Chapter 3

I walked right past him and went straight to Chloe, who greeted me with her usual smile. "Why are you making up those dirty rumors about me?" I said calmly.

Chloe's expression stiffened, but she stubbornly denied it. "What dirty rumors? Are you talking about that post on the school forum? Why do you think I had anything to do with it?"

I gave her a slight smirk and shoved the printed evidence right in front of her. "How do you think I figured it out?"

Chloe's face went pale for a split second, as if she suddenly recalled all the campus gossip about me, the computer science department's star student and campus queen.

If I set my mind to it, there was nothing I couldn't uncover.

Chloe took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Yeah, I posted it. So what? It was just a photo. I didn't say anything. You're the one acting guilty, like you've got something to hide."

Smack.

I backhanded her across the face, and the whole room went dead silent.

Everyone stared at me in shock.

After all, I was always the gentle one, never losing my temper.

But even a rabbit would bite when pushed too far.

Ryan snapped back to his senses and rushed over, putting himself between Chloe and me, his brow furrowed. "Emily, when did you start hitting people?

"Chloe already said she just posted a photo, nothing more. Everything else is just people jumping to conclusions. If you have time to hunt down who made the post, maybe you should be explaining things to me instead."

His face, usually so composed, was now openly furious.

I was stunned for a second, then shot him a cold look. "Why do I owe you any explanation? We're just friends, Ryan. Don't you think you're overstepping?"

As soon as I said that, everyone's jaw practically hit the floor.

"No way. What's going on? Wasn't Emily into Ryan? Why's she talking to him like that?"

"Yeah, did we get it all wrong? Is Ryan actually the one chasing after Emily?"

I clenched my fists so tight my nails bit into my skin, the sting the only thing keeping my mask from slipping.

My heart twisted in my chest, but I wasn't sad at all. Strangely, I just felt free, like I'd finally let go.

I took two steps back, locking eyes with Chloe, her eyes rimmed with tears. My voice rang out, clear and commanding.

"I want to see you make a public apology to me on the school forum by midnight tonight. Or else, you will regret it." With that, I turned on my heel to leave, but before I could step out, someone seized my wrist.

Ryan's face went rigid, his eyes boring into me. "So that's what you meant? I'm not allowed to care about you? Just friends, huh?"

I pulled my wrist free and gave a cool nod. "You said it yourself. I agree now. Is that a problem?"

He stared at me for a while, then suddenly let out a relieved laugh. "Alright, of course not."

After leaving the club, I pulled out my phone and called my advisor, Samuel Warren. "Dr. Warren, is that study abroad opportunity you mentioned still up for grabs?"

"Of course. I've been saving that spot just for you," Samuel said with a grin.

He added, "You're the only one from our computer science department who got picked. If you don't go, no one else can take your place. Glad you said yes.

"By the way, does Ryan know about this? Let's all celebrate."

I glanced back at the club, where laughter was bursting out, and let out a laugh myself, smirking at my own situation.

"He doesn't know, and there's really no need to celebrate. Thanks, Dr. Warren," I said.

Samuel had always had the highest hopes for me, and he knew I'd been hesitating because of Ryan.

But now, none of that mattered anymore.

I didn't need to give up my future for a friend.

After I got back to my dorm and told my parents the good news, I saw a message from Ryan.

Ryan: [I know you're not that kind of person. I was just being impulsive today, don't be upset with me.]

Ryan: [Chloe got carried away, too. I asked her to take down the post and say sorry, so don't be mad at her, okay?]

Ryan: [Your birthday's coming up soon. Let me make it up to you with an awesome celebration, alright?]

I didn't reply. Sleepiness washed over me, and I just drifted off.

When I woke up the next day, it was already afternoon.

My roommates were about to head out, and when they saw me awake, they grabbed me right away. "Come on. Word is someone's using drones to confess on the sports field tonight. Let's go see the show."

Before I could even process what was happening, my roommates hauled me off to the field to join the crowd.

The place was packed, everyone buzzing with excitement and gossip.

"Whoa, it's Ryan, the campus heartthrob, making a confession. No wonder he's pulling out all the stops," someone shouted.

"No kidding, this is the first time Ryan's ever confessed to anyone. Usually, it's girls chasing after him. She hit the jackpot," another person added.

"Hey, what about that girl who's always following Ryan around?" someone called out.

"What do you mean? She's just a simp. She had it coming," another replied.

My roommates looked uncomfortable and started tugging me away.

"Who cares about this cheesy confession? Nothing to see here. Let's go eat. I'm starving," one of them said.

But I just laughed, shook my head, and stopped them. "We're already here. Might as well watch the show."

Someone in the crowd recognized me and started whispering and pointing, gossiping as they made way for us.

My roommates and I got shoved right up to the front.

Ryan was still wearing the hoodie I'd bought him for his eighteenth birthday, the one I'd worked a whole month to afford.

That casually stylish hoodie really looked amazing on him.

Back then, in a rush of emotion, he stole my first kiss and told me he loved me.

Ryan handed the drone to Chloe, who looked shy and nervous. He grinned, "Go ahead, fly it down. There's a gift for you inside."

Chloe nodded, but she glanced at me from the corner of her eye.

She took the drone, faking awkwardness as she fiddled with the controls.

But instead, the drone came flying straight at my face.

Someone shoved me from behind, and the drone's propeller caught me right on the forehead. Blood gushed out instantly.

I was really bad with blood; just seeing it drip made my chest tighten, and I nearly blacked out right there.

Chloe let out a shriek and rushed over.

"Seriously, Emily, even if you can't stand me, did you have to mess up Ryan's big confession like this? Your blood got all over the present," Chloe pouted, picking up the drone and whining to Ryan as he came over.

Ryan's face flashed with worry, and he reached out to help me. "Emily, are you okay?"

Before he could finish, I dodged his hand and shook my head. "I'm fine."

Ryan froze for a second, then pulled his hand back, his face darkening.

"Looks like you're just fine, huh? But you messed up my confession gift. Was that on purpose? If you didn't want me to confess, you could've just said so. No need to pull something like this," Ryan snapped.

"I'll pay you back," I said, glancing at the diamond ring he'd just given as a gift. I quickly guessed the price and transferred the money to him right then and there.

When I met his surprised eyes, I forced a smile.

"I didn't mean to ruin anything. I honestly wish you guys all the happiness," I said, then turned on my heel and hurried off, leaving the crowd behind.

My phone buzzed with a voice message from Ryan, his tone sharp and full of anger.

Ryan said, "Nice going, Emily. Really impressive."

Ryan continued, "I really did find someone better, thanks to you."

Ryan added, "Hope you find someone better, too. Don't come after me anymore. It's annoying."

I replied with an OK and instantly blocked him. But as I walked away, my legs felt weaker with every step.

Blood kept streaming down my forehead, and just as I was about to collapse, a pair of strong arms swept me up.

That familiar, clear voice rang out again, with a hint of resignation. "This time, it wasn't me who made you faint."