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When His Number Hit Zero, I Picked His Roommate | Full Series - completed episodes.
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00:01I can see exactly how many times I'll see someone.
00:04Most people only have a one above their head, but my childhood best friend, Jack, his number
00:08was 31,441, so I grew up convinced we were soulmates.
00:13I made a perfect boyfriend rulebook for him, and I basically ran his whole life, but Jack
00:17got sick of me.
00:18He kept trying to set me up with other guys.
00:21Stop with the fake countdown story, little shadow.
00:23My roommate is actually pretty hot.
00:25You should try talking to someone else.
00:26He pulled out his phone to show me a picture.
00:28With a quick swipe, a photo of him with another girl popped up, panicking.
00:32He scrambled to the next photo.
00:33It was his roommate.
00:35He's a little quiet, but he's cool, and you're always clinging to me anyway.
00:39I stared at the huge number floating above his roommate's head.
00:42For the first time, I said yes.
00:44Okay, introduce us.
00:45I handed him my phone, and Jack froze.
00:47The second I leaned in, he locked his phone.
00:50My phone died.
00:52Let's do this later.
00:53His face went pale.
00:54That massive number reflected in my eyes, falling fast.
00:57My heart sank, but I didn't say anything.
00:59Seeing me staring at him, his expression finally softened.
01:02Let's go home.
01:03It was Friday, and a light rain was falling.
01:05That girl on your phone, was that Avery?
01:07Beside me, Jack stiffened.
01:08After a moment, he sighed.
01:10It's from a school sports event.
01:11I forgot to delete it.
01:13We're not even dating.
01:15You're always so controlling.
01:16His annoyance made me freeze.
01:18A bitter ache twisted in my chest.
01:20But looking at his dropping number, the pain faded.
01:22I was just asking.
01:23I wasn't going to control him anymore.
01:25That walk back to Oak Brook had never felt so long.
01:28I only brought it up to fill the silence.
01:30I already knew.
01:31Jack and I weren't happening.
01:32I had no right to care.
01:33But Jack's face darkened.
01:36You know, you weren't asking.
01:37I haven't had a single female friend since I was a kid.
01:39He always used to just go along with it.
01:41It is only recently that he started pushing back.
01:43Then go ahead.
01:44I won't control you anymore.
01:46My voice wasn't loud, but Jack's breathing suddenly grew heavy.
01:49Veins popped on his hand, gripping the umbrella.
01:51He opened his mouth to speak, but his phone rang.
01:54Avri flashed on the screen.
01:55Jack didn't answer, holding it frozen in his hand.
01:58He stared down at me with heavy eyes.
02:00Old me would have thrown a fit.
02:01Made him recite the boyfriend rules.
02:03Then snatched his phone and hung up.
02:04But now, I stared for a few seconds and looked away.
02:07The phone finally stopped ringing.
02:08Hey, Jack.
02:12Could you walk me back to my dorm?
02:15Not going to control me anymore, is that it?
02:17I said nothing.
02:18I stared coldly at the number above his head.
02:31I'm really going then.
02:33I nodded, pulled an umbrella from my backpack, and opened it.
02:38Once they disappeared from sight, I finally looked down.
02:41Fate really played a cruel joke on me.
02:43For 19 years, I thought those numbers never changed.
02:46Ever since I could remember, I could see numbers above people's heads.
02:48I didn't get it as a kid, but I eventually figured it out.
02:51They show how many times I will see someone.
02:53Dad's number meant he'd be with me until I was 88.
02:56Moms would last until 89.
02:57And Jack, the cute boy next door, would be there until old age.
03:00His number was so long, bigger than everyone else's combined.
03:03When we were five, I asked him.
03:05Jack, what does 31,000 days together mean?
03:09He scratched his head, ran to ask his mom,
03:11and came back grinning like he'd won something.
03:13It means we'll be together forever and get married.
03:16So, I treated him like my soulmate and set strict rules.
03:19He always went along with it, but never accepted my confessions.
03:22If we actually date, I'll be so wiped.
03:24When we turned 18, he poked my forehead and laughed.
03:27Bossy girl, wait until I'm 25.
03:29I'm not ready to settle down.
03:30I kept waiting, thinking we'd be together forever at 25.
03:33But after a single year in college, he grew impatient with me.
03:36I sighed, not heartbroken, just a little sad.
03:38If I knew the numbers could change, I wouldn't have tried so hard.
03:41God, all those years babysitting him, honestly exhausting.
03:47The massive number Jack just lost was now hovering above this guy.
03:50I instinctively sped up my pace.
03:52With every step I took, my heart beat faster.
03:55I approached him and opened my mouth, completely blanking out.
03:59Hey handsome, are you my future husband?
04:01Hey, do I look like your future wife?
04:03Would you believe me if I said we end up together?
04:05Every option made me sound unhinged.
04:07Cringing at myself, I trailed behind him.
04:09Eyes glued to that number above his head.
04:11Suddenly, he stopped and slowly turned around.
04:13My eyes widened.
04:14Rain pattered on my umbrella, like countless tiny fireworks blooming in my mind.
04:18A label seemed to appear right next to his number.
04:20This is my man.
04:21He was unbelievably gorgeous, far better than Jack's photo.
04:24His pale skin made his lips look soft and impossibly kissable.
04:27Beautiful eyes under sharp brows stared quietly at me.
04:30My face burned hot, and I choked on my words.
04:32Can I help you?
04:33His voice was beautiful.
04:35His eyes calm as water.
04:37You okay walking home by yourself?
04:38The second those words left my mouth, I wanted to disappear.
04:41What was I thinking?
04:42His lips twitched into a faint smile, but he didn't answer.
04:45I mean, we're heading the same way.
04:47Want to walk together?
04:48My voice trailed off, too embarrassed to continue.
04:50Those butterflies.
04:51Dead.
04:52Murdered by my own mouth.
04:53Sure.
04:53His soft voice came from beside me, reviving the butterflies.
04:56I tried my best to make conversation on the walk.
04:59Ethan was quiet and reserved, exactly as Jack described.
05:02I'd never experienced a sun shower like this before.
05:04The rain painting a rainbow right across our path.
05:06Seeing the neighborhood gate so close, I felt annoyed.
05:09We walked too fast.
05:10There was still so much to say.
05:13Ethan Wirth.
05:15That's my name.
05:15He stood outside the neighborhood gate, holding his umbrella.
05:19I know.
05:19Jack had mentioned it earlier, but Ethan raised an eyebrow in surprise.
05:23Mia Carter.
05:24I pursed my lips, about to spell it out, but he nodded.
05:28I know that, too.
05:29My hands shook as I pulled out my phone.
05:31It was my first time hitting on a guy.
05:33I stared at the number above his head for courage.
05:40Don't worry.
05:40He won't reject you.
05:42He's your future husband.
05:43Mia, go for it.
05:46Can I get your number?
05:48I forced the words out, almost biting my tongue.
05:51Silence stretched between us.
05:52Those few seconds of quiet made me want to vanish.
05:56Sorry, I don't have my phone.
05:58Maybe I could...
05:58It sounded like a textbook rejection.
06:00The blunt blow knocked the wind right out of me.
06:02It's fine.
06:03Sorry for asking.
06:05Mortified, I turned and ran.
06:07My heart was still racing as I burst through my front door.
06:09My nose prickled.
06:16God, how humiliating.
06:18He probably thinks I'm a freak.
06:21Even Jack's cold words never hurt this bad.
06:23This ache in my chest was unbearable.
06:29Mia.
06:29Jack's voice echoed behind me.
06:31I spun around, shocked to see him standing there.
06:33He stepped closer, and the scent of women's perfume on him became unmistakable.
06:38I saw you at the intersection.
06:41Who were you with?
06:42He was panting, clearly having run all the way back.
06:45Was that a guy?
06:46Do I know him?
06:47Before he could finish, Mom walked out of the kitchen holding a tray.
06:51You're back?
06:52Oh, Jackie, do you have a girlfriend now?
06:54Jack froze in confusion.
06:56Wait, what?
06:57Mom smirked and pointed at his cheek.
06:59You still got that girl's lipstick on you.
07:01Silence filled the room.
07:02Jack's face turned pale.
07:04He frantically wiped his cheek, panic in his eyes.
07:06It was an accident, Mia, I swear.
07:09I was still too wrapped up in my own embarrassment to care.
07:12Seeing me turn to leave, Jack panicked.
07:14I wasn't messing around.
07:15I know the perfect boyfriend rules by heart.
07:18She tripped, and I caught her.
07:20That must be when it happened.
07:21He trailed off.
07:22His panic faded, replaced by a faint smile.
07:24I won't walk with her again.
07:26Don't cry.
07:27Not crying over him.
07:28I just kept picturing Ethan's eyes cold, disgusted.
07:31Next time he saw me, that is what had me tearing up.
07:33What you do is none of my business.
07:36I'm done controlling you.
07:37Leave me alone.
07:38My head pounded, and his nagging made it worse.
07:40What's wrong, honey?
07:41Jack's smile faltered, but he pursed his lips.
07:43Sure.
07:44Keep denying it.
07:45My miserable mood lasted until the next morning.
07:47Yawning.
07:48I walked out of the neighborhood gate.
07:49I froze when I saw someone standing nearby.
07:52I rubbed my eyes.
07:53He's still there.
07:54It's not a dream.
07:55Ethan spotted me, taking his hands out of his pockets.
07:58He walked over.
08:01I brought my phone today.
08:03The tips of his ears turned bright red.
08:05He pulled out his phone, showing me his QR code.
08:08Can we still add each other?
08:10My heart hammered in my chest.
08:11My throat felt tight.
08:13Did you wait out here this early to add me?
08:15Ethan pursed his lips, his ears turning beet red.
08:18I didn't know which house was yours.
08:19I was dying inside, smiling.
08:21So cute.
08:22I quickly scanned the code.
08:23My inner self was doing a happy dance.
08:25It's Saturday.
08:26What if I hadn't come out?
08:27Realizing he liked me back, I started pushing my luck.
08:30I didn't know.
08:32Ethan put his phone away, staring at me quietly.
08:35Have you eaten breakfast?
08:36I tilted my head and asked.
08:38He opened his mouth to reply.
08:40Seeing the morning dew on his messy bangs, I couldn't stop grinning.
08:43Didn't eat, huh?
08:44Lucky you.
08:45I'll let you buy me breakfast.
08:47He nodded gently.
08:48Happily, I pulled him toward my mom's diner.
08:50Ethan didn't hate me at all.
08:51He actually liked me.
08:52But I didn't expect to run into anyone at breakfast.
08:54Avri glared at me, her eyes full of disdain.
08:57Jack isn't coming.
08:58I asked him out this morning and he didn't show.
09:01For a pathetic little shadow, you sure get news fast.
09:04I stared at her, dead silent.
09:07Mia Carter, stop clinging to him.
09:10He almost accepted my confession yesterday.
09:12He rejected me at the last second, saying you'd get mad.
09:17You guys aren't even dating.
09:19Why do you control him so much?
09:22She was practically vibrating with hostility.
09:24I realized she was targeting me because of Jack.
09:26I've made things clear with Jack.
09:28You don't need to tell me about your business.
09:30With my destined guy standing right behind me, I wanted to cut all ties with Jack.
09:34Avri looked at me skeptically.
09:36Are you serious?
09:37I nodded.
09:38I wish you and Jack the best.
09:39She pursed her lips and pulled out her phone.
09:42Say that again.
09:43I'm recording this for Jack.
09:44I stared at her, speechless.
09:46God, she was acting crazy.
09:47Summono grabbed my wrist.
09:48Ethan's eyes were cold.
09:50She doesn't owe you an explanation.
09:51His fingers were cool, but my wrist felt on fire.
09:54We walked out of the diner hand in hand.
09:56Avri pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of us.
09:58Are you upset?
09:59I asked, taking a bite of my waffle.
10:01I peeked at him.
10:02He ate quietly.
10:03Somehow, he made eating a breakfast sandwich look elegant.
10:06People say you've liked Jack for years.
10:08His voice was low.
10:09His Adam's apple bob slightly.
10:11Mia, Jack talks trash about you in the dorm.
10:13I just, I don't think he's a good guy.
10:15I thought this was love at first sight, but he had been watching me all along.
10:18My heart swelled with joy.
10:19I stared at the massive number above his head and hit a smile.
10:22My laughing made him self-conscious.
10:24With red ears, he fell silent.
10:26I leaned in closer.
10:27I poked his cheek while he was chewing.
10:29Since he's so bad, what if I liked someone else instead?
10:31He turned to look at me.
10:32His eyes shimmered.
10:33The blush spread from his ears to his cheeks.
10:35Is it actually possible to just like someone else?
10:38I kept a perfectly straight face and played him.
10:41Yeah.
10:41As long as they treat me well enough, I can.
10:43Ethan went quiet again.
10:44He looked down, eating his breakfast in silence.
10:47No idea what was going on in his head.
10:48Back home, I saw someone sitting in the living room, thinking it was my dad.
10:52I walked toward my bedroom.
10:53Suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm.
10:55I gasped, realizing it was Jack.
10:57His face was dark, eyes burning with anger.
10:59Where were you?
11:00I tried to pull away, frowning at him.
11:02Getting breakfast?
11:03Where's mine?
11:03A sudden quiet fell over us.
11:05I realized I always brought Jack breakfast.
11:07Today, my hands were empty.
11:09I was too busy flirting with Ethan.
11:11Who was the guy in this photo?
11:12Who did you get breakfast with?
11:13He shoved his phone at me, showing Avery's photo.
11:16It was a picture of Ethan and me walking away.
11:18A vein twitched at Jack's temple.
11:20His words were forced through gritted teeth.
11:22Do I even know him?
11:23You made me memorize the boyfriend rules.
11:25You made me keep my boundaries, but what about you?
11:27Mia Carter, are you fucking holding hands with another guy?
11:30I stared at him.
11:31Jack was handsome, but something felt missing.
11:33Staring at his angry red eyes, I realized it.
11:36He didn't have that beauty mark under his eye.
11:38I never thought a little mark like that could be so attractive until I met Ethan.
11:42Before Ethan, I thought Jack had a great personality.
11:45Now, he seemed way too loud and annoying.
11:47Jack saw the flash of annoyance in my eyes.
11:49His expression grew even darker.
11:52I'm asking you a question.
11:54Who are you thinking about?
11:55A wave of guilt hit me.
11:56Could he really tell?
11:58Answer me!
11:58He reached for my chin, but I swerved away.
12:00I took a step back, frowning.
12:02Is that any of your business?
12:04Jack opened his mouth, speechless.
12:05I kept staring at him coldly.
12:07Who are you to care so much?
12:09He said those exact words to me a few days ago.
12:11Hearing them back made him freeze.
12:13Mia, is this some new tactic?
12:15He rubbed his temples, suddenly looking relieved.
12:18Your attitude is getting worse.
12:20Fine, I'll let it slide.
12:21I watched him talk to himself.
12:23He was so annoying and smarmy.
12:24Ethan would never say something so arrogant.
12:26My phone buzzed and my mood lifted.
12:29My parents aren't home this afternoon.
12:30What are we eating?
12:31Jack rolled up his sleeves and headed for my kitchen.
12:34I unlocked my phone.
12:35But before I could even say a word, a sweet voice chimed in from outside.
12:39Jack, are you home?
12:40It was Avery.
12:41I lazily looked up.
12:42Jack froze and looked back at me in panic.
12:44She kept calling.
12:45So I walked to the window.
12:46I poked my head out.
12:47Avery stood at Jack's door, holding breakfast.
12:50She was looking around expectantly.
12:52I didn't invite her.
12:53See?
12:54I rejected her.
12:56I don't know why she's here.
12:57I turned to look at him.
12:58Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.
13:00Jack's voice trembled, frowning.
13:02He shoved his phone at me to show me their texts, desperate for me to believe him.
13:06I've got plans.
13:06You don't need to cook.
13:07The room went dead silent.
13:09Jack's eyes looked dangerously dark.
13:11I already explained.
13:12Are you throwing another fit?
13:13I was speechless.
13:14I told you a million times your life is none of my business.
13:16I don't care who you hang out with.
13:18Isn't this exactly what you always wanted?
13:20His face hardened.
13:21Fine.
13:21He turned and walked out.
13:23Don't regret this.
13:24Downstairs, I heard Avery's excited voice.
13:26She asked him to go to the aquarium.
13:28Before, I would have made a scene.
13:30He was my designated soulmate.
13:32I wanted him all to myself, completely loyal.
13:35And Yon, who came near him, made me furious.
13:36Now, he raised his voice downstairs to say yes.
13:39Smiling, I texted Ethan back.
13:42Sure, see you at noon.
13:44Ethan was quiet, barely any expression on his face.
13:46But the warmth in his eyes captivated me.
13:48For the next few days, I forgot about Jack.
13:50The next Friday, I heard news about him.
13:52We had never gone this long without seeing each other.
13:54Even with Maple State's sprawling campus, I used to cling to him every day to make sure
13:58he behaved.
13:59Apparently, that hot athlete majoring in finance is dating Avery.
14:02I saw them holding hands at the dorms.
14:05Doesn't he have a childhood friend?
14:06Did they have a huge fight?
14:07Who knows?
14:08Haven't seen them around lately.
14:10Probably in a fight.
14:11I packed faster.
14:12Pretending I couldn't hear a word, Ethan had the afternoon off from classes.
14:15So we planned a date at Wonderfall's amusement park.
14:17I couldn't stop smiling thinking of my adorable future husband.
14:20But my smile faded when I saw Jack.
14:22He stood outside the dorm lobby.
14:23His eyes lit up when he saw me.
14:24Let's go.
14:25I forgot that we always went home together on Fridays.
14:28My head ached.
14:28Jack reached out to grab my backpack.
14:30I took a step back.
14:31His eyebrows furrowed.
14:32Are you still mad?
14:33I pressed my lips together in silence.
14:35People walking by started sneaking glances and whispering among themselves.
14:39I caught Avery's name and Jack froze.
14:41He looked at my cold expression.
14:42Are you avoiding me because of some stupid rumors?
14:44I shook my head, then nodded.
14:46I wasn't avoiding him.
14:47I was falling in love and had no time for his drama.
14:49Thou, I did hear the gossip.
14:50Don't listen to them.
14:52We're just on the same team, so obviously we're going to interact.
14:55You can't be this controlling.
14:57The afternoon sun was blinding.
14:58It was so hot outside.
14:59I made Ethan wait for me at the school gate.
15:01Will he get sunburned?
15:02Seeing my silence, Jack took a deep breath, his eyes full of resignation.
15:06Okay, I'm sorry, all right?
15:09I'll clear up the rumors.
15:10I'm still, you're completely in a-
15:11Before he could finish, Avery ran up to us.
15:13Jack?
15:14I thought you said you weren't interested.
15:16Jack's face fell.
15:17As he tried to explain, I bolted.
15:19Sunlight spilled over Ethan standing at the gate, seeing his massive number.
15:23My steps felt light.
15:24It's so hot.
15:25Why aren't you waiting in the shade?
15:27I ran up to him.
15:29Ethan's dark eyes brightened.
15:30He took my backpack with a soft smile.
15:33I wanted to stand where you could see me instantly.
15:35My heart skipped a beat.
15:37Wherever you stand, I'll always see you first.
15:41Summer cicadas screamed overhead, but all I heard was my own heartbeat.
15:45Or maybe his.
15:46Too hot to tell.
15:47I only knew I was burning up.
15:48Ethan had never been to an amusement park.
15:50I dragged him from ride to ride.
15:52He followed quietly, eyes shining like stars.
15:55Ethan, do you have a crush on anyone?
15:57I shoved an ice cream cone into his hand.
15:59I tried to sound casual.
16:00He stared at me for a moment.
16:02Then, he scooped the cherry from his ice cream onto mine.
16:06Not before.
16:08I grinned, teasing him.
16:09How long ago is before?
16:12His lips moved, voice barely above a whisper.
16:15Before I met you.
16:16God, my future husband was adorable.
16:18I couldn't stop grinning.
16:19He looked flustered, his ears turning bright red.
16:22Are you confessing to me?
16:23I ate the cherry, savoring the sweetness.
16:26Ethan thought about it with a serious face.
16:28No.
16:29I stared at him, shocked.
16:30Ethan, are you playing games with me?
16:32He froze, caught off guard.
16:34First time I'd seen him look like that.
16:36I loved it.
16:36It made me want to tease him more.
16:38You say you like me, but won't confess.
16:42How are you any different from Jack?
16:44His eyes flickered at Jack's name.
16:46I cleared my throat, instantly regretting it.
16:48Before I could apologize, he stood up.
16:51Wait here.
16:52He walked away quickly, leaving me panicking.
16:54Comparing him to Jack was a low blow.
16:56I wanted to grab him, but a sudden scream caught my attention.
16:59I turned and saw two familiar faces.
17:01They were near the water slide.
17:02Avery's shirt was soaked.
17:03She was clinging to Jack's chest, looking shy.
17:06Jack frowned, but didn't push her away.
17:08Instead, he wrapped his jacket around her.
17:10They looked like a happy couple.
17:12The crowd around them started cheering.
17:15What a buzzkill.
17:16Why did I keep running into them?
17:18My bad mood grew even worse.
17:19I was about to leave when I locked eyes with Jack.
17:22The second he saw me, he instinctively pushed Avery away.
17:25Caught off guard, Avery got soaked by the water slide.
17:29Jack.
17:29She looked up in confusion, only to see Jack running frantically toward me.
17:33I wanted to walk away, but I had to wait for Ethan.
17:36Jack dashed up to me, out of breath.
17:38Mia, it's not what it looks like.
17:40She said she had tickets and had never been here.
17:41I only came to be nice.
17:42There is absolutely nothing between us.
17:44Just now-
17:44I stared at him blankly, and he slowly shut up.
17:47He panted, waiting for my reaction.
17:49Seeing the coldness in my eyes, he looked shocked.
17:52Mia Carter, I'm out here on a date with another girl.
17:54I rubbed my nose and mumbled.
17:56Who isn't?
17:57Nothing to brag about.
17:58He didn't hear me, his voice growing angry.
18:00Are you not even mad?
18:03I told you, your life is none of my business.
18:05Focus on your date.
18:06Look how soaked she is.
18:08Avery looked furious, chasing after us and grabbing Jack's arm.
18:11Her eyes cut to me, pure provocation.
18:13Mia, can you stop following Jack around?
18:16He's sick.
18:17Jack violently yanked his arm back.
18:19None of your business.
18:20Who are you to talk about Mia like that?
18:21Wow, two absolute psychos.
18:23I stared at them, completely speechless.
18:26Then, a beautiful voice spoke from behind me.
18:28She isn't following you.
18:30She's with me.
18:31I turned around and saw Ethan holding a bouquet of flowers.
18:35My annoyance vanished.
18:36It all clicked.
18:37His lips were pressed together, fine beads of sweat at his temple.
18:41His beautiful eyebrows were knitted together in worry.
18:44Jack stared in disbelief.
18:47You two...
18:48I rushed over and snatched the flowers out of his hands.
18:50Are these for me?
18:52His Adam's apple bobbing.
18:53A soft blush crept up his face.
18:55Yeah.
18:57Mia Carter!
18:59Jack roared behind us.
19:00No class.
19:01Screaming in public like that.
19:03Nothing like Ethan.
19:05Quiet, polite, and gorgeous.
19:07Meeting Ethan made me realize something.
19:09Good guys don't need to be trained from childhood.
19:11They naturally behave themselves.
19:13Ethan was hotter than Jack, yet he had zero drama.
19:16How come no avarice or lilies were ever circling him?
19:18Yet here he is screaming at me.
19:20Mia Carter!
19:21Don't you dare walk away!
19:23Always with the threats, Ethan would never hearing heavy footsteps chasing us.
19:27I grabbed Ethan's hand and bolted.
19:28Wind carried the scent of flowers between us.
19:30Our palms, still laced together, turned warm and damp.
19:33The noise around us fell away.
19:34Just my pulse, and the smile I couldn't fight down.
19:37Eventually, Jack's voice faded.
19:38I knew, Avery must have caught him.
19:40I stopped and met Ethan's bright, shining eyes.
19:43I'm not like him.
19:44Ethan, did we look like we were eloping?
19:45We spoke at the exact same time, freezing in shock.
19:48I burst out laughing.
19:49His ears went beet red, and it took him forever to find his voice.
19:52Yeah.
19:53Mia, I don't want to be like Jack.
19:55I looked up dating guides.
19:57They said confession should be official.
19:59You need a bouquet and to make your feelings clear.
20:01I didn't plan on confessing today, but there were no flowers here.
20:05So I left to buy this bouquet.
20:06He spoke softly, holding the flowers out.
20:08It's still not perfect, but I want to be different.
20:12Mia Carter, I like you.
20:14Could you like me back?
20:16I stared at him, panicking.
20:17He quickly added,
20:18I even memorized the boyfriend rules.
20:20Always accompany Mia.
20:21Always obey her orders.
20:23Always follow blindly.
20:25I stood there, utterly speechless.
20:27How do you even know those?
20:28I stared at his flushed eartips as Ethan spoke in a low, steady voice.
20:32Jack was always complaining about your boyfriend rules back in the dorm.
20:36I memorized every single one after hearing them just once.
20:40I figured if it were me, I'd follow every last rule gladly.
20:46The amusement park breeze drifted past.
20:49Sweet with the scent of cotton candy, I laughed and threw myself into his arms.
20:52Not far away, Jack froze where he stood, watching helplessly as I stood on my toes and kissed Ethan's cheek.
20:57The number above his head flickered wildly before locking in at zero.
21:00We would never see each other again.
21:02Not for the rest of our lives.
21:03After that, Jack tried everything to win me back.
21:06He camped outside my house, deleted every female contact he had, and copied the rulebook dozens of times over.
21:11But I never so much as glanced his way again.
21:14Avery's constant clinging and the campus gossip became chains he'd forged all by himself.
21:18One rainy night, he sat alone in his empty dorm, flipping through old childhood photos, and finally broke down sobbing.
21:24He'd always been so sure I'd wait for him forever.
21:27It wasn't until I walked away for good that he understood.
21:29Those 30,000, some meetings were never some fated soulmate bond.
21:33They were a bubble held up by 19 years of my obsession, and he'd popped it with his own two
21:37hands.
21:38As for Ethan and me, our days were stitched together with quiet, soft little moments.
21:43One weekend morning, I was curled up in his arms reading a book, and when I glanced up, I saw
21:47the number above his head had already blown past 30,000, and it was still climbing slow and steady.
21:52I poked his cheek and grinned.
21:54Have you been hoarding all these little moments with me behind my back?
21:57He leaned down and kissed my forehead, his voice as soft as a cloud.
22:00I'm not hoarding them.
22:02Every single day, every second I spend with you, it all counts as a new reason to fall for you
22:08all over again.
22:09Turns out those numbers fate gives you were never set in stone.
22:12The wrong person will burn through every last chance you give them, but the right person, they'll love you so
22:16well that every meeting turns into forever.