Chapter 4

"You picked those flowers, too?" I asked, my whole body trembling.

That night, I threw a huge tantrum. It was the first time I had doubted Marvin's feelings for me.

But when Marvin came back, he apologized sincerely, brought a big bouquet, and spent the whole night trying to make it up to me.

I knew that match had his favorite player, so I forgave him.

"Obviously," Vivian said with a smug grin. "Did you expect Marvin, the classic clueless straight guy, to suddenly get romantic?

"Serena, ever since I came back, I've been the one helping him pick out all your gifts."

I stared at Marvin in disbelief.

"I saw you liked what Vivian picked, so I let her handle it," Marvin said, awkwardly turning his head away and trying to take my hand.

He added softly, "Serena, let's find somewhere private to talk. There are too many people here."

"No need," I said, shaking off his hand and taking a deep breath. "Marvin, you make me sick."

The early winter wind stung my cheeks, but I didn't feel the cold at all. I kept moving forward.

Marvin didn't come after me.

I had no idea how long I'd been walking when a gentle voice called out from behind me. "Serena?"

I turned around.

It was Phillip Ross, Marvin's college roommate. When we first started college, we hit it off because we both loved literature and joined the same student club.

But after Marvin and I got together, Phillip and I started keeping our distance and eventually lost touch.

"It really is you," Phillip said, hurrying down the steps. "Long time no see."

"I remember you. Marvin's college roommate," I instinctively introduced him that way, avoiding eye contact. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm a teaching assistant in the economics department now," he said, looking down. "What about you? Are you here to pick up some materials?"

I nodded, and suddenly felt a lump in my throat.

Phillip could tell I was upset, but he didn't press me about it.

He glanced at his watch. "Want to grab a coffee?"

I hesitated for a moment. "Sure."

"I heard you're planning to go abroad for further studies?" he asked, getting straight to the point.

I was a bit surprised. "How did you know?"

"The professors in the department mentioned it," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Professor Pearson was sorry to see you go. He said you could've stayed here for your PhD."

I looked down, stirring my coffee. "About some things, well, I need a change of environment."

Phillip didn't press me. Instead, he pulled out a folder from his bag. "Here's some info I put together on a few schools. Figured these might suit you, considering what you're into."

I opened the folder and saw not only detailed profiles for each school, but also their econ department highlights, advisor info, and even local living costs.

"Wow, this is crazy detailed," I said, looking up at him. "When did you have time to do all this?"

"After I heard you were thinking about going abroad," he replied calmly. "I've spent a few years abroad myself, so I thought I'd share some tips."

We talked for a long time.

Phillip never mentioned Marvin. He carefully walked me through the strengths and weaknesses of each school and even pointed out some programs I hadn't considered but fit me well.

"If you need a recommendation letter," Phillip said gently when we were about to head out, "I'd be more than happy to help."

I hesitated for a moment. "Could I get your contact info?"

Phillip handed me a business card. "Here's my email and number. Feel free to reach out anytime if you need anything."

Phillip offered, "I'm Phillip Ross."

He was polite and reserved, keeping the right amount of distance.

I nodded, not mentioning that I remembered him. "Got it."

By the time we left the café, it was already dark outside.

"Serena," Phillip suddenly called after me. "Whatever you decide, make sure you're doing it for yourself."

I knew he'd noticed everything.

He'd seen what was going on between Marvin and me.

"I know," I replied softly, my voice almost lost in the wind.

I didn't hurry to leave. This time, I wasn't sure when I'd be back.

I wandered aimlessly, and before I knew it, I found myself in front of the economics building.

The lecture hall on the third floor was still lit up. That was where Marvin and I first met.