Chapter 2

To prove that my future self was lying, and that Sarah would never change, I deliberately sat on the steps beside the school field after class that afternoon and made a childish request.

"I'm craving cinnamon rolls from that shop in Southside, Sarah."

The shop I was referring to was three blocks away from our school, and there was always a long line. However, Sarah didn't hesitate. She shoved her backpack into my arms and affectionately ruffled my hair.

"Stay right here. Your girlfriend is going to get those cinnamon rolls for you! I'll make sure you get to eat them while they're still hot!" she declared.

As she took off running, the hem of her school uniform flapped in the wind. Seeing her earnestly run off to get me what I wanted made me tear up.

40 minutes later, she came back, drenched in sweat. Clutching a box of cinnamon rolls protectively, she fed me a piece and said, "Here—eat it while it's still warm. I kept the box tucked under my jacket on my way back so they wouldn't get cold."

The cinnamon rolls were still warm. Sarah was smiling brightly at me as she waited for me to compliment her.

I opened my mouth and took a bite. The dessert tasted incredibly sweet.

My doubts finally disappeared. Turning toward the man who was floating in midair, I gave him a smug look and spat, "Did you see that? She ran three whole blocks just to get these for me. She'd never think my requests are too much trouble, and she'd never call me high-maintenance, either."

The man stared at me without saying a single word. Moments later, he let out a small sigh.

"You tried to convince yourself in the same way back then. You kept lying to yourself even after she abandoned you at your birthday party and dashed out to look for Kayden. You told yourself she was only trying to help someone in need, and that she had a kind heart."

"Just shut up," I cut him off impatiently. "You're just jealous of me. Sarah promised that she'd never treat anyone else the same way she treats me."

The man drifted closer until he was standing right in front of me.

"Let's make a bet then. We'll give it a month. Even if her feelings waver slightly, you'll have to listen to me and leave her."

I took another bite of my cinnamon roll. "Fine! Once you lose, get the hell out of here and stop badmouthing my relationship!"

…

The next day, our homeroom teacher brought a new student into the class.

"This is your new classmate, Kayden Smith," she declared. "Please give him a warm welcome."

Kayden stood at the front of the classroom with his head lowered, nervously fidgeting with his fingers.

He had fair skin and a slender build. His school uniform looked incredibly faded, and the edges of his shoes were coming apart. He looked awkward and painfully self-conscious.

Sarah was our class president. So, she knew what was going on with every student in our class. After speaking to our homeroom teacher, she learned that Kayden came from a poor background, and his family was drowning in debt. To pay for his tuition, his father even nearly had his legs broken.

Once Sarah found out about this, she decided to help him apply for the school's financial aid program.

"You have no idea how much he's been through, Elliot. He's just a student, but his health is poor, and he's carrying so much on his shoulders.

"As the class president, I can't just stand by and do nothing when I'm aware of his situation, right? I should help him wherever I can. Don't you agree?"

After class that afternoon, Sarah placed the financial-aid application on Kayden's desk. She had deliberately waited until the classroom was empty between periods so he wouldn't feel embarrassed.

"Fill this out as soon as you can, Kayden. Feel free to approach me if you have any questions," she told him.

From two rows of tables away, I watched Kayden's face turn bright red.

"Thank you… Thank you, Sarah," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

Sarah flashed him a smile. "Don't mention it."

For the rest of the day, Kayden stayed hunched over his desk, filling out the application. Now and then, he'd carefully glance back toward our seat.

I knew that he was looking at Sarah.

When Sarah sensed his eyes on her, she'd look up and glance in his direction. Then, he'd quickly lower his head again before blushing profusely.

"See? Lending someone a helping hand does make a difference," Sarah said, with a chuckle. "Kayden looks a lot more outgoing than he was the day he joined our class. At the very least, he's mustered up the courage to look at others."

I pressed my lips together and said nothing.

I didn't dislike Kayden just because he was another guy. If anything, I felt sorry for him. However, I didn't want to lose to him either.