Chapter 2
Knowing Aleena had student loans to pay off, I picked a place right in the middle of everything and took care of all the bills—rent, utilities, the whole deal. I just wanted her to save as much money as possible.
Of course, it wasn't all one-sided.
Back in college, she'd grab my packages and even clean up our dorm for me.
After we started living together, she took care of all the housework herself.
I never thought it was unfair.
But I'd always seen her as my best friend, and for her to use those underhanded tricks to snatch my boyfriend just to live the good life. It broke my heart and made me furious.
She was the one who turned her back on me first, so she couldn't blame me for acting like a stranger now.
That night, I was wide awake, plagued by insomnia.
I tossed and turned until past three, barely managing to fall asleep in a haze of exhaustion.
When I finally woke up the next day, it was already ten in the morning.
At eight, Vanni texted me: [Good morning, baby.]
I replied: [Good morning.]
About five minutes later, he texted back: [Sleepyhead, just woke up?]
I replied: [Yeah, sleeping in on the weekend.]
Vanni said: [That's totally allowed. Don't forget our date tonight!]
I replied: [Don't worry, I won't.]
I added: [Alright, let's check in later. Promise you'll be there.]
Vanni said: [Of course, wouldn't miss it for anything.]
*****
[Aleena still hasn't realized what's going on. She's in real trouble now.]
[There are still a few hours left. She could totally turn things around.]
[Maybe Jennifer will get taken out on her way to the meetup.]
[Who knows, maybe that'll actually happen!]
Thanks for the reminder, everyone. I would make sure to stay extra cautious.
Once the chat wrapped up, I dragged myself out of bed and took my sweet time getting dressed.
When I walked into the living room, I saw a note from Aleena on the dining table: [There's creamy oatmeal in the kitchen. Make sure you eat breakfast.]
I had mixed feelings.
Aleena was only a year older than me, but she always looked after me, treating me like her little sister. She fussed over me like family.
She knew I loved sleeping in on weekends and usually skipped breakfast, so she'd always leave breakfast for me.
Back then, I used to be touched by her kindness, but now it just feels insincere.
I walked into the kitchen, stared at the creamy oatmeal in the pot for a few seconds, then picked up the pot and dumped it straight into the trash.
[Holy crap! Jennifer just threw away the oatmeal Aleena made for her. Is she actually reborn or something?]
[That's totally possible. I just hope Aleena catches on soon, or she's gonna end up in big trouble.]
[No need to worry. Aleena's the real female lead. Jennifer's just a side character. She can't make any real waves.]
Around three in the afternoon, Aleena texted me.
Aleena asked: [Jennifer, I have to work late today, so I'll be home a bit late. Make yourself something to eat, or just order takeout. I'll cook sweet and sour ribs for you tomorrow.]
I replied: [Don't worry about me. Just focus on your job and don't let them dock your pay.]
Aleena said: [Got it. I made you some mango sago and had it delivered. It's extra loaded, so drink it while it's fresh!]
I replied: [Okay, thanks.]
Aleena said: [Don't be so formal with me.]
I replied: [Okay, I take it back then.]
After joking around for a bit, she wrapped up the chat because a customer came in.
About ten minutes later, the delivery guy delivered the mango sago.
Right after I flushed the drink down the toilet, the comment section exploded again.
[Oh no! I'm starting to think Jennifer didn't just travel through time. She might've gotten a second chance after Aleena lead did.]
[Seriously, how else would she know Aleena used water loaded with bacteria in the mango sago?]
[Doesn't that mean Aleena's in even deeper trouble now?]
[Don't worry, Aleena will totally catch on and pull off a flawless comeback.]
[Am I the only one who wants to see the bad girl crash and burn?]
[Honestly, I kinda agree. I wanna see it happen too.]
*****
I stared at the empty bottle in my hand, totally frozen.
My stomach had always been weak. If I ate anything sketchy, I was running to the bathroom in no time.
She really pulled out all the stops just to make sure I stayed home.
I guessed I was way too naive about her.
Maybe she just wanted to check if I really drank the mango sago.
Aleena texted me again, testing the waters.
I told her my stomach was feeling off, probably because the takeout must've been bad.
She believed me right away and even went online to buy me some meds.
That evening, I arrived at the square twenty minutes ahead of time.
Instead of going straight to the meeting spot, I hid behind the bus stop ad board, watching from there.
Ten minutes later, a good-looking guy showed up with pink roses in his hand.
He walked right over to the south side of the fountain, waiting nervously.
If nothing unexpected happened, this was probably my online boyfriend.
He was the male lead everyone in the comments kept talking about—Giovanni Reyes.
About five minutes later, Aleena showed up.
She knew I'd be wearing a white dress for our IRL meetup, so she wore one too. Hers was strapless.
I had to admit that Aleena really had a killer figure.
As soon as she showed up, she caught everyone's attention, including Giovanni's.
Maybe she was feeling guilty, so she wore a mask, probably hoping to hide it, but honestly, it just made her stand out even more.
Giovanni strode over to Aleena, holding the flowers.
They were too far away for me to hear what they were saying.
But judging by the way Giovanni was acting all close and affectionate, he was clearly into Aleena.
Not gonna lie, just by looks alone, they really seemed like a perfect match.
After a quick chat, Giovanni reached for Aleena's hand and they headed for the mall doors together.
I didn't rush over to confront them. Instead, I casually took out my phone and dialed Giovanni.
Giovanni answered, his tone icy. "Yeah? Who's this? What do you want?"
I acted like I didn't notice anything and said sweetly, "Babe, I'm here. Where are you?"