Chapter 3 Solemn

Melody shook me awake the next morning. "It's nearly ten. I thought you had an errand to run. Are you sure you're not running late? I'm going to the campus. Want to come with?"

She'd freshened herself up while I was out like a light. There was breakfast sitting on the table. I knew she must've gotten it from that place downstairs, and there was always a long queue for it.

All the dejection I'd felt yesterday night was swept away.

Our clothes were entwined with one another on the balcony. The cabinet was filled with the drinks she loved as well as the alcohol and tea I adored. We'd been together for nine months. She'd been nice to me this entire time. She was the one to cook and clean and take care of me.

If…

"FMC is so kind. That side character's so touched just from that little gesture. LMAO. I think he's going to cry. God, he's so gullible."

"FMC is going to grab that present for MMC. It's a family heirloom. But the side character's still the boyfriend, so she bought him breakfast and showered him with a little kind gesture. It's amazing how that's all it took to move him. Then again, that's the FMC for you."

"No wonder she's so excited today. The present explains things. Woof, look at how that aloof girl turned into a clingy one. Oh, I can't wait for the actual couple stuff later."

"I think the side character should just go back with the FMC. It's not like he has a lot of friends with that problematic personality. He's going to hide in the shadows, hurt the FMC, and pay dearly for it."

All the mockery in the comments swept away the lingering fondness I had for Melody. I scrutinized Melody from head to toe. She didn't flinch like she usually did.

Instead, she leaned her head in and said seductively, "So, you finally got over that rut last night, and now you want a kiss? Only a bit though."

She held my chin. I felt her breath on my skin, but my eyes caught the box she was hiding behind her back. It was wrapped neatly. I couldn't believe how this snake of a woman wanted to get back with her true love while taking advantage of me.

I shoved her away and cursed, "Get away from me, you trash!"

She blinked at me innocently. "What's wrong, my little pookie? You've been acting weird since last night. What did I do? You need to tell me if you want me to fix it."

I was going to say something, but Melody's phone rang. She glanced at me before going to the balcony to pick it up.

I closed in and could vaguely hear a warm voice coming from the other end. More specifically, it was a man's voice.

"MMC is back! She couldn't even be bothered with the side character once she saw the ID on her screen. Look at his face! My God, it's so hilarious!"

"She's smiling so brightly. I bet she'll go right back to MMC the moment he crooks a finger at her."

"I bet a corn chip she's going to MMC right away. The side character's going to get it!"

"You just want a free corn chip."

"I don't think the side character's done anything wrong."

"Oh, shut up. Don't you know that it's always canon above all else. The side character's just a useful plot device."

"If you don't like it, don't read it. Leave us canon shippers alone."

…

"Let's go to campus." Melody's voice snapped me out of the comments, causing me to stare at her blankly.

"Why are you going to the campus today?"

She blinked but said nothing.

She tried to help me with my backpack. "I have something to do."

I refused to let go of my straps. "You can tell me. And what have you got hiding behind you?"

Melody said nothing. Her phone rang again. This time, she took the call without putting some distance between us. Before the caller could say anything, she immediately answered, "I'll be right there."

She was going to leave, so I said solemnly, "Leave, and we're breaking up."

Melody paused and turned to look at me.

Finally, she replied seriously, "You can do anything you want, but never talk about breaking up like it's a grocery list. I'm serious about the business on campus. You'll understand what I mean someday."