Chapter 2

The next day was Luke's birthday, and a few friends got together to throw him a party.

I took a cab to the venue, my mind elsewhere. I spotted the group right away, waving me over.

We'd all grown up together in the same crew, so there was no need for any formalities.

I found a quiet corner to sit in, my thoughts all over the place as scenes with Luke from all those years kept replaying in my mind.

Then the image of Luke kissing Susie forced its way in. I felt sick. After going back and forth for a while, I decided to just leave the gift and go.

Before I could even stand up, some random guy slid into the seat next to me and asked for my number.

I felt instantly irritated, but before I could dodge him, an arm reached over and yanked the guy away.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"This seat's taken."

It was Luke.

He'd been playing basketball his whole life, so he was tall, broad-shouldered, with that roguish look. When he wasn't smiling, he was downright intimidating.

The guy took one look at the situation, forced a smile, and beat it.

But after taking a few steps, he glanced back at Luke and Susie, who was standing beside him, and mumbled under his breath, "Unbelievable."

"One guy, two girls? Lucky bastard."

His words drifted over, and my mood soured even more, but I couldn't help shooting a look at Luke.

He didn't say a word. He just put his arm around Susie's shoulder, walked past me, led her to the seat in the very center, and sat down with her.

And just like that, I was left alone in my corner again.

Susie called out to me, leaning over a couple of people with a bright smile.

"Hey, Lynn! Luke told me you'd be here, that's why I came.

"Come over and sit with us, we can chat for a bit."

I saw the bright, eager look in her eyes, sparkling with anticipation and excitement.

In that brief moment when our eyes met, it all clicked for me.

I understood why she'd been asking me about Luke, why she always wanted to go to class and eat meals together.

I looked at the two of them, huddled close, and all I could think was how absurd it all was.

When Luke glanced my way, I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic chuckle.

"It's not like we're friends or anything, right?"

Ever since Luke showed up with Susie, I kept catching those sideways looks from everyone—curious, confused, amused. Some were waiting for the drama.

I had my pride, too.

When Susie heard that, her cheeks turned bright red. She was already stunning and cute, but with tears glistening in her eyes, she looked even more touchingly vulnerable.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. We're just roommates, I was out of line... I'm really sorry..."

Luke finally looked at me, but only for a split second. Then, sounding annoyed, he spoke to me for the first time that night.

"Lynn, what's your problem?"

I suddenly felt like there was no point in staying. Looking at his cold, frowning face, I finally picked up my bag and walked out.