π₯ Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - Ep - FULL β
(2026) - FULL ENGSUB
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FunTranscript
00:00:28Ethan Harlow
00:00:41Ethan's voice was flat.
00:00:46Ethan's voice was flat.
00:00:48Ethan's voice was flat.
00:00:48So you wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?
00:00:54Go for it.
00:00:55As long as you're both fine with it.
00:00:56Dude, have some self respect.
00:00:58You really want Ethan's leftovers?
00:01:00more laughter i didn't go into that room that night i texted him some excuse about a headache
00:01:04and went home ethan didn't ask a single question just hung up whatever was left of my will to stay
00:01:09it died that night
00:01:37you
00:02:07you
00:02:37you
00:03:15you
00:03:19two days later everyone in their circle was talking ethan was chasing some sophomore performing arts
00:03:24school young soft naive he always pursued others in a grand fashion
00:03:29just like he did with me back then showering them with flowers fancy cars and jewelry the girl
00:03:34couldn't resist his advances at all they soon got together at a friend's dinner ethan walked right in
00:03:39with her on his arm the room went quiet the moment he stepped through the door a few of my
00:03:43closer
00:03:44girlfriends shot me worried looks i smiled why'd everyone go quiet what are you all staring at ethan
00:03:49settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me quinn perfect timing let's just say it plainly
00:03:55sure go ahead mia's young she's genuine i actually like her i don't want to do her wrong i gripped
00:04:01my
00:04:02hands together the ring on my finger pressed into the flesh deep and sharp but i couldn't feel a thing
00:04:07he stroked the girl's hair she deserves love real i nodded lightly i understand we can still be friends
00:04:12anything you need just say the word that's okay i smiled stood up if it's over let's make it clean
00:04:19no point confusing anyone ethan raised an eyebrow slightly surprised fair enough you all enjoy the
00:04:25dinner i'll head out want the driver to take you no i'll grab a ride i walked out and pulled
00:04:30the door
00:04:31shut behind me through the gap i heard someone ask how long do you give her this time two days
00:04:37she seemed actually upset this time i'll say a week ethan laughed cold three days she'll be crying
00:04:44back to me before then every single time getting tired of watching it yeah because quinn's obsessed
00:04:50with you everyone knows how far gone she is i smiled bitterly to myself clutched my bag tighter
00:04:57and walked fast toward the elevator
00:05:35so please give her a smile and i thank you all for those who changes so it doesn't seem better
00:05:36so she wanted me to be there she wants stuck in to drink water
00:05:36and so i know i usually could send an airport since i know me you're sleeping a bit
00:06:36A custom order.
00:06:37No returns.
00:06:39Such a shame.
00:06:40I'd never get to wear it.
00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.
00:06:43It had no business being here anyway.
00:06:46Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.
00:06:49I didn't take much.
00:06:50My personal things.
00:06:51Everything else I left behind.
00:06:52I thought about it, then wrote him a note.
00:06:54The apartment and everything in it.
00:06:56Do whatever you want with it.
00:06:57Don't ask me.
00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami.
00:07:00My best friend had moved there earlier that year.
00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.
00:07:04That evening, there was a small get-together.
00:07:06Old classmates.
00:07:07Old friends.
00:07:08Midway through the drinks, the door swung open.
00:07:10A few of the girls immediately lit up.
00:07:12Lucas?
00:07:13Since when do you show up to things like this?
00:07:15Seriously, what brings you out tonight?
00:07:18I had a meeting next door.
00:07:19Heard there was a reunion.
00:07:21Figured I'd drop by.
00:07:22Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.
00:07:24My best friend pinched my arm.
00:07:26Quinn, he came for you.
00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.
00:07:30Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.
00:07:33Black overcoat.
00:07:34Dark suit underneath.
00:07:35Sharp features.
00:07:36A great build.
00:07:37Legs that went on forever.
00:07:39I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head.
00:07:41No way.
00:07:42We haven't talked in years.
00:07:44She wasn't listening.
00:07:45She called out to him directly.
00:07:47Lucas, could you do me a favor and drive Quinn home later?
00:07:50We've all been drinking, and I don't trust her in a taxi.
00:07:53I looked up at Lucas, startled.
00:07:54His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:57Then I saw him nod.
00:08:00Sure.
00:08:00My best friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear.
00:08:03Quinn, after seven years with one man, it's time to move on and embrace a new life.
00:08:08Even Ethan has done it.
00:08:10Why can't you start a second chapter of your own?
00:08:13Besides, a man like Lucas?
00:08:15If you don't take your shot, it's practically a crime.
00:08:18What makes you think he'd even want to?
00:08:21Babe, the way he looked at you?
00:08:22Trust me, I've been through 18 of them.
00:08:24I know what I'm talking about.
00:08:45Lucas drove me back to the hotel.
00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs, I un-clipped my seatbelt.
00:08:51Thanks for the ride.
00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me.
00:08:53Don't mention it.
00:08:54I pushed the door open.
00:08:56Before I could think, I'd already spoken.
00:08:57Want to come up for a drink?
00:08:59He helped me walk toward the hotel.
00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator.
00:09:02I was already tipsy, and he was demanding.
00:09:04Relentless.
00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.
00:09:07There's a camera.
00:09:09I gasped.
00:09:09Cheeks burning.
00:09:10Legs so weak, I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.
00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.
00:09:20Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.
00:09:23Regret what?
00:09:24I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.
00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen, a little late to talk about backing off.
00:09:33Lucas laughed then.
00:09:34He reached out and brushed his thumb across my lower lip.
00:09:37And don't go blaming me later.
00:09:39Our first night together, Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.
00:09:42He pinned me against the wall, and it was rough enough to hurt a little.
00:09:45I bit down on his shoulder in protest.
00:09:47Lucas, what is wrong with you?
00:09:49Ever heard of being gentle?
00:09:50His warm hands pressed against my back.
00:09:52Then he was breathing against my neck.
00:09:54Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:09:59He's breathing against my back.
00:09:59What is wrong with me?
00:10:03What's wrong with me?
00:10:17That's why I have to fight the building.
00:10:17Because I think it's a big deal.
00:10:17It's going to come down on my back.
00:10:17I think it's going to be my business.
00:11:18I shouldn't have...
00:11:18Quinn, don't.
00:11:20He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop.
00:11:23I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
00:11:25But you already did.
00:11:26He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands, steady, almost serious.
00:11:30Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.
00:11:51Quinn, since you started this, you know, the pain in the face of the face of the face of the
00:11:55face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of
00:11:55the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face
00:11:55of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the
00:11:55face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of
00:11:55the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face
00:11:55of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the
00:11:55face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of
00:11:58the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face
00:11:59of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the
00:12:01face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of the face of
00:15:18Tell him I'm sorry.
00:15:19I'll mail a gift.
00:15:20All right.
00:15:20Take care of yourself.
00:15:22Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.
00:15:24Look, maybe you should call her.
00:15:25She'll listen to you.
00:15:27Ethan stared coldly at the screen.
00:15:28Then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood.
00:15:30She can rot out there for all I care.
00:15:32Ethan, don't be angry.
00:15:34She's just hurting.
00:15:35She even took the ring off this time.
00:15:37It's really crushed.
00:15:38And honestly, it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl.
00:15:40We already broke up.
00:15:41What more does she want?
00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.
00:15:44Listen up.
00:15:45Nobody contacts her.
00:15:47Not for anything.
00:15:48Okay.
00:15:49Okay.
00:15:49We won't.
00:15:49Calm down.
00:15:50You just got out of the hospital two days ago.
00:15:53Your stomach.
00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up.
00:15:57She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.
00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.
00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.
00:16:05He hit the street.
00:16:06Cold air rushed in.
00:16:08The anger still burned in his chest.
00:16:10Seven days.
00:16:10No calls.
00:16:11No texts.
00:16:12Not even one.
00:16:13He pulled out his phone.
00:16:14Blocked her number.
00:16:22Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send.
00:16:25I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.
00:16:30Freelance life.
00:16:31Laptop, good wifi, and I could work from anywhere.
00:16:34So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt.
00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?
00:16:40His voice came through clearly.
00:16:42After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
00:16:44I'm exhausted.
00:16:45You pick.
00:16:47How about steak?
00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak.
00:16:51You'll love it.
00:16:51I always like my steak rare.
00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.
00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.
00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.
00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.
00:17:03I actually want it too.
00:17:04Remember in college?
00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.
00:17:07The steak were amazing.
00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.
00:17:10That place was genuinely good.
00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.
00:17:15Okay.
00:17:15Steak then.
00:17:17I'll come get you now.
00:17:18Sure.
00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years.
00:17:24Old and a little cramped but always packed.
00:17:27And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.
00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin.
00:17:35For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.
00:17:39Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.
00:17:42I couldn't help saying it.
00:17:43In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.
00:17:47Being cared for.
00:17:48Being someone's priority.
00:17:50Then we moved in together the year after graduation.
00:17:52A little over a year.
00:17:54And I became the household.
00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.
00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.
00:18:00But I understand now what I didn't then.
00:18:02I lost myself loving him.
00:18:03Forgot that you have to love yourself first.
00:18:05No wonder the love wore out.
00:18:07Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.
00:18:10Where'd you hear I had an ex?
00:18:17I paused.
00:18:18The girl who was always around you in college?
00:18:20Weren't you two childhood friends?
00:18:21You mean Sophie?
00:18:23He laughed once.
00:18:24We grew up together, yeah.
00:18:25But we never dated.
00:18:27I never felt that way about her.
00:18:28She was more like a little sister.
00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
00:18:32Went on a few setups.
00:18:33It wasn't right, so it ended.
00:18:37And after that, I looked down, thinking about that first night.
00:18:40Suddenly, it made complete sense.
00:18:41Quinn, I'll do better next time.
00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere.
00:18:45I blinked.
00:18:46Better at what?
00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.
00:18:49His ears were deeply flushed.
00:18:51You'll see later.
00:18:52He kept his word.
00:18:53After dinner, back at the hotel.
00:18:55Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed.
00:18:57I finally understood what he'd meant.
00:19:00By then, I was completely undone.
00:19:02Lucas.
00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over, which only made me look more helpless.
00:19:07His name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere near as angry as I wanted.
00:19:10Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.
00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?
00:19:13I shook my head, refused to answer.
00:19:15He didn't push, just kept kissing me.
00:19:17Over and over, patient and unhurried.
00:19:20I couldn't hold out.
00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
00:19:23Lucas.
00:19:23My nails pressed into his lower back, and there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite control.
00:19:28Quinn, tell me now.
00:19:30Is this okay?
00:19:31Lucas' own eyes had gone red, arms taut, sweat falling in drops.
00:19:35I gave in, voice small and wrecked.
00:19:38Yes.
00:19:38Yes, it is.
00:19:39As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.
00:19:44Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me, okay?
00:20:00For you.
00:20:27Yes, please.
00:27:45It's Quinn.
00:28:13Yeah?
00:29:13You're gonna wreck yourself.
00:29:14His friend sighed.
00:29:15Daniel didn't respond.
00:29:16Vera and Quinn were different.
00:29:17Quinn had no family draining her.
00:29:19Earned her own money.
00:29:20A breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while.
00:29:23But Vera had her family's debt behind her.
00:29:25And a brother bedridden at home.
00:29:26She couldn't leave him.
00:29:27She wouldn't dare.
00:29:28No matter how many chances she had.
00:29:54You're gonna do that.
00:35:48I nodded.
00:36:16Go ahead.
00:40:53all week. He's been good for you. I should stop. I don't want a relationship. I don't want to get
00:40:59married. Quinn, why are you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes? And it's not fair to
00:41:03Lucas either. The saying goes, one person plants the tree, another enjoys the shade. Fine. But
00:41:07that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree gets to leave a storm behind for the next one.
00:41:10Ethan was terrible. But Lucas is a good man. One worth something real. Why should Ethan's garbage
00:41:15keep you from giving Lucas a real chance? It's not that I'm biased against him. I just haven't
00:41:20gotten over the damage yet. You haven't gotten over the damage. Babe, Ethan spent seven years
00:41:25running you down and you don't even know it. You think you're not worth being loved? I stared at
00:41:29her. Was she right? The exhaustion of the back and forth. The constant anxiety. The feeling of never
00:41:34being enough. Never being secure. So now my guard was up against everyone. Against the whole world.
00:41:38Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions. But why shouldn't I deserve that?
00:41:42The ones who waste your love, let them choke on it. The ones who love honestly, the universe opens a
00:41:46window for them. Babe, do you know how incredible you are? My best friend pulled me in.
00:41:50Swayed gently. You're gorgeous. You have an amazing body. You were making your own money
00:41:55since sophomore year. Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too. You're talented
00:41:59and driven and kind. If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you. You deserve to be loved,
00:42:05Quinn. Genuinely loved by the right person. Not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.
00:42:11Trust me on this. He will regret it. For the rest of his life, he won't be able to shake
00:42:15losing you.
00:42:16Now, call Lucas and cancel your flight home. Don't think I don't know you already rebooked it.
00:42:20My eyes were getting hot. But what if Lucas and I end up in the same place?
00:42:24What if it ends the same way? It won't. How do you know? Because a man with that kind of
00:42:27self-control
00:42:28who's never settled for less will not be stupid enough to throw away the girl he actually chose.
00:42:32He's not Ethan. I shook my head. He wasn't. He really wasn't. So, call him. You have no idea
00:42:37how happy it'll make him.
00:43:06I thought Lucas would be happy. I didn't think a man in his late twenties running a company could be
00:43:11that happy over a phone call. Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me.
00:43:15Quinn? Happy?
00:43:16I nodded slowly.
00:43:17I think, yeah. Really happy.
00:43:20See? You're happy. Lucas is happier. What else is there to figure out?
00:43:24Then she laughed.
00:43:25Honestly? I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be.
00:43:29That alone puts me in a great mood. Who knows? He's probably already moved on.
00:43:34I smiled faintly.
00:43:35Let's stop talking about him.
00:43:36In that moment, I could say it with no weight at all. Like he was just a name. Someone with
00:43:40no claim
00:43:41on me anymore. Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar. He stood in the
00:43:45night air with his arms open. I stopped and looked at him. Honestly, he was striking. Every feature
00:43:50exactly what I'd want. Men can like whoever they want. Overlap if they choose. The world hardly blinks.
00:43:56So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new? I walked toward him. He walked toward me.
00:44:01People moved around us. We kissed like no one was watching. His heart was pounding so fast.
00:44:05I reached up and touched the back of his neck, burning hot. He was still warm when I pressed
00:44:09my forehead to his. Slightly breathless. Voiceless.
00:44:12Quinn, do I have a fever?
00:44:15Maybe. Too much touching and this happens.
00:44:18I laughed and kissed under his chin.
00:44:19Maybe more of this and you'll be cured?
00:44:22His ears went redder. He cupped my face, eyes open and searching.
00:44:25Quinn, what am I to you right now?
00:44:28I teased him.
00:44:28What do you think?
00:44:30A hugger or a boyfriend?
00:44:31He asked, then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck.
00:44:34Never mind, I don't want to know right now.
00:44:35I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.
00:44:38You sure you don't want to know?
00:44:40Boyfriend.
00:45:31Yeah, thank you.61
00:46:34He'd been a wreck these past weeks. He knew it.
00:46:37But the other women had never meant anything. A moment's impulse. Nothing more.
00:46:40Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn walking out.
00:46:43She lasted three days before he was already over it.
00:46:45He kept thinking about Quinn. Seven years had made him lazy, complacent.
00:46:48He'd taken it all for granted.
00:46:49But some people are like the air. You don't notice until they're gone.
00:46:52Since Quinn left, he couldn't focus on anything.
00:46:54He'd be with his friends and she'd be in the back of his mind the whole time.
00:46:57Especially when he drank.
00:46:58If Quinn were there, she'd fake scold him and try to slow him down.
00:47:00And if she couldn't stop him, she'd be up at 3am making soup.
00:47:03Letting him put his head in her lap.
00:47:05Rubbing his temples with her hands.
00:47:06Her fingers were soft.
00:47:07The little complaints she'd mutter.
00:47:09The way she'd fuss over him.
00:47:10It had annoyed him back then.
00:47:11Now he'd give anything to hear it again.
00:47:13This time, when Quinn came home, he'd propose.
00:47:15He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him.
00:47:16Give her that and she'd feel safe.
00:47:18She'd forgive him.
00:47:19She would.
00:47:30Of course, I'll come back.
01:04:34I kept them both. Quinn, I had a custom ring made. I mean this-
01:04:39His eyes were getting redder. His voice had the faintest tremor. He held out a small velvet box,
01:04:44held it out to me like an offering. Everything in his face was careful, hoping, terrified.
01:04:49Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all, but it was only that, just a little hurt.
01:04:53Ethan, I have a boyfriend. I tightened my hand around Lucas's and stepped out from behind him
01:04:58to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder. The color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant.
01:05:02His gaze dropped slowly and stopped on our intertwined fingers, the matching bands on
01:05:07our ring fingers, just like it had been with us once. Quinn, are you serious? I took a breath,
01:05:13turned to look at Lucas and nodded. Yes, completely serious. Ethan laughed softly just once. You think
01:05:19he's serious about you? You think you know how much of this is real? Two years ago, he fought me
01:05:23tooth
01:05:24and nail over a deal, and now he's going after you. Quinn, don't you think there's something in that?
01:05:28Some other motive? Can he honestly say he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?
01:05:32Quinn, you've always been too trusting. All men are the same in the end. You were with me for seven
01:05:37years. You know how much happened between us. You think Lucas won't care? You think it won't
01:05:41matter to him in the end? You think he's actually going to stay? That you'll get your happy ending
01:05:44with him? Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads you to another seven years exactly like this
01:05:48one?
01:05:53I shook my head gently. Ethan, please go.
01:05:56Quinn, I never touched Mia. Three days and I ended it. The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:06:07The fountain music stopped. Ethan stopped. A silence settled over me. Then came the smallest
01:06:11sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking. And after that sound, relief, lightness.
01:06:17Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone. Nothing left to lose now. It's just such a
01:06:22waste, I thought. Why does living always come with things you regret? Before today, I didn't regret
01:06:26loving Ethan. Good or bad, it was mine. It happened. But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.
01:06:31Seven years and I'd never seen clearly. Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me. Not the way
01:06:36I deserved to be seen. Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained. I was a
01:06:40little
01:06:40pale, but I smiled and shook my head. I'm okay.
01:06:43Come on, wait by the car. I've got this.
01:06:46I want to be here with you.
01:06:47I held his hand and wouldn't let go. Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed
01:06:50his head and kissed me hard. Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.
01:06:54No regrets. But right now, right now, I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the
01:07:00chance. What gives you the right? Ethan cut in. Going after someone when they're at their lowest?
01:07:04What kind of man does that make you, Lucas? Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what
01:07:08Quinn gave you. Not one. Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan. He lost control
01:07:13in a way he never had before. Words he'd never have said otherwise. Oh yeah? And you,
01:07:18Lucas? You go after a woman who spent seven years with me. What right do you have to stand
01:07:24there and lecture me? Tell me the truth. Do you actually love Quinn? Or do you love the
01:07:28idea of having something that was mine?
01:07:38Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face. Ethan wasn't one to absorb him. He came back
01:07:42swaying. They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split and bruised.
01:07:46Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them. The two men stood there breathing
01:07:50hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch. Can we stop now? I was furious and scared,
01:07:55and my voice broke a little. Quinn. Ethan's face was cold. You saw it.
01:08:00Lucas threw the first punch. I'm not letting this go. Yes, he did. Mr. Harlow, I'll have him
01:08:05apologize to you. Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate. Quinn, he said it first.
01:08:10Lucas started immediately. I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.
01:08:14Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf. You're defending him? Just like that?
01:08:19Ethan stepped toward me slowly. He hit me, Quinn. What would you like us to do about it?
01:08:23Quinn, I'm hurt. He gestured at his face. You can see this, right? This really hurts.
01:08:28I looked at it. We'll call you an ambulance. We'll cover everything. You know that's not
01:08:33what I want. He reached for my arm. I stepped back. Quinn. Everything Ethan had been holding up
01:08:37cracked all at once. The way he looked at me, lost, bare and unguarded. But my chest was still
01:08:42and quiet. Genuinely still. Lucas made a sharp sound. Quinn, am I going to be scarred? I turned
01:08:46fast. His lip was split. His eye was swelling. His jaw had blood on it, and it looked worse than
01:08:51it was. I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it. Ow. Quinn, gently, gently.
01:08:56He winced and grimaced dramatically. Serves you right, I said quietly, but I was careful.
01:09:00You're going to need stitches. Then come with me. I pass out around needles.
01:09:04I gave him a look, but I nodded. Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug.
01:09:07And I need you to kiss it. Right here. It's killing me.
01:09:11I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my lips, gently, right to the wound.
01:09:37Ethan didn't say anything more. The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind
01:09:41him. Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face. Maybe it was the moment she
01:09:45kissed him there, softly. That was when Ethan finally understood it. Quinn did not love him
01:09:49anymore. What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true. Quinn was not coming
01:09:53back to him. He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily.
01:09:57He'd thought he was the one who'd always held the upper hand. He'd thought he was always
01:10:00going to come out ahead. But standing here now, he understood. The one who couldn't let
01:10:03go was him. Quinn had been the string that held the kite to the sky. The string snapped
01:10:07and the kite lost its way. It was never going to find home again.
01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car. I watched that solitary figure disappear. The sun at dusk
01:11:00slid below the horizon all at once. The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue. His car pulled
01:11:04away and got smaller. I felt like I could see it. All seven years, from 17 to 24. Rushing
01:11:09away with that car. Gone. From this day on, I knew. His name would be like any ordinary name
01:11:14in the world. I wouldn't try to forget it. I just wouldn't think of it on my own.
01:11:17Quinn. Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly. I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.
01:11:22Let's go. Hospital.
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