Chapter 4

The next day was club recruitment day.

It was also the day Lucas said he'd come support me at the photography club booth.

The photography club booth was set up at the very end of the tree-lined path.

I founded this club when I was a freshman.

We started out with just three people, and now we've officially been recognized as one of the top ten clubs on campus.

I've put a lot of effort into it.

Lucas once said, "Next year, when club recruitment rolls around, I'll be there to support you.

"My position as vice president of the student council should help a bit."

I'd long since stopped expecting anything from him.

But I still kept a chair for him, just in case he decided to show up.

The whole morning passed.

The chair remained empty all morning.

At noon, I went to buy some water and passed by the debate club booth next door.

Lucas was standing in front of Rachel's booth, helping her carry a whole box of flyers.

Rachel grinned. "You're such a lifesaver, Lucas. I'm sure our club's gonna take home the Best Club award this year."

Lucas set the box down. "Just doing a favor."

I stood across the path, watching them for a few seconds.

Then I went back to the photography club booth and quietly put away the empty chair.

Nina glanced at me and whispered, "Wasn't that seat for Lucas?"

I cut her off. "No, it's just a spare one."

As my fingers brushed the back of the chair, I suddenly remembered back when I was a freshman.

It was the photography club's very first recruitment day, and we only got two new members all afternoon.

Lucas was sitting nearby, gaming on his phone and grumbling. "What future does this crappy club even have?"

But when it was time to pack up, he still quietly helped me carry the table back to the club room.

That day, Lucas said, "Next year, I'll hype you up."

I was so happy I couldn't sleep at all that night.

Some promises really were true when they were first spoken.

And when they're forgotten, that's just as real, too.

That afternoon, I went to Professor's office to get his signature.

When he saw me, he was silent for a long time. "Shannon, do you know how many times I argued with Director Mason just to get you that spot?"

His voice softened as he went on. "The day you got that spot, I was honestly happier than you were. And then you told me you weren't going."

My fingers curled into a fist.

Professor looked at me. "Back then, you told me there was someone important who needed you. o what about now? Don't they need you anymore?"

His words cut right through the embarrassment I'd been holding onto for ages.

I said softly, "It's something I had to figure out on my own, Professor."

Professor sighed and signed his name. "If you give up again this time, I won't help you anymore."

I took the application form with both hands and gave him a small bow. "I won't."

As I walked out of the office, the wind rushed in from the end of the hallway.

I folded the application form and slipped it into my backpack.

Suddenly, I felt my eyes welling up.

I've let so many people down, all because of Lucas.

And it wasn't just myself.

It was the people who truly cared about me, too.

At 9:30 that night, Lucas called.

I answered.

He sounded tired. "Come outside for a bit."

As I headed downstairs, I noticed the steps were blanketed with fallen ginkgo leaves.

Lucas was waiting under the tree, and when he saw I was only wearing something thin, he frowned in concern.

He instinctively took off his jacket, wanting to drape it over my shoulders.

But halfway through, Lucas hesitated, his hand pausing in midair.

In the end, he pulled the jacket back.

We stood there in silence for a long time.

Lucas finally broke the silence. "Shannon, how long are you going to keep this up?

"My patience isn't endless, you know.

"If you really don't want to be with me, just say it. Don't put me through this."

I looked at him. "Alright. I'll be honest. Lucas, I don't want to be with you anymore."