Chapter 4

That day, Eric had this rare frosty look on his face and didn't say a single word during dinner.

I couldn't help but think maybe Eric was upset with Kelsie. I'd hardly ever seen him act that way.

But Kelsie, after I turned her down, just kept pestering me, tugging at my arm and refusing to give up.

She said, "Alisa, come on, it's no big deal. Your boyfriend's always off on business trips anyway.

"I'm usually out and about too, so it's not like we'll even run into each other. Seriously, you don't have to worry.

"Or... is it that you just don't want me staying over?"

Kelsie pouted, giving me that sad puppy look.

She continued, "But I don't know a soul here. You're the only one I've got, Alisa."

Kelsie knew exactly how to tug at my heartstrings. This was her go-to move whenever she wanted something from me.

Seeing me stay quiet, Kelsie turned to Eric. "Go ahead, ask your boyfriend. I bet he won't mind."

I shot Eric a look, hoping he'd say something.

Eric flatly refused. "No way."

I'd almost never seen Eric this mad before, and I was worried Kelsie would think my boyfriend was being petty.

Softening up, I tugged on Eric's sleeve and gave him my best pleading look. "Please? She'll only stay for three months, I swear. Once the time's up, I'll make sure she leaves."

Seeing me so embarrassed, Eric finally gave in. "Fine, I'll leave it to you. You take care of it."

I really thought Eric just wasn't into Kelsie, that the two of them just couldn't vibe.

And just like that, Kelsie moved in with us.

Since we hadn't seen each other in ages, the first night she moved in, we stayed up talking until the wee hours.

That night, she suddenly asked, "Alisa, do you think I should try to get back together with my first boyfriend?"

I asked, "You mean the guy you broke up with right before you left for Huskus?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

Back in high school, Kelsie had told me all about her boyfriend from the school next door. They were totally head over heels for each other.

But his family didn't have the money for him to study overseas with her, so he couldn't go.

In the end, Kelsie dumped him.

Half a year later, she was already dating a new foreign boyfriend in Huskus.

Back then, I totally cheered her on, telling her to be brave and chase after love so she wouldn't have any regrets.

But I never in a million years would've guessed that her first boyfriend was actually Eric.

I shook Eric awake in the middle of the night. "I'm thinking of helping Kelsie find her own place tomorrow so she can move out."

Suddenly, Eric's phone buzzed. He instinctively covered the screen and shoved it under his pillow, like he didn't want me to see what was on it.

Eric said, "Isn't she your best friend? You look pretty happy having her here."

His phone buzzed again. Eric glanced at the screen and tapped something quickly, but I had no idea what he was doing.

He looked a bit annoyed.

I couldn't help myself. I took the chance to confront him, locking eyes with Eric. "Are you hiding something from me?"

Eric looked away, then replied impatiently, "Stop imagining things, okay?"

He continued, "Ever since you came back from that trip, you've been like a totally different person. It's the middle of the night. Can't you let me sleep?"

I didn't cry or throw a fit.

I bit back the "Happy Birthday" that was on the tip of my tongue and forced myself to swallow it down.

For Eric's birthday party, I hurried over straight from work. I couldn't wait to surprise him.

But when I got to the private room, Eric wasn't there.

I walked out into the hallway.

Just as I was about to call Eric, I happened to overhear him and Kelsie getting all flirty. "I only got close to her to make you jealous."

"Come on, don't be mad. I didn't skip out on you last night on purpose," Eric said.

Kelsie snuggled up to him, pouting. "So, are you going to comfort me tonight, or her?"

Eric flashed her a fond smile and pulled her in. "I'm already over Alisa. Chasing her was just for kicks, nothing serious."

He added, "Besides, she's nowhere near as interesting as you. Tonight, I'll make it up to you, okay?"

My chest ached, like Eric just ripped my heart out and dumped hot sauce all over it. It burned like hell.

Freshman year, I signed up for the guitar club.

Eric was our club president, and he always seemed kind of moody.

After chatting in the group, I added him on WhatsApp and started sending him good morning and good night texts every day.

Whenever I came across a funny joke or meme online, I'd send it straight to him.

I was always trying to cheer Eric up.

If there was a performance coming up, I'd always be the first to sign up, just to show my support for Eric.

But none of it mattered. Eric never paid me any attention at all.

During my first college holiday break, someone in the club suggested we go camping up in the mountains to catch the sunrise.