Chapter 2

The second time around, with a nudge from the System, I chose to take our relationship to the next level.

Caspar was an amazing boyfriend.

Whenever it rained, he'd show up right away to pick me up, tilting the umbrella toward me without even thinking, even if it meant he got drenched.

Whenever I was on my period, he'd run out in the middle of the night to grab whatever dessert I was craving, putting up with all my drama without a single complaint.

In the mornings, he'd watch me sleep, resting his chin in his hand and smiling at me before planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

I was so hopelessly in love with him, completely swept away, that when he popped the question, I said yes without even blinking.

On our wedding day, my heart was bursting with joy for the future that lay ahead.

But when I woke up, the arms around me belonged to a lifeless, ice-cold body.

He was gripping an empty pill bottle, with pills scattered everywhere.

His phone screen was still lit up, showing he'd just liked a post on Winnie's social media flaunting her marriage certificate.

I unlocked his phone and found his draft folder stuffed with dozens of unsent messages, every single one wishing Winnie happiness.

Then I went through the third time... Then the fourth time... It was always the same.

One minute ago, he just texted me: [Honey, what do you want for dinner tonight?]

The next, by the time I rushed home, he was already gone. He'd jumped from the rooftop.

But this time was different.

Just the night before, he'd kissed my belly and talked about our future together.

I'd already started writing up my request to stay in this world for good.

But after watching the leads walk off into their happy life, it was like he'd finally finished his mission, and just like that, he ended his life again.

When I stepped into the bathroom and saw it drenched in blood, the world I'd been desperately holding together finally shattered.

I'd tried so hard, staying by his side and guarding him through every moment when Winnie might do something that would hurt him, watching over every little detail.

But no matter how hard I tried, I could never stop it from happening.

It finally hit me that the gentle, sorrowful second male lead who always stood quietly behind the heroine was never someone others could save.

This time, I was just completely worn out.

I couldn't save him, and honestly, I was done trying.

I sent in my request to quit the mission right away that night.

The System just sighed and dragged itself off to get the higher-ups to sign off on it.

The bell rang, and the head teacher stood at the front of the class, announcing that we'd be rearranging seats. Everyone was supposed to choose their seats one by one.

When it was Winnie's turn, her eyes kept darting back and forth between Caspar and Cheney.

Caspar kept his eyes fixed on her, his fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of his shirt.

"I'll sit with Cheney," Winnie said softly.

Caspar's hand, halfway to pulling out his chair, froze in midair. He lowered his head, his shoulders slumped, unable to hide his disappointment.

I'd seen this play out way too many times.

Every other time, I'd walk right up and announce, "I'm sitting with Caspar," just to save his pride.

But this time... I glanced at the empty seat next to Jake Carter, the class troublemaker, and headed straight over to take it.

Jake was sprawled out on his desk, catching some sleep, but the sound of me pulling out my chair woke him up. He shot me an annoyed glare.

"What's with all the noise?" he grumbled.

I ignored him and just started organizing my books.

From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Caspar sitting all by himself by the window, the seat next to him still empty. He looked heartbreakingly lonely.

After class, Caspar walked over to my desk.

"Ellie, why did you..." Caspar started, but before he could finish, Jake came barreling over.

"Ellie, can I borrow your math homework for a sec? Hurry up!" Jake blurted, already reaching for my notebook.

Caspar suddenly stepped between us.

His usual gentle expression darkened with a hint of annoyance.

He handed his own notebook to Jake. "Here, use mine."

Jake blinked in surprise, then took the notebook and muttered, "Thanks." Then he flopped back down to copy.

As soon as the lunch bell rang, everyone swarmed toward the cafeteria.

Caspar just stood there, his eyes glued to me.

I knew exactly what he was waiting for.

At lunchtime, I'd pull out two lunch boxes and pass one to him, right on schedule.

His mom was bedridden with a serious illness, and he had to work after school just to hold things together at home.

Before, I'd always end up softening, my heart melting for him because he looked so helpless.

But this time, I walked straight up to Jake. "Weren't you gonna buy me lunch?"

Jake scratched his head. "Oh, almost forgot. Come on, the cafeteria just opened a new spot."

I followed Jake out of the classroom, catching a glimpse of Caspar out of the corner of my eye. He was just standing there, eyes rimmed with red, looking completely lost.

At lunch the next day, Caspar was still there, waiting for me.

When I ignored him again and walked straight out of the classroom, he called out softly, "Ellie..."

I didn't pay him any attention, just grabbed my friend from the next class and rushed off to the cafeteria.

On the third day, Caspar finally made the first move and walked over to me.

"Let's go get lunch," he said, his voice gentle and almost unsure, testing the waters.

I raised an eyebrow and was about to say something, but then Winnie came running in from the hallway.

Her eyes were red and swollen. No doubt she'd just finished crying.

Caspar immediately looked worried. "What's wrong, Winnie?"

"Cheney... He promised he'd go to the library with me, but he ditched me for basketball again," Winnie choked out between sobs.

"Don't be sad, Winnie. Cheney probably just forgot," Caspar said, quickly handing her a tissue, his voice soft enough to soothe anyone.

"But this is already the third time..." Winnie whimpered.

"How about I go with you to the library? I need to return some books anyway," Caspar suggested.

They were chatting away, treating me like I was completely invisible.

Figuring I'd better make myself scarce, I quietly slipped out and pulled the door shut behind me.