Chapter 4 He Left

Something froze my heart. I didn't need the comments to tell me that Melody was going out to meet her true love and give him that present. The only reason why she didn't want to break up with me just yet was because she needed me to push their relationship further.

We were one semester away from graduation, and most couples always broke up during graduation season. I used to think Melody and I would be the exception to the rule, but we weren't. It didn't matter how sweet our relationship was, as the end was inevitable.

The movers came as arranged. My parents never wanted me to live too far away from home, and my brother did tell me to never decide where my future would be based on my relationship.

When they found out the breakup was on the horizon, they promptly arranged the best and most expensive moving team around and got me a studio apartment near campus.

All my stuff was cleaned out of the apartment in just a single hour. The efficiency amazed me. This place held so many memories, and now it was devoid of anything that had me in it. I couldn't help but linger as something inside me didn't want to say goodbye.

The team thought I was inspecting their work, so they smiled at me and said, "Don't worry, sir. Couples moving out after their breakup is one of our regular jobs. We're pros.

"We've made sure that not a single article of your belongings stays behind, and not a single item belonging to your ex will be coming with you. You'll be completely out of each other's lives from now on. She has no reason to come to you."

I nodded dumbly.

My senior texted me the confirmation letter for the two-month exchange program overseas. I dearly wanted to go, but I tossed that program to the back burner after I started dating Melody.

"I bet he'll say no. There's no way he'll give up the beautiful and talented FMC for an overseas exchange program. It'll kill him!"

"I'd love it if he says no. I want to see how horrible his end is!"

…

Those comments and my breakup weighed down on my heart like lead, making it hard for me to breathe.

My senior was going through the menu as he placed the form in front of me. "It's a rare opportunity. Miss it, and it's all over. Think about it."

The crowd beside us suddenly swarmed around something. Soon, I saw who they were circling around. It was Melody and Mike. They were in an embrace as the crowd whooped and cheered.

Melody's best friend was giving them a knowing smile, and she looked excited. "I told you Mike and Melody's the real couple. Ronald's just a stopgap measure."

She turned around, saw me, and froze. My eyes went over her head, and I saw Mike smile in my direction. I knew he saw me the second he arched his eyebrow smugly at me. That look right there was a challenge, and I'd lost.

"That's your…" My senior didn't finish the sentence.

I couldn't take it anymore, so I made up an excuse to get away from the scene. Then, I held up the pen and signed my name on the form.

I blocked Melody on every single social platform and made sure she couldn't contact me after I went back to my new place. I worked myself to the bone for the next two days. As a result, my plans for the exchange program took over the empty spot that Melody left behind.

I was already at the airport when Melody contacted me. She was using Christina Clayman's phone. I had a feeling it was her, so I answered.

"Where are you? I'm coming over."

Her voice made my heart sting, and I hated it because I knew I'd break down in public if whatever this was continued for a second longer.

Still, I soldiered on and said, "I saw you hugging another man that day, Melody. I know you've always loved Mike. I won't get in your way. Don't worry. I won't slander your good name. Let's never see each other again."

I hung up, feeling the negativity swirling inside me fade bit by bit.

Now, I could finally face the bright future I had ahead of me.

…

Melody stared at the empty house and the number she couldn't get through. She fell to the ground and sobbed her heart out. "Why?"

She thought, 'What do you mean I was with another man? What do you mean you don't want us to see each other again?'

She knew I could be short-tempered, but I wasn't the kind who would make big decisions that easily. She knew something wrong must've happened, so she pulled up the house's surveillance footage using her phone.