Chapter 12

As I left the neighborhood, I encountered a lanky man whose face looked familiar. We stared at each other for a long time until the man finally spoke before we brushed shoulders. He exclaimed, "Nathan Shaw! It's you, right?"

"And you are..." I hesitated at the man's excitement.

I ventured a guess, "Kyle Channing! Is that you, Kyle? How did you get so thin?"

"Ah! A thinner figure is more pleasing to the eyes, isn't it? I've always envied your figure so much back then."

"By the way, Kyle, when did you get back?"

"I just returned a few days ago, but have been so busy with work that I haven't found the time to contact all of you yet. How about I organize a get-together this weekend so we can all catch up?"

"That sounds great!"

"Alright, I'll text you on Facebook. I have some things to tend to at the moment."

"Sure, you go on ahead. I have to head back to the school anyway."

Bumping into an old friend instantly blew away the gloomy cloud that had been hovering over me. If I had to name the one person closest to me, it had to be Kyle.

I was introverted and never liked socializing much. Even in college, my usual route consisted only of my dorm, the classroom, and the library. Apart from that, it would only be the occasional volunteer activity. My interactions with others were only on a surface level. But my dormmate Kyle—he was different.

Kyle came from a wealthy family and loved making friends, which was one trait of his awesome personality. He particularly enjoyed hanging out with me. Well, who could refuse the company of a humorous, adorable chubby guy?

The four of us sharing the dorm all clicked with each other perfectly. Coupled with Kyle's lively presence, our bond grew even closer.

Among them, Kyle and I were the closest. However, in his third year, Kyle went abroad as an exchange student. Later, news had it that family issues kept him out of the country indefinitely.

We kept in touch after graduation, but life started happening, and contact gradually faded.

By afternoon, perhaps after completing his tasks, Kyle messaged our dorm's group chat. Everyone warmly welcomed his return.

Their long dormant chat buzzed with activity as everyone volunteered updates on their lives.

People agreed with delight to Kyle's proposal of a weekend gathering. Suggestions were put forth regarding the ideal time and place. We finally settled on meeting at a well-known private restaurant in Southvale at 5:00 pm on Sunday.

My friends also insisted on bringing our girlfriends to introduce to the old crew. As soon as the others heard that I had a fiancée, they excitedly demanded to meet her. The enthusiasm was contagious, and after obtaining Willow's permission, I agreed to bring her along.

The joy of the upcoming reunion eased my stress from school. When the long-awaited Sunday finally arrived, I set off early with Willow.

Everything turned out as perfect as I had imagined. Intrigued by the unique drinking culture, I ended up drinking a little more than usual.

After each person had had their fill, we clamored for the next round of fun. It was only natural for us to fully enjoy ourselves after being apart for so long.

Our group went on to book a karaoke room to sing our hearts out. I staggered behind the energetic crowd with Willow supporting me.

At the destination, I almost couldn't believe my eyes. After going MIA for a week, Blake was here, dressed in a sharp suit and leather shoes. Beside him stood a glamorous woman with plump, fiery lips and wavy hair. As they say, only the strongest survive in a head-on battle. Emboldened by alcohol, I bravely confronted him, "You're here for a karaoke session too, Blake?"

He didn't respond, but his eyes were pinned on my flushed face. The scene before me felt oddly reminiscent of a wife catching her cheating husband. I inadvertently stiffened under his intense gaze.

It seemed even Willow was trembling slightly. I glanced at her, realizing her face had turned pale with fear.

See, Blake truly was a toxic person. Even his antics from before had given Willow a scare, too!

Putting on a show of fearlessness, I shielded Willow behind me and shot back a fierce glare.

It was only then that the rest of the group noticed that Willow and I had fallen behind. Kyle turned back and yelled out, "Nathan! What's going on? Already tipsy after those few drinks?"

"I know, right? Wasn't it just a few drinks? Look at you, leaning on your fiancée for support! And you call yourself a man?"

"Hurry up, Nathan! We'll wait for you in front."

My other two roommates also chimed in with more teasing. They were somewhat high by then, so they were oblivious to the tension between me and Blake. They assumed I was simply too drunk to walk and was blocking someone's way.

"Mr. Wagner, Mr. Langley and the rest are still waiting. Shall we head over?" It was the dazzling lady who broke the silence.

"Ha!" Blake didn't say much before turning to look at Kyle and the gang. He cast a hostile look at me before he scurried into the private room. As he walked past me, he knocked me hard on the shoulder.

Perhaps stunned by Blake's intimidating presence, Willow failed to catch me this time. Only when I was toppling over did she snap back to her senses and manage to steady me.

Willow muttered an apology, but I couldn't possibly blame her. It was all Blake's fault—that manic creature!

After we got to the karaoke room, I sensed something amiss with Willow. She kept spilling her drink and seemed awfully distracted. On top of that, her complexion was ghastly. I couldn't help but worry for her.

I asked, "Willow, are you okay?"

The music was blaring in the room, so Willow didn't catch my question. Therefore, I patted her on the shoulder. When she turned over with her ashen face, I leaned in and repeated, "Are you okay? You don't look too good. Should we tell the others that we're heading home first?"

Kyle took notice of the concern in my voice. He chimed in, "Yeah, Willow. You don't look very well. Let Nathan take you home to rest. We'll find the chance to meet again."

Though Willow was hesitant at first, she didn't really have a choice now that the star of the evening had spoken. I didn't decline at all and went on to bid their goodbyes.

Outside, I couldn't help but ask again, "Willow, how about I take you to the hospital?"

"No worries, I'm fine. I'm just a little tired."

"You sure?" Truth be told, I did not believe her one bit. In the past, I might have, for she was as her name suggested—quiet, calm, and graceful as a willow tree.

But now, I was one of the few who knew her true nature. The word "tired" didn't even exist in her dictionary! This was someone who could work all day and still pull all-nighters writing queer romance novels!

Willow could distinctly perceive my doubt. "I really am just tired. I stayed up all night writing last night. I'm just thoroughly drained."

Her excuse was convincing enough for me. I took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I'll take you home then."

"Okay."