Chapter 3

October 10^th, 2017

Theressa’s POV

"And... let's welcome the most popular player in our school, the one and only Brian!"

Applause accompanied Brian's steps as he entered the basketball court. I smiled widely, feeling proud to see my boyfriend being celebrated as one of the esteemed athletes by many people.

I couldn't believe today was our 3rd anniversary. I never expected that the person who used to annoy me would become my haven. I don't know how to express my immense love for him.

Brian always gives me a fresh energy to face the day. Especially when I participated in competitions, he would always give me gifts, come to watch me perform, and support me wholeheartedly.

Remembering all the good things he does always makes me blush. No man can replace Brian.

"May I sit here?"

A deep voice with a mysterious aura; I knew who was speaking without even turning to look. Of course, it's Lyon, the man who has surpassed Brian in popularity among women.

"Yes, sure."

"KYAA! LYON!"

The girls behind me screamed in excitement. The sound of cameras could also be heard, capturing who knows what. Their fanaticism towards Lyon is beyond reason. Just his back or a strand of Lyon's hair would make them scream, just like they used to do with Brian.

Lyon is handsome, but he's not as attractive as Brian. Ah, I can't divert my attention from Brian. Of course, he's my lover, my boyfriend. Lyon's presence makes me a little happy, as the girls who used to bother us when we were alone in the library or class have decreased.

"Do you want some chocolate?"

Lyon offered me chocolate. Wow, I didn't expect that behind his cold and mysterious demeanor, he could be friendly enough to share food.

"No, thanks."

I feel awkward around him. We have never talked before today.

"Kyaa! Lyon is offering chocolate to Theressa! I should be the one he gives the chocolate to!"

"Theressa truly doesn't understand her luck!"

"I want to switch seats with Theressa!"

Damn. The girls behind me are going crazy. I glanced at Lyon, and he seemed calm, enjoying his chocolate. His ears can hear the sentences coming out of the mouths of his fans.

***

"BRIAN! BRIAN! BRIAN!"

Forty minutes passed, and we were all chanting Brian's name for the final shot. All the spectators stood up, with Lyon being the only one still sitting. Yes, he was still engrossed in his unfinished chocolate.

Brian prepared for a three-point shot; my heart pounded every time he did this. Even though I knew he would succeed, there was always the possibility of failure. Time felt like it was dragging on as he released the ball.

"YEAH!"

The entire crowd cheered, applauding and chanting Brian's name once again. Once again, Brian led our basketball team to victory. I waved at him, eager to go home and have dinner to celebrate our anniversary.

Yes, my heart was still filled with joy until suddenly, the short-haired girl hugged Brian.

I was correct. She jumped on Brian and hugged him tightly. What's going on? Who is that woman?

My body felt weak. I sat down and continued to watch them embrace Brian, not letting go at all.

Why?

"Are you okay?"

I turned to Lyon, and he looked at me blankly. I swallowed my saliva and walked away from the competition area.

Even though I knew there must be a reason behind everything that happened, my heart was still shattered. That hug wasn't friendly hug; the look in her eyes and the way she ran towards Brian indicated love.

My tears couldn't be contained. This is the worst anniversary ever.

***

The sound of the classroom door opening made me raise my head.

It's Lyon, not Brian.

I've been waiting here for half an hour, and he still has yet to come. I've sent him three messages but am still awaiting a reply.

I was about to hide my sadness on the desk when Brian arrived with a different expression.

"Brian..."

I concealed my sadness and smiled at him. I don't know; even though my heart is in pain, I'm still not ready for our relationship to end.

"I need to talk to you," Brian said.

My heart stopped when the girl who hugged Brian appeared at the door. She entered with a disdainful look directed at me.

"What's going on, Brian? Tell me the truth!"

"I think we should go somewhere else. I don't feel comfortable discussing this here with Lyon around," Brian replied.

I looked at Lyon; he seemed focused on his phone, wearing a hands-free device, showing that he didn't care about the conversation that was about to take place between us.

"Tell me, now! Who is she?"

Brian looked at the girl, then looked at me and said, "Theressa, I'm sorry, but we need to break up. It's hard to explain, but she's in my heart. I hope you understand."

Tears immediately streamed down my face, but I also laughed. It felt absurd. Why did he have to do all this on our anniversary? Is this all just a prank?

"You know what? Your joke is so boring. It's our 3rd anniversary, and you're planning something big to celebrate, right?"

"No, Theressa. This is the end of our relationship. I'm sorry if I have to ruin your expectations on our anniversary. But my heart can't love you anymore. I've been with Claire for the past two months, and to me, she's the girl I want. We can still be friends, Theressa. You're the best girl I ever had."

I'm speechless. I can't believe he's saying all this.

"Accept this reality, Theressa. Come on, Honey."

The girl pulled Brian's hand, and they left me behind just like that. That's it; the three years I had been proud of ended in less than five minutes.

My tears couldn't be held back anymore; I cried as hard as possible. I hate today.

"Wipe your eyes." Lyon came over and handed me a few tissues. He looked at me and said, "At least you're free from a man who only used you. He's not the best person for you, Theressa. You might be sad, but you'll get used to it. I'm sorry I accidentally overheard your argument. I'm so sorry for what happened to you."

Lyon walked away. Now, there's only me in this room. I got up from my chair and decided to lock the door, so I could indulge in this cry with the tissues Lyon gave me.