

42:29for a split second, but I still catch a glimpse. A thin slip dress, light fabric, and it really

42:33looks like that's all she's wearing. My brain screams internally. I shut that thought down

42:37immediately. Then the phone gives one short beep, and the call ends. I take a long, slow

42:42breath. I toss my phone onto the bed and go back into the bathroom. When I come out, my face

42:46is

42:46still a little flushed. I pick up the phone and lean against the headboard. As expected.

42:49Nothing from Vera. I smile anyway. I don't bring up what just happened. I just pick up where I left

42:54off. Keep it. Hope we can eat together again sometime. Don't worry about earlier. Get some rest.

42:58Good night. Then I don't wait for a reply. Tonight, there won't be one. Vera stares at my message

43:02and throws the phone aside again. Her face is still flushed. She reaches over and rubs the chin of the

43:05half-asleep silver chinchilla curled in her lap. Pai, this is all your fault. There is no way I'm

43:10sleeping tonight. That was so embarrassing. I didn't even say a single word before hanging up.

43:13If I'm not sleeping, neither are you. It really was an accident. She had been waiting a while,

43:17no reply coming, and was about to send a payment. When Pai came bounding in and launched herself

43:21full force onto Vera, and the phone went flying. She must have accidentally hit the video call button

43:25and never imagined I would actually pick up. Vera's mind flashes back to that face, and she covers

43:29her burning cheeks all over again. She buries her face in the covers. She's done for.

43:32Absolutely no sleep tonight. Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Mia sits alone in her room

43:37and waits. And waits. I never accept her friend request. She had written still classmates just

43:41adding you. Casual. Unbothered on the surface, like she's moved on. But every word of it was

43:45carefully chosen. And the one person who used to handle her carefully really seems to be done this

43:49time. A shadow crosses Mia's eyes. She looks at the message Stone sent 30 minutes ago.

43:53Mia, I'll get you breakfast tomorrow. What do you want? She stares at it for a long time,

43:57then replies, anything is fine, thanks Stone. Then she opens a message from another guy asking her to

44:01dinner tomorrow, and sends the exact same reply. Without Xiao, life has to go on. This is what

44:05going on looks like. But somewhere inside her is a flicker of relief. Good thing she didn't cave

44:09and accept Xiao back then. Because the way things are now, being abandoned by Xiao like this,

44:12she'd really have nothing. The days that follow, I start to feel like the school is way too big.

44:16Because I somehow never run into Vera once. I even message her privately to invite her to feed

44:20the cats together. But Vera says she's busy. I can tell she's avoiding me. Meanwhile, Mia has

44:24apparently decided something. Because every single day, a cup of bubble tea appears on my desk.

44:28No note. No message. Just left when I'm not there. The first day, I thought it was from Leo. I

44:33popped

44:33the straw in and took a sip. One sip was enough. It was from Mia. I don't like bubble tea,

44:37and I

44:37definitely don't drink 70% sugar. But what's done is done. I'm not handing it back. I go to the

44:42store

44:42and get $20 in cash, have Leo pass it to Mia. Consider it payment for the errand. Mia doesn't want

44:46it, naturally. But when she sees that barely-touched cup land in the trash, she takes the money from Leo

44:50anyway. After that, I stop touching whatever she leaves. I just slide it back onto her desk when she's not

44:54around. So today, when I see fruit tea on my desk again, I'm done. What does Mia think

44:58she's doing? I pick up the cup and walk over to her. I set it down in front of her.

45:02What are you

45:02trying to do? Stop buying me things. I don't like drinking this. And there's no point. Mia follows

45:06my hand up to my face, completely blank. She pulls up a small smile. I just want to do something

45:10for

45:11you, like you always did for me. I look at her in silence, voice flat. So you think what I

45:15did for

45:15you was buy you drinks? Mia shakes her head quickly. Of course not. You did so much for me. She

45:20drops

45:20her gaze, embarrassed. But I don't have a lot of money. This is the only thing I can actually afford.

45:24If you don't want bubble tea or juice, I'll get you breakfast tomorrow. How's that? I take

45:28a breath. Mia, don't. What I gave before. I'm not asking for it back. Not the breakfast

45:32either. I take a slow breath. Mia, don't bother. I never expected anything back. You don't need

45:36to do any of this. We're just classmates from now on. Stop buying me things. You don't have

45:40much money to begin with. Why waste it? Mia's eyes brighten. She looks up with the most pitiful

45:44expression. You still care about me, don't you? I look at her, honestly speechless. Stop

45:48doing things that don't mean anything. I leave it there and turn away. At the door, I nearly

45:51walk straight into Stone coming back in, holding a cup of bubble tea. Stone doesn't look happy.

45:55The past few days Mia has been leaving drinks on my desk every day and plenty of people have

45:59noticed. His friends have been laughing, behind his back. The bottom tier simp, simping for

46:03Mia while Mia simps for Xiao. It makes him look pathetic. So when he sees me now, he shoots

46:07me a glare. I feel genuinely tired of this whole situation. I just walk past him without a word.

46:11Stone watches me go all unbothered and it drives him crazy. It feels like Mia only started

46:15acknowledging him after Xiao stopped chasing her, like he's picking up what Xiao threw away.

46:18He looks down at the bubble tea in his hand, then up at Mia. Sure enough, a cup of fruit

46:22tea sitting on her desk. The one Xiao didn't want. Stone walks over, expression dark. He

46:26holds out his bubble tea. Mia, got you a drink. Mia turns on a warm smile. Thank you, Stone.

46:30Here, have the fruit tea. Still that soft, warm smile as she says it. Stone looks at her face

46:33and his own expression softens. But that cup of fruit tea still sits wrong with him. He can't

46:37stop himself. Didn't you buy that for Xiao? Mia visibly hesitates, then her face falls.

46:41I'm sorry, my monthly allowance isn't much. I couldn't afford to. She smiles pale and quiet

46:45and moves the fruit tea aside. If it bothers you, it's fine. I'll get you something tomorrow.

46:48To thank you for the drinks these past few days. Her eyes are soft and wet as she says

46:52it. Stone's chest aches. He reaches over and takes the fruit tea. No, this is perfect.

46:56Nobody's touched it. Mia brightens, eyes lighting up, but then hesitates. But I did give it to

47:00Xiao before. It doesn't matter. He never got to drink it, right? It's mine now. As Stone

47:03says it, something clicks. This isn't Xiao's reject. Xiao never even got close. He's still

47:07got a shot. Mia gives him a sweet smile. Stone, you're so good to me. Meanwhile, I head straight

47:11to the repeat year building. It's Saturday. They have the day off tomorrow, so I need to catch

47:14Vera today. Maybe I can even get her to agree to something for tomorrow. Down at the base

47:18of the building, I pull out my phone and send her a message. Are you in your classroom?

47:21I'm downstairs. Got you a bubble tea? I wait a bit before her reply comes back. I'm not

47:25in the classroom. Just drink it yourself. Not in class at this hour. Where else would

47:29she be? I look up at the building and something clicks. I'm not in the classroom. Drink it

47:32yourself. Not in her room at this hour. Where then? I look up at the building and it hits

47:35me. You're watching the cats, aren't you? I'm on my way. Wait for me. I head straight

47:39for the side gate. Sure enough, there's Vera, right where we fed the strays last time.

47:42She's sitting under a tree nearby, staring at the spot where the cats usually appear,

47:46completely lost in thought. She hears footsteps and turns around. There I am, walking toward

47:50her with the bubble tea, and I drop into the seat beside her like it's nothing. Vera had

47:53been a little tense about seeing me. It's been days, but that video call was total social

47:56death. But watching me act like nothing happened, somehow she relaxes too. I hold out the drink.

48:0130% sugar, still a bit chilly out. I got it hot. Vera looks down at the cup. She takes

48:04it anyway. Thanks. Honestly though, I don't really like bubble tea. The moment it's out she

48:08feels deflated, but I don't seem bothered at all. I'll get you fruit tea next time then.

48:12You don't have to. Vera glances at me. If I want something, I'll buy it myself, but I

48:15want to get it for you. I say it simply, so why aren't you happy? Vera blinks and looks

48:19away. I'm not unhappy. Really? Because if your back were a comic panel, it'd have a storm

48:23cloud over it. I actually reach over and wave my hand above her head. Shoo, shoo. Vera

48:27watches what I'm doing and laughs despite herself. Zhao, you're so immature. I look at her smile

48:31and smile back. Immature is fine. Look, you laughed, didn't you? For once, Vera doesn't

48:36look away. She just smiles back. Immature is fine. See, you're smiling. Vera doesn't pull

48:40away this time. She just looks at me. Zhao, why are you so good to me? The bubble tea,

48:43finding an excuse to come here, making her laugh like this. Vera can't help but read

48:47into it. Or is Zhao just like this with everyone? I think to myself. Finally, a chance to say

48:51what I mean. But just as I'm about to speak, Vera says quietly, you actually comforted

48:55me once, back in freshman year. You probably don't remember. I genuinely have no memory of

48:59it at all. But looking at the soft smile on Vera's face, it's clear she remembers every

49:03detail. I'm sorry. I don't think I remember. My throat moves. A trace of guilt in my

49:07voice. Vera doesn't seem surprised at all. She just nods. I figured. Then can you tell

49:11me? Maybe hearing it will jog something. But Vera shakes her head. No. That's a secret

49:14between me and freshman year Zhao. I can't tell you. I look genuinely puzzled. But aren't

49:18we the same person? Vera smiles slightly. Not really. Freshman year Zhao hadn't fallen

49:22for Mia yet. Back then he told her. Why do you let yourself care so much about what people

49:25think? There will always be someone who doesn't like you. You're so brilliant. Let them be jealous

49:29and powerless about it. You're the main character. All they can do is rage. Why would you make

49:32yourself suffer? Make them lose their minds instead. His tone, gentle teasing, wrapped in

49:36real warmth. You're genuinely beautiful. You're the best. But that boy's gentle gaze eventually

49:40settled on one person, and it wasn't her. I let out a sigh. All right. I never thought

49:44I'd be jealous of my own past self. Vera had been poking at the bubble tea seal, and she

49:47stops the moment she hears jealous. She looks at me. What did you just say? I'm jealous.

49:51Freshman year me got to have a secret with you, and the way you talk about it so soft. I

49:54envy

49:55that. Vera can hear her own heartbeat picking up. She looks away, flustered. Is Zhao's words

49:58really meaning what she thinks they mean? She pokes at the seal a few more times, getting

50:01nowhere. I see the obvious fluster, and reach over, taking the cup from her hands. I pop it

50:05open and hand it back. You seem flustered. Why? I'm not. Vera denies it instantly, but

50:09her hands are unsteady. Didn't you ask why I wasn't happy before? I bombed a mock exam.

50:13Vera just wants to get off this topic that's making her pulse race. I pause. Vera's grades

50:17have always been excellent. It's just one mock exam. I didn't do great either. Do you really

50:20care that much? Vera laughs. We're in senior year. Who doesn't care? And my mom cares a

50:24lot. She looks at me openly. More than anything, I'm repeating the year. Hearing that, I'm genuinely

50:28curious why Vera chose to repeat. Her scores from the previous year's exam were far from bad.

50:32I remember she ranked in the top three at school, even top ten in the province, and yet she

50:35repeated. I remember she was top three in the school, even top ten in the province, and she

50:39still chose to repeat. Why? Why did you repeat? I can't hold it in. Vera doesn't seem surprised

50:43by the question. She takes a sip of her bubble tea. A lot of people have asked. I never told

50:47any of them. Do you want to know? She smiles at me, then trade me a secret for it. She

50:50holds

50:50my gaze steadily. I look away first. If you don't want to say it, you don't have to. No pressure.

50:55Vera seemed slightly surprised. How did you know I didn't want to? I just smile. Instinct.

50:59Your instinct is pretty good. Vera smiles too, then glances at her watch. Break's almost over.

51:02Thanks for the bubble tea. I look at her and say softly, don't be unhappy. When you look sad,

51:06it makes even a sunny day feel heavy. Then I add quietly, and that person is me. Vera's heart

51:10leaps. She's almost certain Xiao is actually flirting with her. This isn't in her head.

51:14She suddenly wants to ask, why now? Before, he seemed to have eyes for no one but Mia.

51:18Every other girl was invisible. So what changed? But deep down, she's too scared to ask.

51:22Even if this is just Xiao being playful, even if it means nothing, a secret love that seemed

51:26destined to go nowhere has had its lid suddenly lifted, and even though it's terrifying,

51:30she can't bring herself to close it again. Vera has always considered herself a rational person,

51:34but when it comes to Xiao, she can never stay rational. And then, Vera, who has always prided

51:38herself on being clear-headed, knows that when it comes to Xiao, she just can't be. The two of them

51:42walk back along the path, one behind the other, neither saying a word. When we reach the bottom

51:46of the stairs, I finally remember why I came.

51:48Ray, want to go to the bookstore tomorrow? Walking ahead of me, Vera hears Ray, and her expression

51:52shifts again, a hand going to her ear before she turns. The bookstore? Yeah.

51:56Didn't you say your mock exam didn't go well? Same here. I was thinking of picking up

51:59some practice workbooks. Want to come? I look at her. Sincere. Vera feels like they're not

52:03quite at the browse bookstores together stage of things, but she also doesn't really want

52:06to say no. I catch the hesitation and smile, adding, didn't you say you'd transfer me money?

52:10Forget the money. Just take me to lunch after the bookstore tomorrow. Vera has absolutely

52:14no argument left. She gives a quiet sound of agreement. Send me the time and place later.

52:18I'm going up. Okay, go on. And don't be unhappy. Vera doesn't respond to that. She just

52:22looks at me once, then turns and heads up. I make it back to class just in time.

52:25After evening study hall, Leo's in a rush and leaves without waiting. I pack up my

52:29things already thinking about tomorrow. Besides the bookstore and lunch, where else could we

52:32go? I look up and see Stone hovering behind Mia, clearly angling to walk her home. Mia

52:36turns him down with a smile. As she looks up, her eyes catch mine. Mia's hand tightens on

52:39her bag strap, like she's afraid I'll misread it. She puts a little more distance between

52:42herself and Stone and says quietly, don't trouble yourself. She tightens her grip on her strap,

52:46worried I'll get the wrong idea, and creates a little space from Stone, saying softly,

52:50it's fine. I can walk home on my own. See you next week. She sneaks another glance at me,

52:53but I'm already gone. Mia's face falls. She turns to Stone with a small smile and

52:57hurries out. Tonight, Xiao seems to be going home alone. He was just looking at her. After

53:00all these days. Has Xiao finally cooled down? Maybe he was waiting for her just now. But

53:04then he saw Stone, so he left. She can't help feeling irritated with Stone. It's been his

53:08fault from the start. Mia watches the figure up ahead, eyes brightening. Xiao! The moment

53:12I hear that familiar voice, I pick up my pace, but there's the sound of running behind me,

53:15and Mia's voice closes in. Xiao, wait. Let's walk home together. Her voice is bright and easy,

53:19but my steps don't slow. We're not going the same direction. Mia pauses. So Xiao wasn't waiting

53:23for her at all. Then, I'll walk you home and go back after. Mia says it softly. I stop

53:27dead. I sigh. Mia, what do you actually want? Mia grips her bag strap tighter. I bought her

53:31this bag. The watch on her wrist too. Even the phone in her pocket. Mia only realizes

53:35now how much of her life is marked by me. I just want to be good to you, the way

53:38you

53:38always were to me. Can't you stop being angry sooner? I turn to face her. I meet those

53:42wide, innocent, confused eyes. Mia, are you really confused or are you pretending? I look

53:46at those wide, innocent eyes. Are you actually confused or just acting like it? I woke up

53:50suddenly. I realized how genuinely pathetic and deserving I was. There's no warmth left

53:54in my eyes. You're a girl. I've never wanted to be cruel about this. So just live your own

53:58life. Don't do anything for me. I shake my head, somewhere between tired and contemptuous.

54:02There was never much sincerity in any of it anyway. I turn and walk. Xiao, how do you know

54:06I don't have real feelings for you? That's not fair. Maybe I ignored you before. I made mistakes,

54:10but I can change. Mia shouts it, loud enough to carry. Not far away. Lily and Vera both hear

54:15it. They stop at the same moment. They watch me walk out without breaking stride, nearly at the

54:19school gate already. Lily grimaces. They don't usually come this way. Tonight Lily wanted to

54:23walk, so she brought Vera along. Of all the paths, should have taken the other one. She glances at

54:27Vera who hasn't made a sound. Though Xiao doesn't really seem bothered, haha. Lily gives a dry laugh.

54:32Looks like they've really fallen out. Vera says nothing. She looks toward where I just walked,

54:36already long gone. Then she turns to look back at Mia, and there's already another guy beside her.

54:40Have they really ended things? But Mia looks so devastated just a moment ago. How is she already

54:44walking out with someone else? Vera can't quite make sense of it. Lily looks too. She seems so hurt,

54:48and now she's leaving with another guy? Vera doesn't get it. Lily looks at Mia too. No wonder

54:51people used to call Xiao a simp. This Mia seems to welcome every guy who comes her way. Weren't they

54:55together? Vera doesn't understand. They always seem so close. Come on. A lot of people thought so,

54:59but Xiao denied it. Mia denied it too. But everyone figured it was only a matter of time, except Mia's

55:04behavior tells a very different story. Lily knows her best friend doesn't follow this kind of drama,

55:07so she explains it carefully. Xiao probably just saw her for who she is. Good for him. Honestly,

55:11I was never happy for him. Vera nods slowly. Then he must have been hurting for a long time.

55:15I head home buzzing with energy, only to find moms on a night shift, and the old man has already

55:19gone

55:19to bed. Nobody left me anything to eat. I go to my room and open a food delivery app, scroll

55:23through

55:23everything, and nothing sounds good. So I just post on social media first. Starving at midnight. Could

55:27eat a whole cow, but there's no cow at home. Leo is always the first to like it. He leaves

55:30a comment,

55:31still open, come by. I'm not going out, so I just react to the comment. Then while I'm still

55:34scrolling through the delivery app, a message pops up. What do you feel like eating? It's Vera. I'm

55:38instantly wide awake. I open the chat, think for a moment, send a helpless little meme,

55:42then follow up with, can't find anything I want. Then she calls, a voice call. I'm surprised. A

55:46meme, then, can't find anything. Then she calls. I feel a little rush of surprise. I pick up fast.

55:51I'm outside right now, not far from your place. There's a street food stall here. What do you want?

55:55I frown. You're outside this late? Yeah. Lily wanted a snack before heading home. Just the two

55:59of you? Where are you? I stand up. It's 1030. Two girls out this late. I'm genuinely not okay with

56:03that. We're at the night market in the West District. I can pack something up for you. Vera says it

56:07again.

56:07No need. I was actually heading out for a late night snack anyway. Wait for me. Vera pauses.

56:11Didn't she just turn Leo down in the comments? So why is he coming out now? I've already grabbed

56:15my stuff, swapped into shoes, and stepped outside. Two bus stops from here. About 10 minutes. I'm

56:19heading over now. Vera gives a small O, then runs out of things to say. Finally, she manages. Then

56:24just come eat by yourself. I'm hanging up. Wait, don't hang up. I cut in. Tell me what's good over

56:28there. I've never been. I'm jogging toward the bus stop. Vera looks down the endless line of food stalls,

56:32slightly uncertain. There's a lot here, though. You should just come see for yourself. Then she wonders if

56:36that sounded too cold, and adds hesitantly, there's just really a lot. I laugh softly into the phone.

56:40I know. Honestly, I just didn't want you to hang up. This is the first time you've ever called me.

56:44My voice comes through in broken fragments to Vera's ear. Must be the connection. But my voice

56:48keeps breaking up as it reaches Vera. Probably the signal. But Vera catches every word. She feels the

56:53warmth blooming in her ears. She sees Lily walking toward her and quickly says,

56:56Signal's bad here. Hanging up. Click. Call duration. 6 minutes. 18 seconds. That few words took over 6

57:02minutes. Lily walks up and sees Vera's face completely flushed. Whoa. You're so red. Too warm. It's still

57:07cold out, though. Vera dims her phone screen and looks up. Ah. A little. Lily studies her and

57:11something feels off. She glances at the phone in Vera's hand. Who are you just talking to? Your

57:15heart is going absolutely feral right now. Kiddo. Lily immediately starts making faces at Vera.

57:19Vera is a terrible liar, so she just changes the subject. What else do you want? I got stinky tofu.

57:23This place makes the best. Try some. Vera remembers I said I was coming, and takes a small step back.

57:28I'm good. I don't know if Xiao can handle stinky tofu. What if he can't? About 7 or 8 minutes

57:32later,

57:33I'm standing in front of Leo's family stall. Colorful sticky rice balls, the sign says.

57:37Vera and Lily are sitting at the little table in the back. Leo stares at me. Didn't you say you

57:41weren't coming out? Leo's grandma immediately reaches over to swat her. Is that any way to

57:44talk to little Xiao? She beams at me. Little Xiao is hungry. Grandma will make you a rice ball. Go

57:48sit in the back. I smile. Thank you, grandma. Need any help? Little Xiao is hungry. Grandma will make

57:52a rice ball. Go sit in the back. I say, Thank you, grandma. Can I help? Grandma waves me off.

57:56You just be

57:57in the way. Just sit. I wasn't planning to get in the way anyway. I head to the back and

58:00naturally take a

58:00seat at Vera and Lily's table. Lily greets me with a grin. What a coincidence, kiddo. Vera glances at

58:05me. Gives a small nod. That's her hello. I smile. Not really a coincidence. I knew you were here and

58:09came anyway. So shamelessly direct that Lily can't find words for a second. Her eyes bounce

58:14between us. So Vera went red during the call because of you. I wasn't red. It was warm. Vera denies

58:18it

58:18immediately, but the speed of it makes it worse. I look at her, smiling. You blushed? I didn't even say

58:23anything. Lily leans in, delighted. Our Vera is the type who turns red from the smallest tease. Don't let the

58:28blank face fool you? She looks aloof, but she's actually adorable. So cute. Vera reaches over to

58:33cover Lily's mouth, but the table is small, and she stands too fast. The whole table wobbles. I catch

58:37it with one hand and put the other behind Vera, ready to catch her if she falls. Careful. Vera feels

58:42a

58:42rush of embarrassment. She sits back down, face still flushed, and doesn't quite dare meet my eyes.

58:46Thankfully, I let it go. Leo comes back quickly with three rice balls and three drinks. Lily blinks.

58:50We didn't order this big. My grandma sent it. Said it's for Xiao's friends. No charge. Lily lights up.

58:55Thank you so much. This big? My grandma sent extras. Xiao's friends. No charge. Lily smiles

58:59brightly. Thank you. I glance over at the busy stall. Leo smiles and nods. Take your time. Call

59:04me if you need more. I've got to get back. Vera says, Leo's in my class. It's just him and

59:08his

59:08grandma. Both girls look back. Vera says, you two seem to eat lunch together a lot. You noticed? I

59:12grin. Beside us, Lily takes a couple bites of her rice ball, then draws. I feel a bit unnecessary

59:16here. Maybe I should head out. Vera's voice sharpens. Lily finally smiles and goes quiet. Sticky rice

59:21fills you fast, especially with portions this big. By the end, both girls look like they're

59:24struggling, but they both glance at Leo's grandma and push through every last bite. I watch them

59:28finish and almost say something. If you can't finish, you can leave it for the strays. Grandma

59:31made this specially for us. That would be disrespectful. Vera says it seriously. I look at her and give

59:35a quiet nod. Thank you, both of you. Lily had already eaten before and still forced down

59:38every bite of the rice ball. Now she's painfully full and pushes to her feet. I can't. I need

59:42to go. My place is just up ahead. Five-minute walk. She looks at me with a grin. Walk Vera

59:46home for

59:46me, kiddo. Vera opens her mouth. No need. I can get home myself. But I came out specifically

59:50to walk you home.

I Wasted Years Simping for the Wrong Girl — Reborn, I Finally See the One Who Never Left!

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