Chapter 2

As I dragged my suitcase back to my dorm, I passed by the garden near the school's back gate.

Beneath the dancing shadows of the trees, I could faintly see couples snuggled up together.

I used to bring Sean here, too.

Back then, he was just starting to blow up on StreamHub, becoming a minor internet celebrity.

I'd point at those hidden corners and joke, "Hey, Mr. StreamHub star, when are you gonna do some classic campus couple stuff with me?"

He'd always frown and drag me away, with that smug tone. "Stop, Blaire. What if someone snaps a photo? You want us blowing up online tomorrow?"

Back then, I thought he was just trying to protect me, protect what we had.

But now, thinking about it, maybe he just didn't want to lose all those girls who liked to imagine themselves as his girlfriend.

I couldn't help but quicken my pace.

My eyes drifted toward the far end of the garden, and I stopped dead in my tracks.

Even with the dim lighting, I instantly recognized those two.

Sean had his back to me, his head slightly bowed.

Lily was gazing up at him, one hand holding onto his sleeve.

My blood ran cold.

"Well, look at you, superstar. Fresh off your concert and already sneaking off to give your 'fan' some special treatment?" I called out.

The two of them jumped apart.

Sean spun around, a rare look of panic flashing across his face before it quickly turned to anger.

He rushed over and pressed his hand over my mouth, his voice barely above a whisper. "Blaire! Have you lost it? Why are you shouting?"

I shoved his hand away, turning aside in disgust.

"What's wrong, superstar? Messing around with your fan, but can't even admit it?" I shot back.

"You!" Sean snapped.

Lily walked over, her voice soft and delicate. "Blaire, Sean and I were just chatting about the concert merch. But... wait, were you following us this whole time?"

Sean's eyes lit up at that, and he folded his arms, looking all smug. "Blaire's got it right. You followed us here to apologize, didn't you? Alright, I forgive you. Just quit making a fuss."

"How about a reward for you?" Sean smirked.

He wrapped his arm around my waist and lowered his head, pretending he was about to kiss me.

I quickly dodged away, totally grossed out.

Lily edged closer, her eyes wide and sparkling as she looked between us, really laying on the innocent act. "Sean, tell me, who's more kissable, me or Blaire?"

Sean paused, then shot Lily a look and muttered, "Don't say stuff like that."

"Blaire, listen, it was just the after-party. We were drunk and accidentally got too close. It's not what you're thinking," Sean explained quickly.

Even in the dim light, I could see his face all flushed, and Lily's eyes practically shining with triumph. She couldn't hide how pleased she was.

Turned out they'd been together for ages, and it wasn't just innocent flirting anymore.

And now they were still putting on this act right in my face. Seriously, it made me sick.

I grabbed Sean by the arm and Lily by the other, and before either of them could react, I slammed them together.

Their lips ended up pressed together, both totally caught off guard.

For a split second, time seemed to freeze.

Sean was the first to snap out of it, instinctively smacking his lips.

"Blaire! Are you fucking crazy? You're humiliating Lily. Apologize to her right now," Sean snapped.

I let out a cold laugh. "Oh, please, I'm just making Lily's wish come true. So, does someone else's boyfriend taste as sweet as you imagined? Been dreaming about this for a while, haven't you?"

Sean raised his hand, ready to slap me.

I took a step back and yelled out towards the crowd. "Hey, everyone! Come check it out. Your idol Sean is here, sneaking around with his fan."

My voice was sharp and clear, slicing right through the night.

"You!" Sean barked. His face twisted with shock and fury as he stared at me, then shot nervous glances at the crowd that was now watching.

He gave me a nasty glare, grabbed Lily, and dragged her away, making a hasty, embarrassed exit.

And there I was, left standing all alone.

Curious eyes were on me, and people started whispering to each other.

But then I just started laughing, louder and louder, until tears were almost streaming down my face.

Seriously, what kind of trash did I waste my feelings on all this time?