I was uncomfortable delving into other people's family matters, and I had so many questions in my head that I didn't know where to begin."Sorry for having you experience this kind of stuff again," Kevin muttered seriously as we sat in the Japanese restaurant and locked the door to our room."No, I'm sorry as well."I'm not sure what Alvin and Kevin did to enrage an elderly man, but based on what they were saying, it had something to do with it."Do you...have anything you'd like to ask?" He inquired.I shook my head and nodded. I had so many questions I wanted to ask, but by the time they were on the tip of my tongue, none of them seemed particularly significant."Will you be in trouble for what occurred today?" I finally inquired.Kevin did not say yes or no, but rather, "I can handle it."That would be a yes. I was downcast.I'm always causing him problems.But I couldn't keep my emotions from him."Don't hold it against yourself," he said. "Even without you, it would happen sooner
"Alvin." Kevin was interrupted."Breaking and entering is illegal. You should leave right now.""It's not trespassing because Jill handed me the key." Alvin turned to face Kevin. "What are you scared of? Are you worried that our old love is still alive and well? Or that he is merely grateful and reliant on you?""Has Jill told you he likes you yet?" He let out a small laugh. "You see, beautiful creatures are always devious, enticing you into ecstasy without making any promises.""But he's already said it to me. He's said it a thousand times to me. You can never compare in that area."I couldn't take it any longer.My genuine feelings for him were now his source of pride.For me, all of this talk about change was just ego."Sir, don't worry about him."I led Kevin into the bedroom. The cello and the letter box were prominently displayed. I handed the cello to Kevin and picked up the box on my own.I was aware that Alvin was following us, but I refused to look at him.He blocked the do
It took a few days for me to figure out what he meant by "okay."As usual, we went for a walk after dinner. Kevin had specifically requested that a coat be brought. I assumed it was to avoid the cold, but I didn't anticipate him to accompany me to the summit of the mountain, which took more than an hour due to our frequent breaks.I walked for less than 30 minutes on my own before he lifted me up behind his back.There was an unoccupied balcony at the top of the mountain where a telescope and tent had been set up ahead of time, and I had a notion of what he was up to.The tent was large, carpeted for comfort, and stocked with basic essentials.Kevin requested that I take a break. He built a fire outside and torched a saucepan of boiling water.I assumed he was well-cared for and never touched dirt or creek water. I wasn't expecting him to be so swift at his work and have such a calm and leisurely demeanour that simply watching him construct a fire was a pleasure.It was already gettin
When we returned home, I discovered that the entire house had been rearranged, and there were bouquets, garlands, and balloons everywhere.Kevin and I were blasted with bright sparkles as soon as we walked through the door, accompanied by a "Happy Birthday" song.For the first time, a large number of people celebrated my birthday. I felt both thrilled and overwhelmed.What was even more surprising was the presence of Adam and Nora."Happy birthday, Little Jill."Nora gave a curious and pleasant smile as she looked at Kevin and then at me."Jill!" Adam ran over as well.I braced myself for the blow, but he paused, hugged me lightly, and said, "Happy Birthday!"Their enthusiasm had left me dazed. People approached me on the sofa in a trance, begging me to sit down and open the gifts.Everyone was making a lot of noise and smiling. The kitchen was busy, and people came in and out at random. I eventually became joyful after being infected by this celebratory atmosphere.Kevin went into th
On the phone screen, I noticed Alvin's number.I hesitated before getting up, going to the window, and picking up the phone.I'm not going to run away any longer."Hello."There was no immediate response, and all that could be heard were rapid breaths as if he didn't trust the call would be answered.Finally, I heard Alvin's voice. "Happy Birthday, Jill."If I recall correctly, that was the first time he wished me a happy birthday. It was hilarious because he never said it in all the years I had known him.But now that I'm gone, he said it.On the same day last year, I arranged a feast at home. He invited me to the workplace before I finished, where he slammed me against the window and did me several times after signing the contract.I wasn't an exhibitionist, and I was nervous taking it there, but he couldn't care less. He simply behaved out and spewed on me, as if I were a hole.The alcohol's effect was enormously enhanced in the dark. It would be a lie to suggest that I was uninter
My eyes started to shake, and just as I was about to give up, he leaned over, kissed my cheek, and said, "I'm leaving."I jumped out of bed as soon as the door closed and hurried to the window to look down.Kevin emerged from the door after some time. He unexpectedly halted on his way to the gate and turned his head to look in the direction of my chamber, as if he had detected something.I quickly closed the curtains and hid behind my back. When I looked out again, he was already gone.I wasn't sure if I'd been found out.Business travels were wonderful. I didn't know how to approach him, and I'm sure he felt the same way.Kevin was not present. I didn't want to do anything. Although only one person had left, I had the sense that the entire house had been deserted.I couldn't stop muttering. You're fleeing after looting my lips, coward.He claimed to love me, but he never stayed by my side. It was all a ruse, after all. It wasn't true.Forget about it. Why am I acting so childishly? I
Nora gave me a glance."Before I observed Kevin's attitude towards you, I imagined he was the type of person who was friendly but uncaring."Friendly but unengaged? Indeed, I felt the same way at the start of our encounter.Nora thought for a moment. "He is incredibly polite and cordial to everyone, but he has very complex restrictions that make it difficult to go any farther," Nora thought long and hard."I'll add that before that, I always thought he was cold-blooded. His cold-bloodedness was not the same as Alvin's. Alvin would get enraged and have emotional distress, but he would not.""Kevin... cold-blooded?" These words did not sit well with me."Yeah, I was surprised when he expressed an interest in your academics because he was never inquisitive," Nora said with a smile. "I realize now that his coldness is saved for all of us who are worthless."Instead of dispelling my doubts, this only increased them. "Why... what makes me special?"Nora appeared unsure. "Oh, yeah, I have o
Before inserting the disc into the projector, I waited for a moment. It would have been way too embarrassing if it had contained Kevin's adult collection.Thankfully, it wasn't.After a few seconds, the screen turned black, and a little stage appeared. I paid attention to what the presenter stated."Now, please welcome Jillian from class F. He will perform 'The Snow Prince' as a solo. Please have fun!"Class F?Oh, yes, this was my high school graduation recital.The curtain parted to expose my 16-year-old face, considerably younger than it was now, with a sombre expression and an indescribably funny tinge of baby fat.My eyes sparkled. I wasn't always as ugly as I am now... Maybe Kevin fell in love with the old and lovely me?The footage, which the school kept for archive purposes, was in high definition. I recognized a familiar face as the camera went across the audience.I returned to pause the footage. It was Kevin.In his twenties, he looked much different, with bright eyes and