- 5 hours ago
They called me gross then i changed everything
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:09During the months I had a crush on Lucas Reed, the football captain, I tried everything to lose weight.
00:14One day after volleyball practice, I almost passed out from hunger.
00:18Lucas caught my wrist and pulled me into a quiet corner beside the gym.
00:23Can you stop starving yourself?
00:27If anyone makes another joke joke about your body, I'll shut them up.
00:31That was the day I thought Lucas might like me too.
00:34So after our football team won the next game, I walked onto the field.
00:44Lucas, I like you.
00:50What? Lily Taylor, did you just say you like Lucas?
00:54A voice carried across the field. For one second, everyone went silent.
00:58I'm having a voice taken on time.
01:02Damn, Lucas really is something. Even the fatty has a crush on him.
01:07Lucas, is that why you keep rejecting girls? You were saving yourself for her?
01:12You serious?
01:16My face burned. I could not say another word.
01:21Then a loud thug came through the field.
01:23A football shot past my ear and slammed into the ground behind me.
01:27The boys who had been laughing shut up.
01:30Lucas looked down at me.
01:31I just want to know one thing.
01:34What made you think you could confess to me?
01:36Did you think my standards were that low?
01:38My whole body went stiff.
01:40The heat drained from my face.
01:42Don't you think you're kind of gross?
01:43Lucas.
01:43I could not take it anymore.
01:48I ran into the restaurant and left my sight inside a stall.
01:55Suddenly, there was water on the floor.
01:59Next time, look in a mirror before you embarrass Lucas.
02:05I stood there without moving.
02:06Cold water dripped from my hair onto the floor.
02:10I had been knocked from my body for years.
02:13But Lucas was the first boy who ever defended me.
02:17For a while, I thought my life could be different.
02:21But today, Lucas crushed that dream himself.
02:24I finally understood.
02:26Girls like me did not get exceptions.
02:32The next morning, one of Lucas' friends came over to move his death.
02:36Lucas said he felt sick after yesterday.
02:39He's taking a few days off.
02:41He asked me to move his seat.
02:46After saying that, he seemed to realize how cruel it sounded.
02:50He met my numb eyes and quickly added.
02:52Not because of you.
02:53Don't overthink it.
02:55I blinked hard.
02:56I could not understand why being bigger than other girls
02:58make people hate me this much.
03:00I only ate a little more than they did.
03:03Was that really so disgusting?
03:06Three days later, Lucas came back.
03:10He walked into the classroom with his arm around Bella Hart's waist.
03:14Bella was captain of the cheer squad and every guy's dream girl.
03:19And I was Lily Taylor.
03:21A nobody people only remembered when they needed a joke.
03:25Chase could not help whistling.
03:27Damn, Lucas.
03:28Finally got yourself a girlfriend?
03:30So is it real or just for show?
03:34Bella pouted like she was offended.
03:36What do you mean?
03:37Do I look like the kind of girl who lets random guys put their hands on my waist?
03:41Lucas lifted his brow lazily.
03:44Lucas did not deny it.
03:46People started cheering and teasing me.
03:47I lowered my head and looked at my workbook.
03:51At least no one cared about what happened that day anymore.
03:54No one had time to laugh at me.
03:56That was already good enough.
04:03After that, I buried myself in schoolwork.
04:07On the next AP Calculus test, I beat Ethan Miller, the top student, for the first time.
04:12The moment class ended, Ethan moved his desk beside mine.
04:17Miss Carter said I keep messing up the written explanations.
04:20She told me to learn from you.
04:22Then he smiled at me.
04:24New seatmate.
04:25Help me out.
04:26It took me a few seconds to realize I had a seatmate again.
04:29I was a little happy, so I quickly pulled out my notebook.
04:33Here.
04:34This is what I use.
04:36Thanks.
04:37When I looked up by accident, I met Lucas's eyes across the room.
04:41He had been watching us for a while.
04:43A second later, he looked away first.
04:46I did not know my confession had disgusted him that much.
04:50So much so that he could not even stand to see me doing okay.
04:53The next morning, Ethan brought me two sausage rolls.
04:57I had just taken them when Lucas walked over with a low laugh.
05:02Didn't know you had such specific taste, man.
05:05Ethan's face changed.
05:08What do you mean?
05:13Lucas dropped a stack of printed pictures on my desk.
05:17For you.
05:18You like this type, right?
05:22Want me to bring you more tomorrow?
05:26Who the hell said I liked fat girls?
05:31Oh.
05:32I saw you move seats.
05:33I thought you were into her.
05:35Was I wrong?
05:37Lucas's friends laughed with him.
05:42Ethan cursed under his breath.
05:45Then he moved back to his old seat without another word.
05:49From beginning to end, neither of them looked at me.
05:51But every word was about me.
05:54My eyes fell on the picture scattered across the desk.
05:58The sausage rolls in my hands went cold.
06:01Before Lucas walked away.
06:03Lucas walked away.
06:04Why would you do this?
06:07What?
06:11Are you that desperate for attention?
06:13Every guy who sits beside you gets the full treatment.
06:21After what Lucas did, everything got worse.
06:25One morning, I found my desk covered in graffiti.
06:29I kept my head down and walked to my locker.
06:31The moment I opened it, a stack of printed pictures slipped out and scattered across the floor.
06:37Students slowed down as they passed and started laughing.
06:41I crouched down and picked up the pictures one by one.
06:45After that, no one wanted to hang out with me anymore.
06:48They were afraid they would become the next target.
06:52During lunch, I sat alone under a tree and took big bites of my food.
06:56Even though I never thought about dieting again.
06:59The only time I had tried to lose weight was because I liked Lucas more than food.
07:05Now, I did not like him anymore.
07:07That Friday, we had volleyball class.
07:10Halfway through class, it started pouring.
07:14Everyone ran toward the gym entrance.
07:16They laughed and screamed while covering their heads.
07:18I followed behind them.
07:20Before I could reach the door, several girls started knocking me back and forth between them.
07:25I lost my balance and fell hard onto the wet court.
07:28My kneecap slid out of place.
07:31The pain was so sharp that I could not sit up.
07:34Then a person stopped beside me.
07:37I grabbed one pant leg without thinking.
07:40I can't stand.
07:41Can you help me?
07:42It was Lucas.
07:46No.
07:47Bella laughed beside him.
07:50Maybe if you lost weight, you wouldn't fall so hard.
07:53I was soaked through.
07:55Lucas did not look at me.
07:57He walked past me.
07:59I can't help you.
08:01Rain kept running into my mouth, but my throat still felt dry.
08:05I could only try to push myself up.
08:08Near the gym entrance, I heard people talking.
08:11She doesn't look like she's faking it.
08:12This is too much.
08:13Should we help her?
08:14You like her?
08:15You go.
08:16Who the hell said I liked fat girls?
08:20It took me almost ten minutes to sit up.
08:23I still could not stand.
08:25I sat quietly in the rain.
08:27I forced myself to think about what grandma might make for dinner.
08:31Otherwise, the pain in my knee and the eyes behind me would break me.
08:35In the end, I got up by myself.
08:39The voices at the gym entrance never stopped.
08:42I did not dare look back.
08:44I limped to the security office and called grandma.
08:48After hearing what happened, grandma decided I needed to get stronger.
08:52From that day on, she planned my meals and made me exercise with her.
08:57If they try to knock you down again, hit back.
09:05I stayed home for two days before going back to school.
09:09That morning, grandma only let me eat one whole wheat egg sandwich.
09:13I felt miserable.
09:14But soon, Ms. Carter walked into the classroom.
09:17Behind her stood a strange transfer student.
09:19Ms. Carter looked around the room.
09:21Her eyes finally stopped at me.
09:23Sebastian Cole, sit beside Lily.
09:25After that, she hurried back to the office.
09:28Sebastian sat in the empty spot beside me.
09:31Neither of us seemed interested in talking.
09:33But Blake could never keep his voice down.
09:36Lucas, look.
09:37This guy is weird.
09:38His whole face is covered.
09:41What, is he disfigured?
09:43Probably.
09:44If he looked good, why would he hide his face?
09:49Ghost boy and chubby Lily.
09:51New couple alert.
09:52Lucas did not react.
09:53He only spun his pen lazily and said nothing.
09:57For almost a month, Sebastian and I barely spoke.
10:01I did not want to talk.
10:03I was afraid the same thing that happened with Ethan would happen again.
10:07Then one afternoon after class, I noticed Sebastian lying across his desk.
10:12After hesitating for a moment, I walked over.
10:15Do you have a stomach ache?
10:19Yeah.
10:24I'll take you to the nurse's office.
10:26Luckily, he did not pull away when I touched him.
10:28He was almost six feet two.
10:30Most of his weight leaned against me.
10:32Good thing I was sturdy.
10:34Otherwise, I would not have been able to hold him up.
10:37The nurse gave him medicine.
10:40Then she asked me to get him some water.
10:42I ran to buy it.
10:43Then hurried back.
10:44By then, Sebastian was the only one left in the nurse's office.
10:48You dislike me that much and still help me?
10:51That's pretty kind of you, Lily.
10:52I don't dislike you.
10:53I thought you hated me, so I didn't talk to you.
10:55Why would I hate you?
10:57Because I'm fat.
10:59I suddenly felt he was probably not disfigured at all.
11:06After that day, Sebastian and I slowly got closer, but he was still strange.
11:11He never took off his mask.
11:13He barely talked to anyone else, but he always ran with me after school.
11:17My body changed, too.
11:19Without noticing it, I had gotten stronger.
11:22Grandma was pleased.
11:24She said I looked healthier now.
11:26I never expected Lucas to be the first person at school to notice.
11:30That afternoon, I sat on the lawn, finishing the low-fat turkey bowl Grandma had packed for me.
11:37I had just picked up my lunchbox when Lucas suddenly grabbed my wrist.
11:40You're dieting again?
11:43That's none of your business.
11:44Lucas, let go.
11:45Lucas pulled me toward the cafeteria.
11:48You get dizzy when you starve yourself.
11:50Did you forget?
11:51Planning to pass out again?
11:53If you don't let go, I'll bite you.
11:56You really don't know who is good to you?
11:59Drop the act.
12:01After that, I turned and walked back to the classroom.
12:04Sebastian was lying across his desk, alone.
12:09Is your stomach hurting again?
12:11Sebastian slowly lifted his head.
12:15Yeah, I wanted to buy medicine, but I forgot where the nurse's office was.
12:21I saw you downstairs just now, but you were talking to some guy, so I didn't want to interrupt.
12:32Lily, it hurts.
12:33I'll go buy it for you right now.
12:34Wait here.
12:37I'll go with you.
12:38That way I can remember the route.
12:45Okay.
12:46I hurt his arm and the heart turned toward the nurse's office.
12:48When we went downstairs, we ran into Lucas.
12:55Sebastian suddenly lost his balance.
12:57I hurt too much to walk.
12:59Let me rest for a second, okay?
13:00I opened my mouth.
13:01But when he made another soft sound of pain, I could not refuse.
13:07Lucas's eyes turned cold at once.
13:09He had just taken one step toward us when Blake and Bella caught up from behind.
13:14Whoa!
13:15Fatty and Ghost Boy.
13:17What are you two doing?
13:19What did you call her?
13:21Fatty.
13:22Am I wrong?
13:23Sebastian punched him and he could react.
13:26I rushed between them and shrugged Tyler hard.
13:30Run!
13:33Only when we reached the nurse's office did I let out a breath.
13:36Thank you, Sebastian.
13:38But next time, just ignore him.
13:41He won a taekwondo tournament before.
13:43We can't beat him.
13:49But he was bullying you.
13:53Lily, I can't let anyone bully you.
14:02The next day, Blake came to school with bruises all over his face.
14:07If I find out who beat me, I'll kill him.
14:10Forget your face for a second.
14:12I heard some billionaire's kid just transferred to our school from overseas.
14:16Who do you think it is?
14:17I looked up and met Sebastian's clean, calm eyes.
14:21He pointed at a problem on his worksheet.
14:23Then he smiled sincerely.
14:25Lily, can you explain this one to me?
14:29By late spring, graduation was only a month away.
14:33For the graduation showcase, Bella was in charge of costume sizes.
14:37She stood at the front of the classroom with a clipboard and asked everyone.
14:42When she got to me, she looked down at the form.
14:45Lily, should I put you down for XL or XXL?
14:48I looked up for my corrections.
14:51For some reason, I felt embarrassed saying it.
14:55I wear a small.
15:00The classroom went quiet.
15:11Their shock told me no one had really noticed the change except Sebastian and Lucas.
15:16After months of eating healthy and walking laps, I had lost a lot of weight.
15:20Holy shit.
15:21Is that Lily?
15:22I told you.
15:23Her face was always pretty.
15:25I just had to lose the weight.
15:26Bella's face turned ugly.
15:28Ethan, who had not spoken to me in a long time, looked stunned too.
15:32That look made me even more uncomfortable.
15:35I was used to people staring at how much I ate.
15:38Not at my face.
15:40Ethan coughed and turned to Bella.
15:42Isn't the lead singer spot still open?
15:44Maybe Lily should do it this year.
15:46Bella had always been the default lead for school performances.
15:49Bella's smile almost cracks.
15:51Lily's not as tall as me.
15:53I'm not sure she can pull off the dress.
15:55She's prettier than you.
15:57We can buy a different dress.
16:00Blake shot up from his suit.
16:02What the hell is that supposed to mean?
16:03You're defending fat girl now?
16:06She lost some weight and suddenly you like her?
16:10Ethan glanced at me.
16:12His voice dropped.
16:14Why not?
16:16Besides, she might not even look at me now.
16:18Something in that sentence must have hit Lucas.
16:21He suddenly threw the cup in his hand.
16:23The cup shatters against the wall.
16:28The whole room went silent.
16:30Lucas leaned back like nothing had happened.
16:32Sorry. My hand slipped.
16:34The interruption killed Ethan's mood to keep talking.
16:37When Lucas bent down to pick up the glass, a shard cut into his palm.
16:41He acted like he did not feel it.
16:43By the time he stopped in front of my desk, blood was already dripping from his fingers.
16:48His eyes landed on the box of bandages on my desk.
16:51His voice was low.
16:52Can I borrow one?
16:54It won't stop bleeding.
16:56Sebastian gave a soft laugh.
16:58Wow.
17:00You really know how to put on a show.
17:02I looked away from Sebastian.
17:04Then I shook my head at Lucas.
17:09No.
17:10Whether Lucas bled or not had nothing to do with me.
17:13I did not know why he had to come to me for this.
17:16Lucas did not look surprised.
17:18The color slowly drains from Lucas's face.
17:20When he spoke again, his voice was even softer.
17:22I get it.
17:26In the end, I became the lead singer for the graduation showcase.
17:30After that day, I experienced a lot of firsts.
17:33The first time someone called me pretty on the school subreddit.
17:37The first time a boy asked me out.
17:40The first time so many people were nice to me for no reason.
17:44Boys from other classes even came to our room between periods.
17:47Lily, I accidentally got an extra coffee. You want it?
17:49I refused out of habit.
17:51But Sebastian stopped the boy before he could leave.
17:54Lily, I think my blood sugar is low.
17:56I want the coffee.
17:58But I forgot my wallet.
17:59His calm voice did not sound convincing at all.
18:01It sounded like he was teasing me.
18:03It's okay. I have cash.
18:05I took out my little wallet and counted out $15 for the boy.
18:11Can I buy it? My friend wants it.
18:12The boy's face twisted.
18:18Being around Sebastian was easy.
18:20Even when more people started showing interest in me,
18:23I still only stayed close to him.
18:26Because of that, rumors about us slowly spread through the school.
18:30Did you hear?
18:31Lily Taylor, the new pretty girl from senior class, has weird taste.
18:34She likes Ghost Boy.
18:35I saw his face once. He's disfigured.
18:38It's disgusting.
18:39Yeah.
18:39I heard his face is covered in burn scores.
18:42Sebastian had never taken off his mask or cap in front of anyone.
18:46Even at lunch, he always ate alone.
18:48If not for me, he would not have been dragged into these rumors.
18:52So I started keeping my distance.
18:55Sebastian noticed.
18:56One morning before class, he stayed quiet for a long time.
19:00Then he suddenly said in a low voice,
19:02Lily, you can move your desk away.
19:05I froze and turned to him.
19:09What?
19:12He leaned back in his chair.
19:14His voice sounded tired.
19:16I'm used to being alone.
19:18You don't have to get tied to someone with a bad reputation.
19:23They all say someone ugly and disgusting like me doesn't deserve to be close to you.
19:27So maybe you should sit somewhere.
19:29Who said that?
19:29He said lightly.
19:31It doesn't matter.
19:32At first, Sebastian refused to tell me.
19:35After I asked several times, he finally gave me a few names.
19:39I remembered them.
19:40They were all boys who asked me to come out.
19:44Before, Sebastian had spoken up for me whenever people called me fat.
19:48Now, it was my turn to do something for him.
19:50I found those boys and rejected them again.
19:53This time, I warned them.
19:55If they kept spreading rumors, I would report them for harassment.
20:01When Sebastian found out, he covered his eyes with one hand.
20:05Sebastian's shoulders shake silently.
20:07I guessed he was crying because he was touched.
20:09So I patted his shoulder gently.
20:11No one will say bad things about you anymore.
20:13Don't be scared.
20:15I made a reasonable conclusion.
20:17Sebastian was deeply moved.
20:21Nothing bad happened again before graduation.
20:25The only thing people gossiped about was Lucas and Bella breaking up.
20:29At lunch, Sebastian and I walked ahead.
20:31Behind us, Blake was trying to comfort Lucas.
20:34Don't take it too hard, man.
20:35There'll be someone better.
20:37Lucas walked past me without slowing down.
20:40His shoulder brushed mine.
20:42He looked straight ahead and said casually,
20:44Why would I be upset?
20:46I never liked her anyway.
20:50Sebastian glanced ahead.
20:51Then he smiled faintly.
20:52Lily.
20:54Sounds like there's a dog barking somewhere.
20:59By the time finals ended, I already knew I had done better than usual.
21:03The day after results came out, Ms. Carter asked Rachel to organize one last senior dinner.
21:09When I arrived, I saw Lucas outside the restaurant.
21:12The red spark flickered in the dark.
21:15His eyes stayed on me.
21:16I looked away as if I had not seen him.
21:19I tried to walk around him.
21:21Lucas grabbed my wrist.
21:22He pulled me back until my back hit his chest.
21:30Are you insane?!
21:32He caught my other wrist without even looking.
21:35Lucas looked down at me.
21:36No matter how I beg now, you won't give me another chance, right?
21:39I avoided his eyes.
21:41I don't know what you're talking about.
21:43Don't lie.
21:45Lucas smiled faintly.
21:46You know exactly what I mean.
21:48He pinched my chin and made me face him.
21:52You know, I said I never liked Bella because I wanted you to hear it.
21:55I went quiet. I stopped struggling.
21:57After a long moment, I looked back at him calmly.
22:00Yes, I know.
22:01I also know you liked me a long time ago.
22:04Otherwise, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to confess to you.
22:11The first time I tried to lose weight, I hid it from everyone.
22:15I ate almost nothing.
22:17I walked home every day instead of taking the bus.
22:20I wanted to lose weight as fast as possible.
22:22I wanted to wear the dress I had loved for months.
22:25Then I wanted to confess to Lucas.
22:28But Lucas noticed my pale face.
22:30He also noticed my hand pressed against my stomach.
22:33He had been about to leave for basketball with Blake and the others.
22:36I'm fine.
22:38Lucas did not believe me.
22:40He kept insisting on taking me to the hospital.
22:42I had no choice but to tell him I had been dieting.
22:45His frown deepened.
22:47He used the clinic as an excuse and signed us both out of school.
22:51Then he dragged me to lunch.
22:53He walked ahead holding my hand.
22:58His voice was cold.
23:00I care that much about what people think.
23:03Even starving yourself is fine.
23:04I was so hungry my head felt light.
23:07I barely heard him.
23:08I just nodded without thinking.
23:11Yeah.
23:12Lucas was furious.
23:14His grip on my hand tightened.
23:15But after a long silence, he still gave in.
23:18He held back his anger and said...
23:21Can you stop starving yourself?
23:23If anyone makes another joke about your body, I'll shut them up.
23:26Is that enough?
23:28I smiled a little.
23:29Then I asked quietly...
23:31Don't you think I'm fat?
23:32Like this, I'm kinda ugly, right?
23:35Lucas stopped walking.
23:37He did not let go of my hand.
23:39He turned back and bent slightly.
23:41His eyes were focused.
23:42I looked.
23:43His voice was serious.
23:45You're cute.
23:47Everywhere.
23:49Lucas said it like he was giving an answer in class.
23:52That was the moment my crush on him grew out of control.
23:55I squeezed his hand back.
23:57For the first time, I tried to climb out of my own insecurity.
24:01Then, in the next second, he pushed me right back in.
24:05For a long time after that, I could not get up again.
24:13Lucas's lashes trembled, his grip on my wrists loosened.
24:17Yes.
24:17He lowered his eyes and gave a bitter smile.
24:20I liked you a long time ago.
24:23But being with you meant everyone would stare, joke, and laugh behind my back.
24:28So you don't get to ask me for another chance now?
24:32His confession came too late.
24:34I turned and walked away.
24:38After a few steps, I heard his voice behind me.
24:42It was low, almost like he was talking to himself.
24:45But I liked you.
24:47More than any of them ever did.
24:50I did not stop.
24:51I took a breath.
24:53Then I pushed open the restaurant door.
24:56Inside, most of our class was already there.
24:59Sebastian had not arrived yet.
25:02Ms. Carter smiled when she saw me.
25:03Lily, you did well.
25:05Come sit.
25:08Bella's face darkened the moment I walked in.
25:10Then she suddenly smiled.
25:13Ms. Carter, don't let Lily's grades fool you.
25:16She's not as innocent as she looks.
25:19I looked at her.
25:21What are you talking about?
25:23Come on, Lily.
25:25We've already graduated.
25:27It doesn't matter now.
25:28She was secretly dating someone before finals.
25:32I almost laughed.
25:33Before I could explain, Ms. Carter cut in.
25:36Who?
25:37Who is Lily's boyfriend?
25:40Bella smiled wider.
25:42Sebastian Cole.
25:46Bella continued her words.
25:48I mean, Lily acts like such a good girl.
25:51Who knew she had a thing for the weirdest guy in school?
25:54Ms. Carter's eyes widened behind her glasses.
25:57Bella looked even more pleased.
26:01He never takes off that mask.
26:03Maybe there is something ugly hiding underneath.
26:08But Lily, you don't have to deny him just because your boyfriend is ugly.
26:11When he gets here, why don't you ask him to take off that mask?
26:17Let everyone see those burn scars.
26:19Compared to her rumor about me dating Sebastian.
26:23I hated her insulting him more.
26:26Bella, have you ever seen scars on Sebastian's face?
26:29She choked.
26:30No, but then you made it up?
26:33Everyone says it.
26:36Everyone also says you only made cheer captain because your mom paid off the coach.
26:41So according to you, that must be true too, right?
26:44Bella panicked at once.
26:46Who the hell said that?
26:48Bella looked around the room.
26:50The restaurant got noisy.
26:52Another group of students crowded around Ms. Carter.
26:55Ms. Carter, I heard the principal say some billionaire's son was in our class.
26:59Who is it? Is he hot?
27:01He has to be hot, right?
27:02He's rich!
27:06Ms. Carter was holding two directions.
27:09The room grew louder and louder.
27:10Then the door opened again.
27:12Everything went quiet.
27:14Everyone looked toward the entrance.
27:19She!
27:21She!
27:22She!
27:23She!
27:23She!
27:25She!
27:27She!
27:29She!
27:30For a second, the whole room forgot how to breathe.
27:33His features were sharp and clean.
27:35The man was almost too good-looking to be real.
27:37The girl closest to the door blushed first.
27:41Um...
27:41Are you looking for someone?
27:43Ms. Carter finally let out a breath.
27:45Then she smiled.
27:47You don't recognize him?
27:48The person you were all talking about is standing right in front of you.
27:52Bella's voice cracked.
27:55Sebastian Cole?
27:56The billionaire's son?
27:58What the hell?
27:59So this gorgeous guy is Sebastian?
28:01The same Sebastian who transferred back from overseas?
28:06And apparently, Lily's boyfriend.
28:12I felt like lightning had struck me on the spot.
28:15Sebastian looked a little unfamiliar without the mask.
28:19Then he raised one brow and looked at me.
28:23Fine. I accept.
28:25I stared at him.
28:27Except what? The restaurant is here.
28:33No way.
28:34That's Ghost Boy.
28:36I knew his eyes were too pretty for him to be ugly.
28:38I thought that mask was hiding scars.
28:40Are we sure he's not some actor?
28:42The dinner ended in scattered gasps and whispers.
28:46On the way home, Sebastian answered every question I had.
28:50At first, he wore the mask because he had gotten into a fight before transferring.
28:55The bruises on his face had not healed yet.
28:58Later, he just got used to wearing it.
29:01As for why he still took finals after being accepted early,
29:04Sebastian looked at me calmly.
29:07To go to the same university as you, girlfriend?
29:11Only then did I remember what Ms. Carter had said at dinner.
29:15You misunderstood. Bella was just...
29:17This is my first relationship.
29:19Sebastian's eyes softened.
29:21My parents were always working.
29:22I grew up with nannies.
29:25Once, they both missed my birthday.
29:28So I ran away from home.
29:30I thought someone would notice.
29:33No one did.
29:36After that, I got used to it.
29:38He said it like it was nothing.
29:39But I still saw the shadow in his eyes.
29:42My nose stung.
29:44So even rich families could be this cruel.
29:47Sebastian noticed my eyes turning red.
29:49Don't feel bad for me.
29:51This is the first time someone chose me and didn't give me up.
29:57That's enough.
30:04He sounded too used to begging for scraps of love.
30:08That made it worse.
30:09I pressed my lips together.
30:12But the tears still fell.
30:15Don't cry, Lily.
30:18Then he suddenly returned to the earlier topic.
30:21By the way, what were you saying I misunderstood?
30:25I froze.
30:27The tears hung in my eyes.
30:29I blinked fast.
30:31After choking on my words twice,
30:34I finally said stiffly,
30:36Nothing, boyfriend.
30:39If I denied it now,
30:41Sebastian might actually jump into the river.
30:43He needed love too much.
30:45And I could tell what I felt for him was different.
30:48Trying it would not hurt.
30:54Sebastian had already been accepted somewhere good.
30:56But after I chose my university,
30:58he gave up his spot and enrolled with me.
31:01His cold, work-obsessed family barely reacted.
31:04By the end of summer,
31:06I had fully accepted that Sebastian Cole
31:08was my boyfriend.
31:10He never pushed too far.
31:11The most he did was kiss my forehead
31:13when he walked me home.
31:15Other than being clingy,
31:16he had almost no flaws.
31:18On the first day of college,
31:20reality hit me fast.
31:22Out of my three roommates,
31:23two ignored me when I said hello.
31:25The last one was Bella Hart.
31:27Her cheer record had helped her get into the school.
31:32Compared to my bad mood,
31:33Bella looked almost pleased when she saw me.
31:36What a coincidence.
31:38Not really.
31:40Most students from our high school
31:42had stayed in state for college.
31:45Running into old classmates on campus was normal,
31:48but some coincidences were still annoying.
31:55Like that evening,
31:56when Sebastian and I were eating dinner.
31:58He told me Lucas was in his major.
32:01I felt depressed for a few seconds.
32:03Then I remembered Lucas was good at fighting.
32:05I quickly warned Sebastian.
32:08Don't get into it with Lucas when you're alone.
32:10You can't beat him.
32:13If he gives you trouble,
32:14call campus security.
32:15Sebastian was picking the carrots out of my food.
32:17Without looking up,
32:18he asked slowly.
32:20How do you know I can't beat him?
32:22He had no idea how dangerous Lucas was.
32:25This concerned his personal safety.
32:28So I put down my fork and said seriously,
32:31Don't act tough.
32:33He's really good at fighting.
32:37I've seen Lucas fight a few times.
32:39He barely lost.
32:40Maybe I sounded too serious.
32:42Sebastian seemed hurt.
32:44After a long pause,
32:45he pushed the food he had picked clean back to me.
32:48Then he nodded.
32:49Got it.
32:50I'm useless.
32:51I won't mess with him.
32:52I forgot Sebastian was sensitive.
32:54My words had hurt him.
32:56For the rest of dinner,
32:56he barely spoke.
32:58Even though he was upset,
32:59he still quietly peeled shrimp for me.
33:01I bit my fork and looked at him carefully.
33:04The guilt got worse.
33:08After dinner,
33:09we did what college couples were supposed to do.
33:11We went for a walk.
33:12From the track to the quiet path by the campus lake,
33:16I apologized to Sebastian the whole way.
33:20After a long time,
33:21he finally softened a little.
33:24Lily, comfort me.
33:27I am comforting you.
33:29Not enough.
33:31His breath brushed hot against my ear.
33:34Kiss me.
33:36Please.
33:37His voice was so close that I shivered.
33:39My breath hitched.
33:42Where?
33:43Both our voices had gone quiet.
33:45Sebastian tugged down the collar of his hoodie.
33:48Here.
33:49I stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
33:52Sebastian held the back of my head.
33:55Leave a mark.
33:59Let everyone know I'm yours.
34:01I followed what he told me to do.
34:04I pressed my lips there.
34:06Then I bit down lightly.
34:10My face burned red.
34:12I pushed him away and lowered my head.
34:15Done.
34:17Felt nice.
34:20Next time,
34:21leave a few more, okay?
34:23Wasn't it supposed to go both ways?
34:25Why didn't he kiss me?
34:27I could not bring myself to ask.
34:30So I stared at him for a few seconds.
34:32Then I shook my head.
34:34No.
34:35Hopefully,
34:35he would understand what he had done wrong.
34:37And next time,
34:38he would offer to kiss me too.
34:44After college started,
34:45I joined the volleyball club.
34:47At first,
34:48everything seemed normal.
34:49Then I realized Coach was strange.
34:51Whenever he corrected my posture,
34:53he stood too close.
34:55Lily, raise your arms.
34:57He came up behind me.
34:58I could almost feel his breath
35:00near the back of my neck.
35:02I stepped away quietly.
35:05You can just tell me what to fix.
35:07He did not take the hint.
35:09He smiled.
35:10But you're too stiff, freshman.
35:12Then he suddenly flicked my forehead.
35:15Other girls wish I'd helped them myself.
35:18During break,
35:19Bella sat beside him with her water bottle.
35:21She raised her voice just enough for me to hear.
35:25Wow, Lily.
35:26Lily, Coach is so nice to you.
35:29If you didn't already had a boyfriend,
35:30you could totally consider him.
35:33Coach's face changed.
35:35Boyfriend?
35:36You have a boyfriend?
35:40I looked away from Bella and nodded.
35:43Coach stared at me for a few seconds.
35:47You have a boyfriend and didn't say anything?
35:51What, were you leading me on?
35:55Did you ask?
35:56And honestly,
35:57you're not exactly worth leading on.
35:59Before he could answer,
36:01Bella slammed her bottle down and stood up.
36:04Who do you think you're talking to?
36:06Your boyfriend isn't even on his level.
36:09He's useless and creepy.
36:12Anger shot straight to my head.
36:14Before I could think,
36:15I walked up to Bella.
36:17Then I slapped her hard across the face.
36:20I warned you not to insult Sebastian again.
36:23Bella froze with one hand on her cheek.
36:26You hit me?
36:27The next second,
36:28she lunged at me.
36:29We crashed into each other.
36:31All the anger I had swallowed for years
36:33finally came out.
36:35Three girls finally pulled me away.
36:37Coach looked at me coldly.
36:39Then he made his decision on the spot.
36:43You started it!
36:45Stay after practice!
36:47Run drills
36:48until I say
36:50you're done.
36:52Bella dusts herself off
36:54and smiles like she has won.
36:59Under the evening heat,
37:01I stayed on the court
37:02and ran drills alone.
37:04By the time Coach finally let me go,
37:07everyone else had already left.
37:09I dragged myself back to the dorm.
37:12After I showered,
37:13I was too tired to move.
37:15I was also starving.
37:18Then Sebastian called
37:19and made me come downstairs.
37:21The moment I saw him,
37:23I fell into his arms
37:24and started complaining.
37:26Halfway through,
37:27I felt so yoonged
37:28that I cried.
37:29Sebastian, I'm so hungry.
37:31I barely ate anything today.
37:34I really want sausage rolls.
37:37Sebastian went quiet.
37:39Too quiet.
37:41He helped me sit on the bench nearby.
37:43Then he went to buy food for me.
37:46After I finished eating,
37:47he checked his phone.
37:49His face showed nothing.
37:51Go back and rest, Lily.
37:53I have something to do.
37:54I'll come find you later.
37:55I looked at him for two seconds.
37:57Then I lowered my eyes.
37:58Okay.
37:59I'll head back.
38:02Then he turned away.
38:04But I remembered the message
38:06I had accidentally seen on his phone.
38:09Sebastian,
38:10that asshole from volleyball,
38:11is at the pool hall.
38:12Come over.
38:17I quietly followed him.
38:19For some reason,
38:20I suddenly thought of Blake
38:21showing up with bruises
38:22back in senior year.
38:24Pieces of old memories
38:25came together in my head.
38:27And they all pointed to one fact.
38:29Sebastian had been pretending
38:31to be weak this whole time.
38:33That guess was confirmed
38:34when I stood outside the pool hall.
38:36I looked through the glass.
38:38Sebastian stood beside a pool table.
38:40Coach and three other guys
38:42lay scattered across the floor.
38:44Sebastian did not have
38:45a scratch on him.
38:47Sebastian holds a broken
38:49pool cue in his hand.
38:51The sharp wooden end
38:52hovered less than an inch
38:54from Coach's eye.
38:56Coach.
39:00You were interested
39:01in my girlfriend?
39:02Coach shook his head hard.
39:04No, no.
39:05I wasn't.
39:07I swear.
39:09Sebastian turned the broken
39:11pool cue lazily
39:12between his fingers.
39:13My girlfriend had a rough day.
39:16How are you planning
39:17to make it up to her?
39:19Coach trembled.
39:21What do you want me to do?
39:25Sebastian seemed too bored
39:26to answer.
39:27He shifted the broken cue.
39:30The sharp wooden end
39:31angst for Coach's plan.
39:33Before it could go down,
39:35I spoke to him.
39:38Sebastian.
39:39My voice was calm.
39:41His whole body froze.
39:46Until Coach and the others
39:47ran out in a panic,
39:49Sebastian still did not
39:50turn around.
39:51I walked over
39:52and crouched in front of him.
39:53Then I took the broken
39:55pool cue out of his hand.
39:57Sebastian lowered his hand.
39:59His throat moved a few times
40:01before he spoke.
40:02His voice was hoarse.
40:03I'm sorry.
40:05I stayed quiet.
40:07After a long moment,
40:09he asked again.
40:10Are you going to break up
40:11with me?
40:12I looked up at once.
40:14His eyes were red.
40:16Something dark and restless
40:17moves in Sebastian's eyes.
40:19He looked nothing
40:20like the harmless Sebastian
40:22who leaned on me
40:23and said his stomach hurt.
40:24I sighed and curled
40:26my fingers into his palm.
40:27Only then did he calm down
40:29a little.
40:30Of course I'm not
40:31breaking up with you
40:32over this.
40:33I just don't understand
40:35why you lied to me.
40:37Sebastian wrapped his hand
40:38tightly around mine.
40:39His smile looked pale
40:41and bitter.
40:43Because I knew you
40:44didn't like me.
40:47You only agreed to date me
40:49because you felt sorry for me.
40:52If I didn't look pitiful
40:53enough, you would leave.
40:54Then I held his face
40:56in both hands.
40:58Sebastian looked at me.
41:01I feel sorry for a lot
41:02of people.
41:04But I don't date them
41:05just because they're pitiful.
41:07Liking someone isn't charity.
41:09It's not something I hand out
41:11because someone looks sad.
41:12He gripped my hand.
41:14His eyes were almost stubborn.
41:17You can't lie to me.
41:23Sebastian was wound too tight
41:25so I leaned in
41:26and kissed him lightly.
41:28Fine.
41:29If he would not kiss me first,
41:31I could do it.
41:32If I'm lying,
41:34I'll never get to eat
41:34sausage rolls again.
41:36Sebastian finally relaxed.
41:38That night,
41:38we walked through
41:39the quiet street
41:40outside campus.
41:41I swung his hand
41:43as I walked.
41:44Listen,
41:46we're actually perfect
41:47for each other.
41:48You're really good fighting
41:49and I'm pretty good too.
41:51Today,
41:52I basically pinned Bella
41:53to the ground.
41:54She barely touched me.
41:56Her face is going to be swollen
41:57for at least a week.
42:00Sebastian squeezed my hand.
42:02Next time,
42:03you don't have to do it.
42:05I'll handle them.
42:07But Bella is a girl.
42:11Sebastian answered
42:12without much thought.
42:14I'll use a pink bat.
42:16I burst at her.
42:17Then I stood on tiptoe
42:19and kissed his cheek loudly.
42:23I like you so much,
42:25Sebastian Cole.
42:28Sebastian was not the kind of guy
42:30Lucas said he was.
42:32He did not only solve problems
42:34with violence.
42:35Before going after Coach,
42:36he had already collected
42:38screenshots,
42:39messages,
42:40statements from other girls,
42:42and proof that Bella
42:43had cheated her way
42:44into her cheer scholarship.
42:46Then he submitted everything
42:48to the school.
42:49The next day,
42:50Coach was suspended
42:51from the club team.
42:53Bella lost her scholarship.
42:54She was removed
42:55from the cheer program.
42:57Everything happened so fast
42:58that I could barely believe it.
43:00Sebastian met my suspicious eyes.
43:02Then he lazily touched
43:04my lashes with one finger.
43:05My mom graduated from the school.
43:07She donated a library
43:08three years ago.
43:09Right now,
43:10she's talking to the school
43:11about funding
43:12two new dorm buildings.
43:14Later,
43:15I met Sebastian's mother
43:16once on campus.
43:17Remembering his lonely childhood,
43:19I carefully told her
43:20to be nicer to him.
43:22That little brat
43:23told you we abandoned him?
43:24I nodded sadly.
43:26That year,
43:27he was only seven years old.
43:29We missed one birthday dinner
43:30because of work.
43:32So he took his father's phone
43:34and texted our assistant.
43:36Told him to prepare
43:37the private repped.
43:38He wanted to fly
43:39to Melbourne alone.
43:40When we caught him,
43:42he was afraid
43:42his father would punish him.
43:45So he hid in the hotel
43:46for two days
43:47and told everyone
43:48he had run away from home.
43:50If the housekeeper
43:51hadn't found him
43:52eating cake in there,
43:53your boyfriend
43:54would still be telling people
43:55he survived in the wild.
43:57I stared at her.
43:58So that was the tragic childhood
44:00he told me about.
44:04A sudden laugh
44:06came from not far away.
44:07The mood went cold.
44:09Lucas stood under a streetlight,
44:10watching me.
44:11So now you're into violence?
44:17Just because he beat up
44:18a few guys for you,
44:19you're obsessed?
44:20Sebastian was still upset
44:22about me saying
44:23he could not beat Lucas.
44:24The second Lucas opened his mouth,
44:26Sebastian's face went dark.
44:28He started walking toward him.
44:29I grabbed his arm in time.
44:33Is he even worth fighting?
44:35Lucas is obviously
44:36weaker than you.
44:38If you fight him,
44:39that's basically bullying.
44:41You could make him cry
44:42without even trying.
44:48What if he breaks down
44:49and calls the police?
44:52Coward.
44:53You couldn't even like
44:54someone in public.
44:57What makes you think
44:58you can compete with me?
44:59Lucas' face darkened.
45:01He gave a cold smile
45:02and stepped forward.
45:03I had no patience left.
45:05I pulled the pepper spray
45:06from my back.
45:07Then I sprayed him
45:08straight in the face.
45:12No one helped him.
45:13He would probably need a while
45:15before he could open
45:15his eyes again.
45:16For a second,
45:17the way he stood there in pain
45:19reminded me of myself
45:20in the rain.
45:21Back then,
45:21I had sat alone on the court.
45:23No one was willing to help me.
45:25Now Lucas looked
45:26just as helpless.
45:27Lucas,
45:29seeing you like this
45:30makes me feel like
45:31I finally walked out
45:32of that rain.
45:33I would not choke
45:34on that humiliation anymore.
45:35I did not need him
45:37to suffer exactly
45:38the way I had suffered.
45:39This was enough.
45:44Are you okay?
45:45My premium class service wolf
45:46likes to engage
45:47in group sex
45:48in front of me.
45:49I'm fine.
45:50The premium class service wolf
45:51I bought didn't like
45:52me.
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