“What does everyone want to eat later? It’s on me,” Josh suddenly appeared.
Because of Summer, he hadn’t played much
and seemed disinterested, “What about you, Sarah? Any suggestions?”
Summer glared at me.
But Josh didn’t seem to notice or care, taking
out his phone to search, “There’s a good Wagyu
beef place on the fourth floor, I’m a member
there, I’ll call and make a reservation.”
I wasn’t interested. Even if I wanted to eat, I
didn’t want to eat with him and Summer.
“I have something to do back at school, so I
won’t be joining you guys.”
484
CheeseLover looked disappointed, “Aw, that’s too bad. Let’s get together another time?”
Josh persisted, “What’s up? Is it important? It’s break, what do you have to do at school?”
I nodded, “Yes, very important.”
Seeing my firm stance, Josh didn’t push further.
As soon as I got on the subway, I frantically messaged Chloe, summarizing everything with:
“My eighteen years of dignity are gone! How am I supposed to show my face in EECS
again?!”
Chloe was strangely silent for a long time, then
finally replied, “You know, I think Ethan Payne
likes you.”
<
12
10:51
484
My hand trembled, and I almost dropped my phone.
“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re on different levels.”
Chloe argued, “Seriously! Don’t you think it’s too much of a coincidence? If standing up for you against your ex was out of departmental loyalty, then what about blocking that guy who was hitting on you? And what about showing up at the gaming center today?”
…
I recalled the moment I’d practically fallen into
his arms, my ears burning.
‘…But wouldn’t that be wishful thinking? What if
he doesn’t feel the same way?”
Chlon didn’t only
<
Just when I thought my connection had
dropped, she finally sent a message.
“I don’t know if he likes you, but I’m certain of
one thing – Sarah, you like him.”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving
me stunned.
I instinctively wanted to deny it, typing and
deleting several messages, only the sound of my heartbeat filling the silence.
“Sarah, haven’t you noticed? You never used to
care if someone liked you back.”
:-
Back in the dorm, I wanted to take a nap, but I
couldn’t fall asleep no matter how much I
tossed and turned.
<
10:51
I opened WeChat. Chloe’s message was still
there.
“If you like him, go for it!”
Ugh.
I sighed sadly.
I’d never been in a relationship before. Before meeting Ethan Payne, I never knew liking someone could be so complicated.
All my emotions were amplified, out of control.
I stared at Ethan’s profile picture for a long
time.
Should I… give it a try?
After much deliberation, I finally came up with
an excuse.
<
10:51
484
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to treat you to dinner,
are you free tonight?”
7
A few minutes later, Ethan replied, “Are you
done with your important business?”
I felt a pang of guilt.
If he knew my “very important” business was
taking a nap, I wonder what his reaction would be.
“All done, all done. Just wondering if you’re
free.”
After a while, he replied, “Sure.”
I immediately started searching for nearby
restaurants.
But before I could choose, Ethan sent another
message, “Let’s just eat at the South Campus
dining hall.”
<
10:51
Me: “…Isn’t that a bit too casual?”
Whether it was to express my gratitude or to
pursue him, the dining hall didn’t seem
appropriate.
Ethan: “The dining hall is fine.”
Fine.
I started thinking about what to talk to him
about during dinner, and how to apologize for
the earlier misunderstanding…
484
CheeseLover suddenly messaged, “Sarah, guess
what? Josh and his girlfriend broke up!”
