Chapter 2

Back in my dorm, I peeled off my Coke-soaked shirt, sticky and uncomfortable.

Suddenly, a rush of memories flooded into my mind.

On my birthday, Ryan popped out from behind with an elegant box, looking all proud, like he was about to hand over a hidden treasure.

His eyes were practically glowing as he nudged me to open it faster.

And inside was this glitter-speckled shirt.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

He looked at me, all eager and expectant, just like a kid hoping his teacher to praise him.

I gave a tiny nod, and he finally let out a sigh of relief.

He scratched his head, clearly a bit proud, but also shy at the same time.

"I went all over the city for this. They all said sparkly shirts totally suit those bright, twinkling eyes," he mumbled.

Ryan leaned in, his gentle breath tickling my ear, unable to hide the joy in his voice.

"Honestly, only this shirt deserves your eyes. Because in your eyes, I see stars and oceans," he whispered.

Back then, I was the only one Ryan cared about and loved.

But who would've thought that the same boy who once searched the whole city for me would someday not even bother to look my way?

All those sweet moments I once treasured had now become the sharpest thorns, stabbing straight into my heart.

Water trailed down my hair, dripping onto the cold sink as I locked eyes with the girl in the mirror.

"From now on, live for yourself, Sophie," I told myself.

I tore through my room, digging out every single thing that had anything to do with Ryan.

Old love letters, photos, his gifted keychains, and even that Coke-stained shirt—every bit of it got stuffed into a black trash bag.

With the heavy bag in hand, I marched downstairs and tossed it into the dorm's trash bin without a backward glance.

As I turned to leave, someone suddenly stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

Ryan was standing there with Emily, who had a bandage plastered on her cheek.

Her eyes were red from crying, and Ryan was shielding her behind him, protective as ever.

Emily tugged at his sleeve, her voice trembling.

"Ryan, don't be so harsh... Sophie didn't do it on purpose," she said softly.

She peeked out from behind him, looking at me with those big, timid eyes.

"Sophie, if you just say sorry, I'll go talk to the teacher and make sure you don't get in trouble. We can still be friends," she said.

Ryan tightened his grip on Emily, standing in front of her defensively—clearly here to put me on trial.

"Friends?" I let out a low chuckle, full of irony.

I said, "Emily, did you ever think we were actually friends when you poured Coke over my head?

"Or is it just that you think your head is somehow more precious than mine?"

Ryan's face went sour in a flash.

He stepped forward, placing Emily fully behind him, and growled at me.

He said, "Sophie, have you caused enough drama already? Emily said it was an accident, so why do you still have to go after her?

"Apologize to Emily, now."

I didn't bother answering him. Instead, I shot a sideways look at the trash can by his feet.

The shirt I'd just tossed was sticking out.

"Ryan, are you finished with the drama? If you are, then just get lost and quit blocking my way," I shot back coldly.

He looked even more pissed as he followed my gaze.

"Sophie, hope you won't regret this," Ryan spat.

He pointed straight at the trash can.

"Is that how you treat everything I ever gave you? Just throw it all out like it means nothing?"

"Why can't I?" I scoffed, my laugh cold as ice.

"Ryan, to me, all your gifts are just as worthless as the garbage in that can," I shot back.

Ryan was so pissed that he couldn't even speak, while Emily let out a shocked cry and instantly crouched down, fumbling to grab what I'd just thrown in the trash.

She said, "Sophie, how could you do this? This was Ryan's birthday gift to you. It's full of memories..."

I slammed my foot on the lid of the trash can, blocking her hand without hesitation.

"Emily, not even the trash I'm done with is something you deserve to pick up," I said coldly.

Ryan yanked Emily to her feet, turning away so he wouldn't have to even glance in my direction.

He snapped, "Sophie, I've had enough of you.

"Honestly, getting involved with you is the biggest disgrace of my entire life."

That sentence was almost word-for-word what Ryan said on live TV right before I died in my previous life.

I stared at Ryan, suddenly feeling laughable and pathetic.

I didn't give him a second to react.

My hand cracked across his face, the sharp sound ringing out through the dorm hallway below.