He Spoiled My Best Friend, so I Disappeared

I walked into the movie theater alone and bought a ticket for the sci-fi flick I’d been dying to see for ages.

I figured I'd just treat this as a date with myself.

But right then, I heard someone call my name. I glanced up.

"Stella."

I spotted Maya waving as she strolled toward me.

Alessio was right behind her, carrying Maya’s limited-edition handbag on his shoulder with her trench coat draped over his arm.

He stopped, his handsome brows furrowing in displeasure.

"Stella, just this once."

"What?"

"We were about to leave, but Maya insisted on coming over to keep you company. Don't throw a tantrum like this next time."

Even though I was his girlfriend, Alessio always spoke to me like I was one of his soldiers.

Cold and blunt.

Only when he spoke to Maya did his tone soften into something more intimate.

I was jealous, and it hurt.

Alessio just said he was used to it and told me not to be so petty.

I used to comfort myself by thinking that maybe if we stayed together longer, he would change.

But now, I didn't want to wait anymore.

Maya lightly punched Alessio in the chest. "Don't be mean to Stella. If you make her cry, I won't forgive you."

"Whatever you say." Alessio dipped his head slightly, his tone carrying a spoiling affection I had never received from him. "You just spoil her. You've completely ruined her."

Maya leaned in, linked arms with me, and rolled her eyes at him.

"Stella is my best friend. If I don't spoil her, should I spoil you, my ex?"

Alessio rubbed her head, looking helpless but fond.

I looked away, not wanting to watch them flirt anymore, and got ready to head inside.

Alessio saw the ticket in my hand and frowned, his tone demanding: "Why this one? Don't you know Maya loves horror movies?"

"I thought you guys weren't coming. I'm scared of horror movies, so..."

"Swap it for the horror flick."

Alessio didn't even let me finish before demanding we switch to the horror movie Maya had been raving about for ages.

"Wait," Maya paused, sounding like she was compromising. "Let's just watch the sci-fi one."

"No," Alessio said firmly. "You've been talking about this horror movie for a month. We're finally here, you should enjoy it."

My hand tightened around my ticket.

So, the one who had been begging to go to the movies for a month was Maya.

Maya mentioned it for a month, and Alessio kept it in his mind for a month.

No wonder he had rejected me every time I asked him to go to the movies.

Except for this time.

Maya glanced at me, then at Alessio, looking conflicted. "Stella can't handle horror movies."

Alessio stared at me, his brows furrowing slightly.

A moment later, he simply went to buy new tickets. When he came back, he said comfortingly, "Don't worry, I'll be sitting right next to you. There's nothing to be afraid of."

I didn't say a word.

Just like countless times before, he just assumed I was fine with it.

Alessio rented out the entire theater. Maya walked in and went straight for the best seat in the middle.

As soon as she sat down, she perked up. "We can't watch a movie without snacks, right?"

Alessio stopped her from getting up. "Stay put, I'll go buy them for you."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "Remember my order?"

Alessio rattled it off effortlessly. "Caramel popcorn mixed with double butter, and only the right Skittles added in..."

Maya smiled and cut him off. "Alright, don't show off your memory. Go get it."

I stood up to follow him.

Maya grabbed my arm. "Where are you going?"

"To get something to drink."

"Just let Alessio do it. When we were dating, he was always so eager to please."

I looked up and locked eyes with Alessio.