Chapter 3

I was—perhaps—the only one who felt that way, though. I looked down and ate a piece of the orange before the male classmate beside me suddenly gestured wildly at the screen. "Why is the girl holding an umbrella over you, Caleb? Did she use to have a crush on you?"

In that instant, the discussion shifted over to me.

I simply shook my head and replied, "It was just a coincidence—she was passing by."

That classmate persisted, though, saying, "It's a shame that she isn't here today; after all, she's clearly interested in you. You should give her a chance, Caleb. I think you guys would be perfect together."

Faye was smoothly pouring a glass of water for Xavier on the other side, seemingly oblivious to our conversation.

I smiled faintly and said, "It won't be necessary since I already have a girlfriend."

I noticed Faye suddenly going rigid, her fingernails digging into her palms. I knew her well enough to know she feared I would speak recklessly.

That classmate caught hold of my arm and asked loudly, "Who is it? Is it someone from our class, Caleb?"

I could feel dozens of people staring at me, but I maintained my smile exactly as it was and nodded, replying, "Yes."

In that instant, everyone in the room erupted with excitement, demanding to know who she was.

Faye's expression gradually soured as she lowered her head to look at her phone, tapping frantically at the screen.

I noticed my phone vibrating twice, but I paid it no attention. I simply said, "She had something to take care of and couldn't come."

There were seven or eight female classmates who hadn't shown up that day.

Richard looked disappointed. He was just about to follow up with another question when Xavier suddenly cut him off with a shout as his glass tipped over, spilling water all over his pants.

Faye immediately reached for tissues to wipe it, but Xavier stopped her while bending forward with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry. I didn't hold onto it properly."

"It's fine. I'll go back with you so that you can change into something else before you catch a cold."

Faye left with Xavier, and since the documentary was no longer interesting, everyone dispersed from the AV room.

I returned to my room and noticed that the suitcase was open—Faye had taken her clothes and cosmetics bag.

I spent the whole night staring at my phone, and the unread notifications on my screen remained the two messages she sent—"Don't say anything," and "Don't ruin the moment."

I, as her rightful boyfriend, couldn't ruin the flirtatious vibe between her and Xavier.

It was just like the charity bazaar during sophomore year; even though I brought in the most money, I had to let Xavier have the award so I wouldn't overshadow the class heartthrob.

It was also just like the junior-year tennis tournament—just because Xavier said he wanted to try playing in a match, I had to drop out so that I wouldn't dampen his spirits.

In the past three years, Faye had been very good to me. She had brought me water during games and knitted me scarves when it got cold. She had done everything a girlfriend should do, aside from not agreeing to make our relationship public.

I, however, was always sidelined whenever Xavier was involved.

It was already dawn, yet there was still nothing from my phone. I stared out the window at the rising sun, feeling increasingly calm inside.

That day's itinerary was sightseeing. Faye and Xavier wore their red wristbands and stayed side-by-side the entire time.

Xavier was carrying the camera I had bought for Faye. He took photos of her at every trendy photo spot and snapped selfies of the two of them in front of the attractions.

Those around asked about my future plans while we were resting by the bridge. "Do you plan to stay in Sundermere or go back to Borrengate, Caleb?"

I replied calmly, "I'll be returning to Borrengate."

Faye wiped the sweat off Xavier, occasionally glancing in my direction.

Richard nudged Faye, asking, "You'll definitely be staying in Sundermere since Xavier is a Sundermere native, right?"

Faye replied without any hesitation, "Of course."

Xavier lowered his eyes with a smirk and quietly shifted over, pressing himself close against Faye.

It was then that one of the classmates furrowed their brow in confusion and asked, "Haven't you already found a job in Sundermere, Caleb? Why are you suddenly returning to Borrengate?"

I smiled faintly and replied, "I turned down the job offer since I wanted to be closer to my parents."

"Is that really the reason? Is it really for your parents—or actually for your girlfriend?"

They crowded around eagerly for gossip as my smile widened. "It's a bit of both since my parents are getting older, so I want to stay nearby to look after them, and my girlfriend has also decided to settle down in Borrengate, too."

They kept teasing me and demanded to know my girlfriend's name, but I simply shook my head and held my tongue.

Faye caught me outside the restroom at the next sightseeing spot. "Did you actually quit your job, Caleb?"