- 13 hours ago
Dear Julian, I'm done
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I felt as if someone had reached into my chest and crushed my heart.
00:04The pain was suffocating.
00:06When the kiss broke, Julian pulled out a bottle of perfume like a magic trick.
00:10I asked your bestie and she said you like this, so I flew to France to bring it for you.
00:14You like it?
00:15With the flush still on her face, Tiffany's eyes were filled with pure surprise.
00:19You're the best, Jude.
00:20I like everything you picked for me.
00:23It's just, this is too expensive.
00:25A girl like you deserves to be kept like a princess.
00:27You are amazing and you deserve nothing but the best.
00:30The video ended abruptly at that point.
00:32I couldn't help but look at the wooden bracelet on my wrist.
00:35Julian gave it to me on my birthday.
00:37A cheap trinket from a campus event, free for anyone.
00:41I didn't have time to prep anything.
00:42I'll get you something better next year.
00:44So, he gave me a wooden bracelet because I'm just not worth it.
00:48Or because he thought I was cheap.
00:50I dug my nails into my palms.
00:53I felt like my heart was trapped by a net.
00:55Tight, suffocating, and heavy with a sour ache.
01:03The comments went viral.
01:05OMG, my ship is canon.
01:06They're so cute-cute together.
01:08Can Claire just fuck off already?
01:09She's ruining the vibe.
01:10Don't even mention that bitch.
01:11What a clown.
01:12Julian would never want her.
01:13Giving up the chance to study abroad?
01:14For a guy who doesn't even like her, the joke's on her.
01:16New comments kept flooding in.
01:18Sloan grabbed my phone in a rage, ready to fight back.
01:21Brainless idiots.
01:22They don't know jack shit.
01:24Julian was the one begging you, pleading for you to stay.
01:27How the hell is this your fault now?
01:29Right.
01:30How did this all become my fault?
01:32Julian and I went way back.
01:34Our families did business together, so we'd known each other since high school.
01:38I had a secret crush on him.
01:40It felt like walking on thin eggshells, terrified he'd find out.
01:44Until last year, when the university offered me a chance to study abroad.
01:48My friends said I should take it, to move on and finally leave this hopeless crush behind.
01:53That was when Julian's message popped up on my screen.
01:57Claire, don't leave me.
01:58I want to go to Stanford with you.
02:00I can't let you go there alone.
02:01I care so much about you.
02:07All because of what he said.
02:09I turned down every offer overseas to build our future together at Stanford.
02:14After that, Julian showed up every morning with a croissant, waiting for me at my door.
02:18We studied in the library until late night.
02:21We walked side by side under the trees while he talked about our future.
02:24I was naive enough to think he knew my feelings for him.
02:27I thought this was his way of accepting me.
02:30A few days later, we both received our offer letters from Stanford.
02:33But just when I thought everything was finally going right,
02:36the reality crushed me, laughing at how delusional I had been.
02:41Claire, you've already wasted too much time on him, but he's really not worth it.
02:45Don't throw yourself away for a jerk like him.
02:47I stared at that wooden bracelet for a long time, until my eyes turned red.
02:52Never again.
02:53I took off the bracelet, calm and resolute.
02:56I'm not changing any more plans for him.
03:03I've made up my mind to study abroad.
03:11Sloan was still in shock when I wiped my eyes and dialed my father's number.
03:16Hello?
03:16Dad, I've changed my mind.
03:18I'm going abroad for my master's.
03:20After a brief silence,
03:21Sure, sweetie.
03:22I hung up and texted my tutor.
03:24Professor, I've decided to study overseas.
03:27Could you please go through the process for me?
03:29A flight form popped up almost instantly.
03:31Complete the form, then bring your passport and student card to my office.
03:35I replied right away.
03:36I splashed cold water on my face and went straight to the office to get the paperwork done.
03:41Sloan was still in disbelief by the time it was a done deal.
03:44Claire, you sure you meant it?
03:46Did you let go this time?
03:48No turning back even if Julian begs you?
03:51Hearing that name again, my heart still clenched with pain.
03:53But gazing at the bright sky, I found peace.
03:57I've learned my lessons.
03:58This time, I'll make sure to erase him from my life.
04:01I don't want to see his face ever again.
04:03Before I could finish, a guy appeared in front of me.
04:05Who are you talking about?
04:09It's him, Julian.
04:11I kept my head down, ignoring him and trying to leave.
04:15But he blocked my way and leaned down, trying to kiss me.
04:18Why the rush, babe?
04:20Ignoring my messages now?
04:21Are you still blushing about last night or what?
04:23His voice trailed off, catching sight of my puffy red eyes.
04:26His playful grim froze.
04:27You cried?
04:28What happened?
04:30I didn't say a word.
04:32I just walked away.
04:33He looked like he'd figured it out.
04:35Is this about that post?
04:37It was just a prank between friends.
04:40Why would you take it seriously?
04:41Come on.
04:42Don't be silly.
04:43Your body won't lie.
04:44I thought you were satisfied that night.
04:46Still not getting enough of me?
04:48Come here.
04:49Let me give you a little more, then.
04:51As he spoke, he tried to pull me into his arms.
04:55A strange, woody, feminine perfume hit my nose.
04:58My stomach twisted.
04:59I covered my mouth.
05:01Couldn't help gagging.
05:03What's wrong?
05:04You sick?
05:07Tears blurried my vision, but I swallowed hard.
05:10Not your concern.
05:12He probably never heard me in such a cold tone before.
05:15Julian's nice guy mask cracked, his voice turning cold.
05:19It was just some harmless fun.
05:21She's a friend, and the perfume is just a birthday gift.
05:24You're overreacting.
05:32It meant nothing to us, because we were just so wasted.
05:35Why are you making such a big deal out of it?
05:38Seeing the crowd starting to gather, he hauled me back to the apartment, ignoring my resistance.
05:44That's enough.
05:45That's enough.
05:45Quit it.
05:46He rubbed against my neck and shoved a box into my hand.
05:50This is for you, as an apology.
05:52Can we just drop this for the sake of the present?
05:53The box was small.
05:55It was from the same brand as Tiffany's birthday gift.
05:58But hers was the real deal, while mine was a mere perfume sample.
06:02I started laughing through my tears.
06:04I'm a bit too cheap for such a luxury brand, don't you think?
06:08Claire, don't test my patience.
06:10This is enough.
06:11Don't keep holding this over my head.
06:13I stared silently at the man I had loved for so many years.
06:18Okay.
06:20Never again.
06:25The sudden compliance left him speechless, a strange tightness in his throat.
06:30Look, I was just saying, don't get me wrong.
06:34A frantic ringtone caught him off.
06:36He glanced at the screen and bolted.
06:38He returned for a split second, looking panicked.
06:41Something came up at the club.
06:42I gotta go.
06:44Be a good girl and stay here.
06:46If you don't like the gift, just leave it.
06:48I'll bring you something else later.
06:50He walked away without looking back.
06:52I watched him run off, but my eyes caught the light of his phone before the screen timed out.
06:57I knew it.
06:58Tiffany's name was flashing on the screen.
07:00She really was the special one, huh?
07:02I slumped against the entryway, hot tears searing my skin.
07:06Once my tears ran dry, I finally rose to scrub away my presence.
07:09I erased every hint that I had ever lived there.
07:12A clean break without looking back.
07:15I didn't have much.
07:16Everything was packed in minutes.
07:19Finally, there were the gifts I'd given him over the years, from handmade items to expensive labels.
07:24I shoveled it all into a box and dumped it in the trash.
07:28Then, I grabbed my bags and left for good.
07:31Over the next few days, I was busy with visas.
07:34Julian vanished from my world entirely.
07:37The only times I saw him were in photos Tiffany messaged me.
07:40Photos of them traveling, him pampering her.
07:43But none of it mattered.
07:44A week later, my acceptance letter finally arrived.
07:49I grabbed my packed bags and called a ride to the airport.
07:53As the world blurred past the window, I told myself this was the end for us.
07:58I won't see him ever again.
07:59But fate wasn't finished with us yet.
08:02I actually ran into him at the airport.
08:10Around 50 feet away, Tiffany was sitting on a bench, eating.
08:14Julian was focused entirely on her, hovering close with a drink like a personal assistant.
08:19His inner circle was gathered just a few feet away.
08:22As she finished.
08:24Take your time.
08:27Tiffany took a sip and looked apologetic.
08:30I just feel bad making everyone wait.
08:32It doesn't matter.
08:34The trip is for you.
08:35You're the only one that matters.
08:37This reminded me of the class hiking trip before.
08:40I had been so out of breath I could barely move,
08:42and a few classmates had stopped to wait for me.
08:44But Julian had turned back.
08:46Claire, this is a group activity.
08:49Stop being so selfish and holding everyone back.
08:52So that's how different he treated us.
08:55I let out a bitter laugh, reminding myself that none of this mattered anymore.
08:59But as I tried to pull myself together, my phone began to buzz incessantly.
09:03It was the group chat they made for our last trip.
09:06His friends were shouting in the chat.
09:08Nine o'clock!
09:09Look who's there!
09:11Told ya!
09:12She's not really angry, just acting up.
09:14Like I said, she wouldn't last a few days before crawling back to Julian.
09:18Another guy chimed in.
09:20This is so lame.
09:21I thought the simp had finally grown a spine, guess not.
09:24It's the same old story every time.
09:26But this?
09:27Chasing him to the airport?
09:28She's so desperate, bro.
09:30Is she gonna cling to us and beg to join?
09:32I'm not traveling with a total downer.
09:34I gripped my phone tightly.
09:36Maybe they'd forgotten I was still in the chat,
09:38or maybe they were doing it on purpose.
09:40When I looked up, Julian was standing there,
09:42watching me with a smug smile.
09:44A second later, a text from him popped up.
10:08I was almost laughing at the sheer absurdity of his imagination.
10:14Tiffany is having a rough time.
10:16We've already booked everything.
10:18Can't take you in.
10:18Be a good girl and wait for me at home.
10:21Don't make a scene in front of her.
10:22I know you've been going to Mexico City
10:23by taking you there properly when I'm back.
10:25After that, it was time for them to board.
10:28He walked off, fussing over Tiffany as they cleared security.
10:32I finally let out the breath I'd been holding.
10:34The wait was gone.
10:36Without a trace of emotion,
10:37I blocked every single way he could contact me.
10:40I turned my back on them and headed toward a different gate,
10:43one that led to a future without him.
10:49A dozen hours later, I was standing on a street in the UK.
10:53Watching the world go by.
10:55It finally gave my restless heart a little peace.
10:57After that, checking in, registering for classes,
11:01everything went smoothly.
11:02I started filling my free time by picking up new life skills.
11:05Partly to better myself,
11:07but mostly just to keep my mind from wandering.
11:10My friend Sloan was still playing spy,
11:12feeding me bits and pieces of Julian's life.
11:14Word is, he's finally with Tiffany.
11:17They were always together on campus,
11:19lost in each other,
11:20completely indifferent to anyone watching.
11:22Even his Instagram feed was flooded with Tiffany.
11:25He was always setting up little surprises.
11:28Some people who used to ship us even reached out,
11:30their words heavy with regret about what could have been.
11:33I could only manage a small smile and say,
11:35we weren't meant to be.
11:37In the dead of night,
11:38I can't help but scroll through those screenshots and photos,
11:41one by one.
11:42I've lost count of how many photos I've scrolled through,
11:45seeing Tiffany glued to him.
11:47I remembered a group photo we took during a meeting,
11:49a long time ago.
11:50He always told me,
11:52Claire,
11:53you're the only one who belongs by my side.
11:55I truly thought I held a special place in his heart.
11:58That memory used to be so sweet.
12:01Even now,
12:01after all the scars he's left me with,
12:03that memory still lingers in mind.
12:05After all,
12:06I loved him with everything I had for four years.
12:09But whenever that feeling creeps in,
12:11I tell myself,
12:12it's over.
12:13Don't lose your dignity over someone who's gone.
12:20One day,
12:21as I was heading out for a field project,
12:23I got a call from an unknown number.
12:26I picked up,
12:27and a familiar voice came through the line.
12:29Claire,
12:30how long has it been now?
12:31Are you planning on rot in the UK forever?
12:33Term starts in a month.
12:34When exactly are you coming back?
12:36I had spent so much time building up my mental defenses,
12:39but facing him,
12:40I still couldn't find my voice.
12:42We stayed silent for a long time.
12:44Just as I was about to hang up,
12:46he spoke again.
12:47Just book a flight and get back here.
12:49My aunt says she hasn't seen you in forever.
12:51She said your dad's busy,
12:52so she'll throw a celebration party for us together.
12:54Julian's parents passed away young.
12:56He was raised by his aunt.
12:58We were close because of her business ties with my father.
13:01She's always been good to me.
13:03I took a deep breath.
13:05Tell your aunt I appreciate that.
13:06I'm not doing a celebration party anymore.
13:08Who the hell do you think you are, Claire?
13:10Give you an inch and you take a mile.
13:12You were the one dreaming about the celebration party the second you applied.
13:16Now you're playing hard to get?
13:18Fine.
13:19Keep acting tough.
13:21You'll be crawling back to me before you know it.
13:33With that, he slammed the phone down.
13:36I watched into arc.
13:37I watched my screen go dark.
13:38Only to see it light up again a second later.
13:40It was dad.
13:41I took a deep breath and swiped to answer.
13:44Sweetie, how's everything over in the UK?
13:46I gave him a soft om-om and started rambling about my new life.
13:48It took a while, but he finally sounded relieved.
13:51After a long silence, he finally asked.
13:53Tell me the truth.
13:54What's going on between you and Julian?
13:56I clenched my fists.
13:57I never hid my feelings for Julian from my dad.
14:00Our families were close.
14:02He'd figured it all out long ago.
14:05Go get him.
14:06When I told him I wanted to study abroad, he knew exactly why and gave me his brensing immediately.
14:11After all, in his eyes, Julian was a man worth entrusting my future to.
14:16I thought about it and decided not to hide it anymore.
14:19Dad, Julian, he's with someone else.
14:22But I didn't leave just because of him.
14:24Honestly, being here is better for my future anyway.
14:27Dad was silent for a moment, then simply said,
14:31I'm always with you no matter what you do.
14:33Just make sure you come back to see us sometimes.
14:36Your grandparents and I, we miss you so much.
14:43I hadn't planned on returning home so soon.
14:46But my grandparents' calls came one after another.
14:49I'd left in such a hurry back then.
14:51So after much thought, I've decided to go back for a visit.
14:54But stepping through arrivals, I saw them.
14:57As I got closer, I realized Julian's aunt was there too.
15:01The second I got in the car, she leaned in close.
15:04Did you have a good time on your trip?
15:05It was nice, auntie.
15:07That's good.
15:08You should make the most of it before Stanford starts.
15:10I caught my dad's eye in the rearview mirror.
15:12It seemed he hadn't told them about my studies in the UK.
15:15I looked away and just smiled at her without saying a word.
15:18It's a done deal anyway.
15:20It doesn't really matter what they know anymore.
15:23Inside the car, the elders were chatting among themselves.
15:26I looked out the window and noticed the route felt off.
15:30Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a hotel.
15:33Before I could even speak.
15:35Claire, Jude told me you two had a little falling out lately.
15:38But you're both like my own children.
15:39So I took the liberty of bringing you here for his birthday party.
15:42I froze.
15:43I'd completely forgotten today was his birthday.
15:46Which meant I had to face him again.
15:53Hey everyone, you're all here.
15:55I looked up and met Julian's eyes.
15:57It was still incredibly awkward.
16:00But since I was already there, I had to suck it up and go in.
16:03The ballroom was packed with familiar faces.
16:05While I was still making my rounds, Tiffany suddenly popped out of nowhere.
16:10Hi Claire, it's been ages.
16:12Oh, and congrats on getting into Stanford.
16:14I'll definitely try to follow in your footsteps.
16:16I just looked at her and nodded, letting the silence speak for itself.
16:20Julian stood there.
16:21What's the big deal?
16:22She only got in because of my help.
16:24I internally rolled my eyes and just walked away.
16:27To be honest, this felt less like a birthday and more like a corporate gala.
16:31Everyone was dressed to the nines.
16:33But the most extra person there was definitely Tiffany.
16:36She walked through the ballroom with Julian like she was some kind of royalty.
16:40Sloane sat next to me, rolling her eyes non-stop.
16:43A pig in a silk dress.
16:45Meanwhile, curious and gossipy eyes kept drifting my way.
16:49After all, I used to be the one by Julian's side at every event.
16:59Feeling a bit suffocated, I sat for a while before heading toward the restroom.
17:03On my way out, I ran into Julian and his friends at a corner.
17:07Not bad, Julian.
17:08I thought Claire was actually mad after that last trip.
17:11Guess she just couldn't help crawling back and begging for it.
17:13Not a chance.
17:14I know exactly what she's like.
17:17She's so into me, I don't have to do a thing.
17:19And she'll come and suck me up like my pet.
17:22Damn, man, you're killing it.
17:23She's down for you like a pretty sex toy.
17:28She's fine on paper, but God, she's so boring.
17:32A man needs two women, one to be the harbor he returns to, and another to be the storm that
17:38keeps life interesting.
17:40Maybe once I've had my fun, I'll eventually settle for her.
17:42They all burst out laughing.
17:44I stood there, clenching my fists.
17:47I thought I had gotten over him, but hearing all that made my butt, I felt as if someone had
17:52reached into my chest and crushed my heart.
17:54The pain was suffocating.
17:56When the kiss broke, Julian pulled out a bottle of perfume like a magic trick.
18:01I asked your bestie and she said you like this, so I flew to France to bring it for you.
18:05You like it?
18:05With the flush still on her face, Tiffany's eyes were filled with pure surprise.
18:09You're the best, Jude.
18:11I like everything you picked for me.
18:13It's just, this is too expensive.
18:16A girl like you deserves to be kept like a princess.
18:18You are amazing, and you deserve nothing but the best.
18:20The video ended abruptly at that point.
18:22I couldn't help but look at the wooden bracelet on my wrist.
18:26Julian gave it to me on my birthday.
18:28A cheap trinket from a campus event, free for anyone.
18:31I didn't have time to prep anything.
18:33I'll get you something better next year.
18:34So, he gave me a wooden bracelet because
18:37I'm just not worth it,
18:39or because he thought I was cheap.
18:41I dug my nails into my palms.
18:43I felt like my heart was trapped by a net.
18:46Tight, suffocating, and heavy with a sour ache.
18:53The comments went viral.
18:55OMG, my ship is canon.
18:57They're so cute-cute together.
18:58Can Claire just fuck off already?
18:59She's ruining the vibe.
19:01Don't even mention that bitch.
19:02What a clown.
19:02Julian would never want her.
19:03Giving up the chance to study abroad?
19:05For a guy who doesn't even like her, the joke's on her.
19:07New comments kept flooding in.
19:09Sloan grabbed my phone in a rage,
19:10ready to fight back.
19:12Brainless idiots.
19:13They don't know jack shit.
19:15Julian was the one begging you,
19:16pleading for you to stay.
19:18How the hell is this your fault now?
19:20Right.
19:21How did this all become my fault?
19:23Julian and I went way back.
19:25Our families did business together,
19:26so we'd known each other since high school.
19:29I had a secret crush on him.
19:31It felt like walking on thin eggshells,
19:33terrified he'd find out.
19:34Until last year,
19:36when the university offered me a chance to study abroad.
19:38My friends said I should take it,
19:40to move on and finally leave this hopeless crush behind.
19:44That was when Julian's message popped up on my screen.
19:47Claire, don't leave me.
19:49I want to go to Stanford with you.
19:50I can't let you go there alone.
19:52I care so much about you.
19:58All because of what he said.
20:00I turned down every offer overseas to build our future together at Stanford.
20:04After that, Julian showed up every morning with a croissant,
20:07waiting for me at my door.
20:09We studied in the library until late night.
20:11We walked side by side under the trees while he talked about our future.
20:15I was naive enough to think he knew my feelings for him.
20:18I thought this was his way of accepting me.
20:21A few days later, we both received our offer letters from Stanford.
20:24But just when I thought everything was finally going right,
20:27the reality crushed me, laughing at how delusional I had been.
20:31Claire, you've already wasted too much time on him,
20:34but he's really not worth it.
20:36Don't throw yourself away for a jerk like him.
20:38I stared at that wooden bracelet for a long time,
20:41until my eyes turned red.
20:43Never again.
20:44I took off the bracelet, calm and resolute.
20:47I'm not changing any more plans for him.
20:53I've made up my mind to study abroad.
21:02Sloan was still in shock when I wiped my eyes and dialed my father's number.
21:06Hello?
21:07Dad, I've changed my mind.
21:08I'm going abroad for my master's.
21:10After a brief silence,
21:11Sure, sweetie.
21:13I hung up and texted my tutor,
21:15Professor, I've decided to study overseas.
21:17Could you please go through the process for me?
21:20A flight form popped up almost instantly.
21:22Complete the form,
21:23then bring your passport and student card to my office.
21:25I replied right away.
21:27I splashed cold water on my face
21:29and went straight to the office to get the paperwork done.
21:31Sloan was still in disbelief by the time it was a done deal.
21:35Claire?
21:36You sure you meant it?
21:37Did you let go this time?
21:39No turning back even if Julian begs you?
21:41Hearing that name again,
21:42my heart still clenched with pain.
21:44But gazing at the bright sky,
21:46I found peace.
21:47I've learned my lessons.
21:49This time, I'll make sure to erase him from my life.
21:51I don't want to see his face ever again.
21:53Before I could finish,
21:54a guy appeared in front of me.
21:55Who are you talking about?
22:00It's him, Julian.
22:02I kept my head down,
22:03ignoring him and trying to leave.
22:05But he blocked my way,
22:07and leaned down,
22:08trying to kiss me.
22:09Why the rush, babe?
22:10Ignoring my messages now?
22:12Are you still blushing about last night or what?
22:13His voice trailed off,
22:15catching sight of my puffy red eyes,
22:16his playful grim froze.
22:18You cried?
22:19What happened?
22:21I didn't say a word.
22:22I just walked away.
22:24He looked like he'd figured it out.
22:26Is this about that post?
22:28It was just a prank between friends.
22:30Why would you take it seriously?
22:32Come on.
22:33Don't be silly.
22:34Your body won't lie.
22:35I thought you were satisfied that night.
22:37Still not getting enough of me?
22:39Come here.
22:40Let me give you a little more, then.
22:42As he spoke,
22:43he tried to pull me into his arms.
22:46A strange, woody, feminine perfume hit my nose.
22:49My stomach twisted.
22:50I covered my mouth.
22:51Couldn't help gagging.
22:54What's wrong?
22:55You sick?
22:58Tears blurried my vision,
22:59but I swallowed hard.
23:01Not your concern.
23:02He probably never heard me
23:03in such a cold tone before.
23:05Julian's nice guy mask cracked,
23:07his voice turning cold.
23:09It was just some harmless fun.
23:11She's a friend,
23:12and the perfume is just a birthday gift.
23:15You're overreacting.
23:16So was the kiss?
23:22It meant nothing to us because we were just so wasted.
23:26Why are you making such a big deal out of it?
23:28Seeing the crowd starting to gather,
23:30he hauled me back to the apartment,
23:32ignoring my resistance.
23:35That's enough.
23:36Quit it.
23:36He rubbed against my neck and shoved a box into my hand.
23:40This is for you,
23:41as an apology.
23:42Can we just drop this for the sake of the present?
23:44The box was small.
23:46It was from the same brand as Tiffany's birthday gift,
23:48but hers was the real deal,
23:50while mine was a mere perfume sample.
23:52I started laughing through my tears.
23:55I'm a bit too cheap for such a luxury brand,
23:57don't you think?
23:58Claire,
23:59don't test my patience.
24:01This is enough.
24:02Don't keep holding this over my head.
24:04I stared silently at the man I had loved for so many years.
24:09Okay.
24:10Never again.
24:16The sudden compliance left him speechless,
24:18a strange tightness in his throat.
24:20Look, I was just saying,
24:22don't get me wrong.
24:24A frantic ringtone cut him off.
24:26He glanced at the screen and bolted.
24:29He returned for a split second,
24:31looking panicked.
24:32Something came up at the club.
24:33I gotta go.
24:34Be a good girl and stay here.
24:37If you don't like the gift,
24:38just leave it.
24:39I'll bring you something else later.
24:41He walked away without looking back.
24:43I watched him run off,
24:44but my eyes caught the light of his phone
24:46before the screen timed out.
24:47I knew it.
24:49Tiffany's name was flashing on the screen.
24:51She really was the special one, huh?
24:53I slumped against the entryway,
24:54hot tears searing my skin.
24:56Once my tears ran dry,
24:58I finally rose to scrub away my presence.
25:00I erased every hint that I had ever lived there.
25:03A clean break without looking back.
25:06I didn't have much.
25:07Everything was packed in minutes.
25:09Finally, there were the gifts I'd given him over the years,
25:12from handmade items to expensive labels.
25:15I shoveled it all into a box and dumped it in the trash.
25:18Then, I grabbed my bags and left for good.
25:22Over the next few days,
25:23I was busy with visas.
25:25Julian vanished from my world entirely.
25:27The only times I saw him were in photos Tiffin and he messaged me.
25:31Photos of them traveling, him pampering her.
25:34But none of it mattered.
25:35A week later,
25:36my acceptance letter finally arrived.
25:39I grabbed my packed bags
25:41and called a ride to the airport.
25:43As the world blurred past the window,
25:46I told myself,
25:47this was the end for us.
25:48I won't see him ever again.
25:50But fate wasn't finished with us yet.
25:53I actually ran into him at the airport.
26:00Around 50 feet away,
26:02Tiffany was sitting on a bench,
26:04eating.
26:05Julian was focused entirely on her,
26:07hovering close with a drink like a personal assistant.
26:10His inner circle was gathered just a few feet away.
26:13As she finished,
26:15Take your time.
26:17Tiffany took a sip and looked apologetic.
26:20I just feel bad making everyone wait.
26:23It doesn't matter.
26:24The trip is for you.
26:26You're the only one that matters.
26:28This reminded me of the class hiking trip before.
26:30I had been so out of breath I could barely move,
26:33and a few classmates had stopped to wait for me.
26:35But Julian had turned back.
26:37Claire, this is a group activity.
26:39Stop being so selfish and holding everyone back.
26:43So that's how different he treated us.
26:45I let out a bitter laugh,
26:47reminding myself that none of this mattered anymore.
26:50But as I tried to pull myself together,
26:52my phone began to buzz incessantly.
26:54It was the group chat they made for our last trip.
26:57His friends were shouting in the chat.
26:59Nine o'clock!
27:00Look who's there!
27:01Told ya!
27:02She's not really angry, just acting up.
27:04Like I said,
27:05she wouldn't last a few days before crawling back to Julian.
27:09Another guy chimed in.
27:10This is so lame.
27:12I thought the simp had finally grown a spine, guess not.
27:14It's the same old story every time.
27:16But this?
27:17Chasing him to the airport?
27:19She's so desperate, bro.
27:20Is she gonna cling to us and beg to join?
27:22I'm not traveling with a total downer.
27:25I gripped my phone tightly.
27:26Maybe they'd forgotten I was still in the chat,
27:29or maybe they were doing it on purpose.
27:31When I looked up,
27:32Julian was standing there,
27:33watching me with a smug smile.
27:35A second later,
27:36a text from him popped up.
27:49Thought you blocked me?
27:51Let's just call it even, okay?
27:52But you'd better cancel your tickets.
27:55Tiffany is having a rough time.
27:56We've already booked everything.
27:57Can't take you in.
27:58Be a good girl and wait for me at home.
28:00I'll bring back your favorite chocolate.
28:01I was almost laughing at the sheer absurdity of his imagination.
28:04In your dreams.
28:05I'm not here for you.
28:07What you do is none of my business anymore.
28:09Cut your drama.
28:10Tiffany didn't do well on her exams.
28:11Don't make a scene in front of her.
28:13I know you've been going to go to Max Pius 2
28:14by taking you there properly when I'm back.
28:16After that, it was time for them to board.
28:19He walked off,
28:20fussing over Tiffany as they cleared security.
28:22I finally let out the breath I'd been holding.
28:25The wait was gone.
28:26Without a trace of emotion,
28:28I blocked every single way he could contact me.
28:30I turned my back on them
28:32and headed toward a different gate,
28:33one that led to a future without him.
28:40A dozen hours later,
28:41I was standing on a street in the UK.
28:43Watching the world go by.
28:45It finally gave my restless heart a little peace.
28:48After that,
28:49checking in,
28:50registering for classes,
28:51everything went smoothly.
28:53I started filling my free time
28:54by picking up new life skills.
28:56Partly to better myself,
28:58but mostly just to keep my mind from wandering.
29:00My friend Sloan was still playing spy,
29:02feeding me bits and pieces of Julian's life.
29:05Word is,
29:06he's finally with Tiffany.
29:07They were always together on campus,
29:10lost in each other,
29:11completely indifferent to anyone watching.
29:13Even his Instagram feed was flooded with Tiffany.
29:16He was always setting up little surprises.
29:18Some people who used to ship us even reached out,
29:21their words heavy with regret about what could have been.
29:23I could only manage a small smile and say,
29:26we weren't meant to be.
29:28In the dead of night,
29:29I can't help but scroll through those screenshots and photos,
29:32one by one.
29:33I've lost count of how many photos I've scrolled through,
29:36seeing Tiffany glued to him.
29:37I remembered a group photo we took during a meeting,
29:40a long time ago.
29:41He always told me,
29:43Claire,
29:43you're the only one who belongs by my side.
29:46I truly thought I held a special place in his heart.
29:49That memory used to be so sweet.
29:51Even now,
29:52after all the scars he's left me with,
29:54that memory still lingers in mind.
29:56After all,
29:57I loved him with everything I had for four years.
29:59But whenever that feeling creeps in,
30:01I tell myself,
30:03it's over.
30:04Don't lose your dignity over someone who's gone.
30:11One day,
30:12as I was heading out for a field project,
30:14I got a call from an unknown number.
30:16I picked up,
30:17and a familiar voice came through the line.
30:20Claire,
30:20how long has it been now?
30:21Are you planning on rot in the UK forever?
30:23Term starts in a month.
30:25When exactly are you coming back?
30:26I had spent so much time building up my mental defenses,
30:29but facing him,
30:30I still couldn't find my voice.
30:32We stayed silent for a long time.
30:35Just as I was about to hang up,
30:37he spoke again.
30:38Just book a flight and get back here.
30:39My aunt says she hasn't seen you in forever.
30:41She said your dad's busy,
30:42so she'll throw a celebration party for us together.
30:44Julian's parents passed away young.
30:46He was raised by his aunt.
30:48We were close because of her business ties with my father.
30:51She's always been good to me.
30:53I took a deep breath.
30:55Tell your aunt I appreciate that.
30:57I'm not doing a celebration party anymore.
30:59Who the hell do you think you are, Claire?
31:00Give you an inch and you take a mile.
31:03You were the one dreaming about the celebration party
31:05the second you applied.
31:06Now you're playing hard to get?
31:09Fine.
31:10Keep acting tough.
31:11You'll be crawling back to me before you know it.
31:23With that, he slammed the phone down.
31:26I watched into arc.
31:27I watched my screen go dark.
31:29Only to see it light up again a second later.
31:31It was dad.
31:32I took a deep breath and swiped to answer.
31:34Sweetie, how's everything over in the UK?
31:36I gave him a soft om-om and started rambling about my new life.
31:39It took a while, but he finally sounded relieved.
31:42After a long silence, he finally asked.
31:44Tell me the truth.
31:45What's going on between you and Julian?
31:46I clenched my fists.
31:48I never hid my feelings for Julian from my dad.
31:51Our families were close.
31:53He'd figured it all out long ago.
31:55Go get him.
31:56When I told him I wanted to study abroad,
31:58he knew exactly why and gave me his brancing immediately.
32:01After all, in his eyes, Julian was a man worth entrusting my future to.
32:06I thought about it and decided not to hide it anymore.
32:10Dad, Julian, he's with someone else.
32:12But I didn't leave just because of him.
32:14Honestly, being here is better for my future anyway.
32:18Dad was silent for a moment, then simply said,
32:21I'm always with you no matter what you do.
32:24Just make sure you come back to see us sometimes.
32:27Your grandparents and I, we miss you so much.
32:33I hadn't planned on returning home so soon.
32:36But my grandparents' calls came one after another.
32:39I'd left in such a hurry back then.
32:41So after much thought, I've decided to go back for a visit.
32:45Stepping through arrivals.
32:47I saw them.
32:48As I got closer, I realized Julian's aunt was there too.
32:51The second I got in the car, she leaned in close.
32:54Did you have a good time on your trip?
32:56It was nice, auntie.
32:57That's good.
32:58You should make the most of it before Stanford starts.
33:01I caught my dad's eye in the rearview mirror.
33:03It seemed he hadn't told them about my studies in the UK.
33:06I looked away and just smiled at her without saying a word.
33:09It's a done deal anyway.
33:11It doesn't really matter what they know anymore.
33:14Inside the car, the elders were chatting among themselves.
33:17I looked out the window and noticed the route felt off.
33:21Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a hotel.
33:24Before I could even speak.
33:26Claire, Jude told me you two had a little falling out lately.
33:29But you're both like my own children.
33:30So I took the liberty of bringing you here for his birthday party.
33:33I froze.
33:34I'd completely forgotten today was his birthday.
33:37Which meant I had to face him again.
33:43Hey everyone.
33:44You're all here.
33:46I looked up and met Julian's eyes.
33:48It was still incredibly awkward.
33:50But since I was already there, I had to suck it up and go in.
33:53The ballroom was packed with familiar faces.
33:56While I was still making my rounds, Tiffany suddenly popped out of nowhere.
34:00Hi Claire.
34:01It's been ages.
34:02Oh, and congrats on getting into Stanford.
34:04I'll definitely try to follow in your footsteps.
34:07I just looked at her and nodded, letting the silence speak for itself.
34:11Julian stood there.
34:12What's the big deal?
34:13She only got in because of my help.
34:15I internally rolled my eyes and just walked away.
34:17To be honest, this felt less like a birthday and more like a corporate gala.
34:21Everyone was dressed to the nines.
34:23But the most extra person there was definitely Tiffany.
34:27She walked through the ballroom with Julian like she was some kind of royalty.
34:30Sloan sat next to me, rolling her eyes non-stop.
34:34A pig in a silk dress.
34:36Meanwhile, curious and gossipy eyes kept drifting my way.
34:40After all, I used to be the one by Julian's side at every event.
34:50Feeling a bit suffocated, I sat for a while before heading toward the restroom.
34:54On my way out, I ran into Julian and his friends at a corner.
34:58Not bad, Julian.
34:59I thought Claire was actually mad after that last trip.
35:01Guess she just couldn't help crawling back and begging for it.
35:04Not a chance.
35:05I know exactly what she's like.
35:07She's so into me, I don't have to do a thing.
35:10And she'll come and suck me up like my pet.
35:12Damn, man, you're killing it.
35:14She's down for you like a pretty sex toy.
35:19She's fine on paper, but God, she's so boring.
35:23A man needs two women.
35:24One to be the harbor he returns to,
35:26and another to be the storm that keeps life interesting.
35:30Maybe once I've had my fun, I'll eventually settle for her.
35:33They all burst out laughing.
35:35I stood there, clenching my fists.
35:37I thought I had gotten over him,
35:39but hearing all that made my-
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