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