Chapter 1 Wake Up From a Dream

"Don't be mean."

Malcolm ruffled Salome's hair. When an idea occurred to him, he let out a chuckle.

"Salome, do you reckon Elliot would find out we have been secretly together for over three years any time soon?"

She nuzzled against his cheek affectionately.

"There's no way a dense man like him could ever figure it out. Come on, the fireworks are starting. Forget about him."

I was rooted to the spot.

I watched as the couple walked away from the stall holding hands and drifted into silhouettes.

…

Nearby, a countdown to the fireworks display appeared on the digital screen.

The crowd counted down in anticipation.

"Three! Two! One!"

As midnight fell, golden sparks struck across the night sky before pouring down like drizzling rain.

I had woken from my decade-long dream.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

After disappearing on me for an entire day, Malcolm finally deigned to reply to my message.

"Elliot, I'm sorry I was occupied yesterday and didn't hang out with you. I promise we'll celebrate it next year."

I checked his story on Facebook.

His recent story featured a greeting card, and I recognized the handwriting at first glance.

"Cheers to another year with you. May good health and happiness always be with you."

Salome's handwriting spoke for her character—neat and elegant.

I had begged her more than once to write my name as a keepsake, yet she turned me down.

"Elliot, I would rather not waste my time on trivial matters."

But now, she poured her heart out and wrote a warm wish on the greeting card. Every single word was devoted to Malcolm.

My finger hovered over the screen before I steeled my mind and dialed his number. On the other end of the street, his expression visibly panicked.

Amidst the celebrating crowd, he attempted to keep a cool composure.

"What is it, Elliot? Why are you calling at this hour?"

I skipped pleasantries and cut to the chase. "Where are you?"

He was momentarily taken aback before letting out a casual chuckle.

"I'm on a date. What's the matter? Shouldn't you be celebrating New Year with your girlfriend? Don't worry. I'll give her an earful when I see her next time."

"Turn around," I simply ordered and hung up.

Not far away, both of them stiffened. Their faces went pale when they recognized me.

I pushed past the crowd to approach them.

They unceremoniously unclasped their intertwined fingers. Their cheeks were red with embarrassment of being caught red-handed.

"Elliot, what are you doing here?" Malcolm asked, unable to look me in the eyes.

Noticing my unzipped jacket, Salome furrowed her brows. "Why are you following us?"

She instinctively stepped forward to pull up my jacket's zipper.

A familiar minty scent hit me.

It used to comfort me, but now I found it intolerable.

I took a step back, leaving her extended hand freezing in the air.

Suppressing the tremor in my voice, I demanded an explanation. "Care to explain what's happening between the two of you?"

Malcolm involuntarily looked away, visibly guilty. "Elliot, it's not what you think. It's just that I'm tired of people trying to set me up with other girls, so I asked Salome to pretend to be my girlfriend. We didn't mean to keep it a secret."

I tasted bile on my tongue.

I had known Salome since childhood, and Malcolm was my best friend for ten years.

Yet, both of them readily isolated me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

The ride I had hailed earlier had arrived at the pickup location, and the driver was urging me to get in the car.

I gave them a pained look.

"You have been together behind my back, yet you kept it a secret from me for three years."

Salome's frown deepened.

"Elliot, your accusation is uncalled for. I feel insulted."

Although they claimed they couldn't stand each other, they rushed to defend each other and made me the outsider.

My past efforts to smooth their relationships were in vain.

A breeze brushed past us. The small bells on their wrists jingled melodiously.

Usually, I would indignantly argue with Salome.

But now, I noticed their matching bracelets. I realized there was nothing to fight for. I exhaled deeply and announced, "Let's break up, Salome."