Chapter 2

After a quick hello with my aunt and dropping off my bags, I hopped in a cab and headed back to campus.

I was there to pick up my transcripts in language and to say goodbye.

As I walked along the freshly renovated track, surrounded by the laughter of underclassmen, I ran straight into the two people I least wanted to see right now.

It was Riley and Ryan.

Ryan had his arm linked with Riley's, and as soon as he saw me, he broke into a bright grin. "Charles, you're here too?" Ryan said.

Riley hurried over and asked, "Why are you back on campus? I was about to call you. The delivery guy told me you didn't grab the coffee."

I gave him a cold glance, my eyes settling on Ryan's hand still wrapped around Riley's arm.

Riley caught on and, a bit embarrassed, pulled her arm away. "Ryan said he wanted to see my old campus, so I brought him over for a tour," she said.

"Yeah, I've always regretted not seeing Riley's college," Ryan chimed in, grinning as he moved closer. "We're super close, like family. We've been hanging out for years, so you don't mind, right, Charles?"

I didn't want to stick around for this awkward scene, so I turned and walked away.

But Riley grabbed my arm and sounded a little hurt as she said, "Charles, are you still mad at me? I know you're still upset, but I bought you your favorite watch.

"Please, don't be mad anymore. Can you forgive me? I swear I won't miss your calls ever again."

She pulled a sleek gift box out of her backpack. It was the newest release from a luxury brand, the style I'd posted about a while ago.

Memories came flooding back.

Back in college, Riley would remember every little thing I mentioned offhand, and she never forgot a single holiday or anniversary.

Whenever she made me mad, she'd think it over and write me long, heartfelt texts to patch things up. She was always willing to give as much as she got.

She believed love was something we built together, so she'd surprise me with flowers or little gifts, even on a random afternoon.

I was always sleeping in and skipping breakfast, but Riley was so thoughtful that she'd bring me breakfast without even asking, saying she wanted to look out for me, because she couldn't stand to see me get sick.

When I was feeling down and staying up late, she'd stay up late with me, talking and keeping me company. I'd joke that she should be nagging me to go to bed, but she'd always say my feelings mattered more.

Her caring ways and sweet nature had me hooked on her.

And every time Ryan showed up, I couldn't help but forgive her all over again.

Ryan suddenly chimed in, "Riley went all out for this watch. We have checked out a bunch of stores."

He gave Riley a proud pat on the shoulder and continued, "I was the one who helped her pick the color. Doesn't it suit you perfectly, Charles?"

I looked up sharply and spat, "You picked it out?"

Riley replied with a smile, "Yeah, Ryan always knows what looks good."

Ryan slung his arm around Riley's neck and said, "Come on, you know I've got top-tier taste."

Riley wrapped her arm around his waist, and the two of them laughed together without a care in the world.

That scene stabbed my eyes like needles.

My voice was shaking as I said, "Riley, do you remember what you said on our first date?"

She felt confused and asked, "What?"

"You said you would pick out my gifts yourself because only you know what I really like," I said, shoving the gift box at her. "So what about now?"

The box hit the ground and burst open, revealing the fancy bag inside.

"I..." Riley stammered.

Ryan's face fell, and he spat, "Charles, what's that supposed to mean? I was trying to help, and now I'm the bad guy?"

"Shut up," I snapped, cutting him off. "I'm talking to Riley, so keep your mouth shut."

Riley said with a frown, "Charles, don't be like that. Ryan is my friend. Can't you at least show him a little respect?"

I sneered, "Friends? Ever since Ryan came back, how many times has he used the excuse of catching up to see you? Last time we were on a date, you ditched me at the restaurant because he called.

"And now you let him stay over at your place. Like I said before, if you two ever get married, don't think about sending me a wedding invite. It disgusts me."

People around us stopped to watch the drama unfold.

"I went out of my way to get those tickets to Riley's favorite e-sports tournament, and everyone else was there too," Ryan pouted, trying to defend himself. "Riley, I told you to buy flowers for Charles. Didn't you say everything was fine after that?"

"So, you picked out those flowers as well?" I asked, my whole body trembling.

That night, I lost it. I'd never doubted her feelings for me before, but that was the first time it ever crossed my mind.

But Riley came back and brought a big bouquet, trying to win me over all night. She stayed up late, coaxing me, and made sure I'd forgive her.

I knew her favorite player was in that tournament, so I let it slide.

"What else did you expect?" Ryan said with a cocky grin. "Did you think Riley would pick out the flowers herself? Charles, every gift you got since I came back? I helped Riley pick them all."

I stared at Riley in disbelief.

"I noticed you liked what Ryan chose, so I didn't bother interfering," Riley said, awkwardly turning away and reaching for my hand. "Charles, can we talk somewhere else? There are too many people watching."

"Forget it." I shoved her hand away and added. "Riley, you disgust me."

The early winter wind bit on my face, but I couldn't feel a thing. I kept moving forward, numb to everything.

Riley didn't chase after me.

I had no idea how long I'd been walking when a gentle voice called out from behind me, "Charles?"

I turned around.

It was Claire Goodwin, Riley's college roommate. Back when we first started college, we were in the same student club and bonded over our shared love of literature. But after I got together with Riley, we started keeping our distance and lost touch.

"It's really you," she called out, hurrying down the steps. "Been a while."

"I remember you. You're Riley's old roommate," I replied, instinctively linking her to Riley and avoiding eye contact. "What brings you here?"

"I'm a TA in the economics department now," she said with a gentle smile, her eyes dropping for a moment. "Are you here to pick up your paperwork?"

I nodded, suddenly feeling a lump in my throat.

Claire noticed my mood right away but didn't push for more.

She checked the time and gave me a gentle look. "How about we sit down for a coffee?" she said.

I paused, feeling a bit lost, and replied with a nod, "Yeah, okay."

"Heard you're going abroad to study?" she asked.

I was a little surprised and asked, "How did you know?"

"Someone in the department told me," she replied with a smile. "Professor David Johnson was bummed you're leaving. He said you could've stayed for your PhD."

I kept stirring my coffee, not looking up. "I need a new place to forget about some things," I said.

Claire didn't press for more. Instead, she pulled a folder out of her bag and added, "I put together some information on a few schools. Based on your research interests, I think these might be a good fit for you."

I opened the folder and saw it wasn't basic school information. There were detailed profiles of each school's economics department, information on the professors, and even estimates of the cost of living in each area.

"This is way too thorough," I said, looking up at her. "When did you even put this together?"

"I started working on it as soon as I heard you were going abroad," she replied calmly. "I've spent a few years overseas myself, so I figured I could share some of my experience."

We ended up talking for a long time.

Claire didn't bring up Riley at all. She focused on breaking down the pros and cons of each school, even pointing out a few programs I'd never even thought of but that sounded perfect for me.

"If you ever need a recommendation letter," she said as we were about to leave, "I'd be happy to help."

I hesitated for a second and asked, "Could I get your contact information?"

Claire pulled a business card out of her pocket and replied, "Here's my work email and phone number. If you have any questions, reach out."

"I'm Claire Goodwin," she added.

Her tone was polite and reserved, keeping the right amount of distance.

I nodded, not letting on that I remembered her name. I replied, "Got it."

By the time we walked out of the café, it was already dark outside.

"Charles," Claire called out, stopping me. "No matter what you decide, remember to live for yourself."

I knew she'd seen through me.

She'd seen what was going on between Riley and me.

"I know," I replied, my voice so quiet it could've been lost in the wind.