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Chapter 3

Penulis: Mermaiden
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-06 15:59:53
Luna had never cared enough to do anything like this for me.

Even on my birthday, when I casually mentioned wanting a cake, she'd just grumble about how we were adults and didn't need to bother with such pointless formalities.

Yet here she was, in front of everyone, preparing such a grand surprise for Hugo.

It became clear to me: Only when someone truly cared would they put in the effort.

Teagan observed my reaction, clearly pleased with the effect it had on me.

A knowing smile played on her face, and it felt like a sharp jab to my heart.

After the meet-and-greet, Luna returned to the private room with Hugo.

Teagan quickly went up to her, looping her arm with Luna's, and teased, "Luna, you've gone all out for Hugo's surprise. Aren't you worried your boyfriend might get jealous?"

Luna stiffened at the comment, and then her eyes flicked to me, guilt flashing in her gaze.

"Next time, for your birthday or our anniversary, I'll make sure to prepare a surprise like that for you too," she said, almost apologetically.

I shook my head lightly. "No need."

If it was the exact same, could it even be considered a surprise?

I wasn't pathetic enough to want something others had already used.

Luna pouted, as if holding back something more she wanted to say.

Before she could speak, Hugo interjected, "Joseph, are you upset? Luna was just helping with the publicity stunt. Don't be so petty. As her boyfriend, you should be more understanding. Don't always make her guess what you want to please you. It'll wear her out."

Well, he was indeed her male best friend. He always put her needs first.

I couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle. "With you around, always looking out for her, I don't think anyone else needs to step in."

My words hung in the air with a hint of challenge, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Hugo sighed and smiled helplessly. "Alright, seems like you're really mad. I'm sorry, okay? Don't blame Luna."

The awkward silence was broken when someone quickly tried to smooth things over. "We're all on the same team. No need for all these formalities. Come on. Let's drink."

Teagan squeezed between us, grinning mischievously. "Oh, this isn't even the first time! Yesterday, Luna even gave Hugo flowers on stage."

She said this with a teasing glance toward me.

Luna seemed to latch onto this, turning to me with a question in her eyes. "Is that really what you're upset about?"

She shrugged casually. "I bought flowers for you too yesterday, but you left early, so I didn't get a chance to give them to you. I still have them."

With that, she walked over to the corner of the room and pulled out a small bouquet of lisianthus from a box full of beer cans.

As soon as she revealed the flowers, someone couldn't help but laugh.

It was pretty obvious why—they were cheap, and when compared to the lavish bouquet of red roses she'd given Hugo the day before, it was almost laughable.

Hugo brought his roses over, and the difference between the two bouquets was glaring.

The eyes around me seemed to be filled with mockery, as if they were questioning how I even dared to think I could compete with Hugo.

Hugo raised an eyebrow, looking pleased with himself.

He glanced at the lisianthus with clear disdain. "Luna, you should've given Joseph roses, not these."

His tone suggested Luna was trying to pass off a cheap gesture.

Luna replied flatly, "After dinner last night, I went to get flowers, but it was too late, and there were no roses left. These will have to do. He doesn't know much about flowers anyway; I'm sure he won't mind."

She gave the best to Hugo, and I got what was left.

So this was what it looked like, the difference between love and indifference.

How could she just assume I wouldn't care?

She handed me the flowers, but I didn't reach for them.

Luna's brows furrowed again. "You don't like the flowers? I picked them out for you."

"No need," I replied coldly. "You can give them to someone else."

"What's with the attitude?" she asked, her voice sharp.

"I'm not making a scene. I'm being serious. I've got things to do, so I'll leave you all to it."

With that, I turned and walked out of the room, not looking back.

As soon as I took a few steps, the murmurs started behind me.

"Joseph is so dramatic."

"Hugo and Luna's video blew up, and our studio got a lot of sponsorships. That's a good thing! Why make a fuss over it?"

"I know, right?"

Luna lost her patience and tossed the flowers aside. "Let him go. I'm done with him."

Those sharp words felt like knives in my heart.

I paused for a moment, a wave of sorrow rising inside me.

In her eyes, I was so insignificant.

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  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 4

    Back at the dorm, I made a quick bowl of instant noodles and sat down at my desk to start today's training.It wasn't until my eyes began to sting from the strain that I reluctantly closed my laptop.Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a new notification.I unlocked it and saw that Hugo had posted something on his social media.[It's so great having you. Thanks for making me hangover soup when I drink too much.]The photo showed Luna in an apron, busy in the kitchen, bathed in soft lighting that gave it a warm, cozy feel.So Luna could cook for someone else, after all.I gave a self-deprecating smile and commented, [Your girlfriend is so thoughtful. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.]Then, I went ahead and blocked both Hugo's and Luna's accounts.Not long after, an unfamiliar number called. It was Luna on the other end."Joseph, what did your comment mean?" she demanded. "Do you need to make everyone miserable just to be happy? Apologize to Hugo right now, or you won't get

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 5

    In the meeting room, the boss, Greg Manning, deliberately praised Hugo, mentioning that the collaborative couple short video with Luna had gained a lot of attention online, boosting the studio's revenue.Then, he shifted the conversation. "We've decided to restructure the team," he said, his gaze lingering on me. Hugo's smug smile only confirmed my growing suspicion.Sure enough, Greg turned to me. "Joseph, you've worked hard these past two years, so… to give you more time to rest, we've decided to relieve you from the upcoming matches. Hugo will take over your role as the jungler, and from now on, he'll lead the team into competition. Don't worry. Since you're a long-time member of the team, I won't overlook your contributions. In the meantime, you'll help out with the logistics department."Kicking me off the team right after I had won a championship—wasn't that just throwing me away when I was no longer useful?I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. "Thank you for your considerat

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 6

    She glanced at me nervously, hesitated for a moment, and then finally picked up the phone."Luna, where are you right now?" Hugo's voice came through the other end of the line."My hand hurts badly. I think the fall from the accident has caused some lingering issues," he said, his voice full of drama. "Do you think this will affect my ability to compete? Luna, can you come see me? I'm afraid I might not be able to compete anymore…" It was just a regular injury, but by the way he spoke, you'd think the world was ending. It was as if the car had hit him, not me.Luna's face instantly filled with worry.But instead of agreeing right away, she shot me a conflicted look, as if she was torn."You should go. I'll be fine on my own," I said, trying to make things easy for her.Luna seemed to relax a little at my words.After hanging up, she turned to me, her face full of apology. "Sorry. I really want to stay with you, but Hugo's been in such a bad state ever since he hurt his hand.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 7

    I turned in surprise to the nurse, whose eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.I couldn't help but let out a small smile, though it was a resigned one. "You're kidding, right?"My hand was ruined. How could I possibly keep competing?"I'm serious!" she insisted eagerly.She quickly pulled down her mask, revealing a fresh and charming face."Look, this is my new team. We're just missing a jungler. Joseph, I've actually been a fan of yours for a long time. Please consider it. We really need you on our team."With that, she pulled out her phone and showed me the details about the team.It was the Bermuda team, with full backing from Madison White herself.I stared at her in disbelief. "You really created a team?"But that name—Madison White—sounded so familiar. Wasn't that the name of the daughter of the real estate tycoon who ran White Properties?"Is your father Jerome White?" I asked, still processing.Madison blushed, nodding shyly. "Yes, that's my father.""T

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 8

    I suddenly opened my eyes, staring at Luna, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying."What are you crying for? Isn't this what you wanted?" I asked, trying to understand.Luna only cried harder.Hugo stormed over, his face twisted in anger, and grabbed me by the collar, shouting, "Joseph, what kind of man are you? How dare you bully Luna!"Luna pushed him away with force. "Don't touch him. He's seriously hurt."Hugo's fury caused the veins on his neck to bulge. "Luna, he's cheated on you, and you're still defending him? Why degrade yourself like this? You should leave him right now!" he spat, his voice full of frustration."Shut up!" Luna shouted, her voice rising sharply. "My issues with Joseph are none of your business. Get out!" she snapped, pushing Hugo out of the room.I was stunned. She actually argued with Hugo because of me.It was the first time I'd ever witnessed something like this.After pushing Hugo out, Luna returned to sit beside me. She spoke gently, her

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 9

    In the video, I held a bouquet in one hand and a takeout box in the other, walking toward Luna. I reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, then carefully adjusted her clothes. But Luna's gaze seemed to never linger on me. The scene shifted, and on the screen, I was pleading with Luna to stay. Without hesitation, she turned away from me, leaving nothing but her cold, indifferent back.When I was in love, I didn't notice it, but now, from the perspective of an outsider, I looked like nothing more than her loyal servant.Madison looked at me with concern. "They must feel threatened by you; that's why they're resorting to such underhanded tactics. Don't let it mess with your game."I nodded softly, already resolute. After all this preparation, a few rumors couldn't shake me.But before I could fully process it, Luna came to see me in person."Joseph, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much you've done for me," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I've always been the one

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 10

    It was obvious—Madison had posted that.Every time someone questioned me, she was always the first to jump to my defense. My heart warmed as a wave of gratitude washed over me.As expected, the official social media account of the Bermuda team was already under fire. The comments were relentless, mocking us as a small, insignificant team desperate for attention. They claimed I had no one to blame but myself for being stuck with rookies, saying I brought it on by daring to compare myself to Hugo.Some even stooped low enough to call me a gold digger, accusing me of using Luna to climb the social ladder.Just as the online arguments reached a fever pitch, Luna unexpectedly went live on her channel.In the livestream, she confessed that she and Hugo were just friends and publicly stated that I was her boyfriend."We've been dating for years," she explained, urging her viewers not to misunderstand.She even apologized to me on air, admitting she'd ignored my feelings and asking for

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06
  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 11

    "Yeah, we did it."I smiled as I took the flowers in one hand and wrapped the other around Madison, proudly announcing to the crowd that she was my girlfriend.The entire city lit up with fireworks, and the big screen flashed as I became the top jungler in the country.All of this was Madison's surprise.Fans went wild shipping us as a couple, saying our genuine relationship was sweeter than any scripted drama.Soon, several sponsors came forward with offers, and Bermuda shot to fame overnight.Amidst all the excitement, I caught a glimpse of Luna, her face full of disappointment as she walked away, still holding the roses, her figure growing smaller with each step.While our team basked in glory, Hugo and Greg were quickly forgotten, their reputations in ruins.I had no intention of letting them off easy.I released the audio recording of Greg, who had been quick to turn his back on me after the accident, hoping he'd experience a taste of public backlash.Madison was even bo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06

Bab terbaru

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 11

    "Yeah, we did it."I smiled as I took the flowers in one hand and wrapped the other around Madison, proudly announcing to the crowd that she was my girlfriend.The entire city lit up with fireworks, and the big screen flashed as I became the top jungler in the country.All of this was Madison's surprise.Fans went wild shipping us as a couple, saying our genuine relationship was sweeter than any scripted drama.Soon, several sponsors came forward with offers, and Bermuda shot to fame overnight.Amidst all the excitement, I caught a glimpse of Luna, her face full of disappointment as she walked away, still holding the roses, her figure growing smaller with each step.While our team basked in glory, Hugo and Greg were quickly forgotten, their reputations in ruins.I had no intention of letting them off easy.I released the audio recording of Greg, who had been quick to turn his back on me after the accident, hoping he'd experience a taste of public backlash.Madison was even bo

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 10

    It was obvious—Madison had posted that.Every time someone questioned me, she was always the first to jump to my defense. My heart warmed as a wave of gratitude washed over me.As expected, the official social media account of the Bermuda team was already under fire. The comments were relentless, mocking us as a small, insignificant team desperate for attention. They claimed I had no one to blame but myself for being stuck with rookies, saying I brought it on by daring to compare myself to Hugo.Some even stooped low enough to call me a gold digger, accusing me of using Luna to climb the social ladder.Just as the online arguments reached a fever pitch, Luna unexpectedly went live on her channel.In the livestream, she confessed that she and Hugo were just friends and publicly stated that I was her boyfriend."We've been dating for years," she explained, urging her viewers not to misunderstand.She even apologized to me on air, admitting she'd ignored my feelings and asking for

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 9

    In the video, I held a bouquet in one hand and a takeout box in the other, walking toward Luna. I reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, then carefully adjusted her clothes. But Luna's gaze seemed to never linger on me. The scene shifted, and on the screen, I was pleading with Luna to stay. Without hesitation, she turned away from me, leaving nothing but her cold, indifferent back.When I was in love, I didn't notice it, but now, from the perspective of an outsider, I looked like nothing more than her loyal servant.Madison looked at me with concern. "They must feel threatened by you; that's why they're resorting to such underhanded tactics. Don't let it mess with your game."I nodded softly, already resolute. After all this preparation, a few rumors couldn't shake me.But before I could fully process it, Luna came to see me in person."Joseph, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much you've done for me," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I've always been the one

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 8

    I suddenly opened my eyes, staring at Luna, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying."What are you crying for? Isn't this what you wanted?" I asked, trying to understand.Luna only cried harder.Hugo stormed over, his face twisted in anger, and grabbed me by the collar, shouting, "Joseph, what kind of man are you? How dare you bully Luna!"Luna pushed him away with force. "Don't touch him. He's seriously hurt."Hugo's fury caused the veins on his neck to bulge. "Luna, he's cheated on you, and you're still defending him? Why degrade yourself like this? You should leave him right now!" he spat, his voice full of frustration."Shut up!" Luna shouted, her voice rising sharply. "My issues with Joseph are none of your business. Get out!" she snapped, pushing Hugo out of the room.I was stunned. She actually argued with Hugo because of me.It was the first time I'd ever witnessed something like this.After pushing Hugo out, Luna returned to sit beside me. She spoke gently, her

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 7

    I turned in surprise to the nurse, whose eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.I couldn't help but let out a small smile, though it was a resigned one. "You're kidding, right?"My hand was ruined. How could I possibly keep competing?"I'm serious!" she insisted eagerly.She quickly pulled down her mask, revealing a fresh and charming face."Look, this is my new team. We're just missing a jungler. Joseph, I've actually been a fan of yours for a long time. Please consider it. We really need you on our team."With that, she pulled out her phone and showed me the details about the team.It was the Bermuda team, with full backing from Madison White herself.I stared at her in disbelief. "You really created a team?"But that name—Madison White—sounded so familiar. Wasn't that the name of the daughter of the real estate tycoon who ran White Properties?"Is your father Jerome White?" I asked, still processing.Madison blushed, nodding shyly. "Yes, that's my father.""T

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 6

    She glanced at me nervously, hesitated for a moment, and then finally picked up the phone."Luna, where are you right now?" Hugo's voice came through the other end of the line."My hand hurts badly. I think the fall from the accident has caused some lingering issues," he said, his voice full of drama. "Do you think this will affect my ability to compete? Luna, can you come see me? I'm afraid I might not be able to compete anymore…" It was just a regular injury, but by the way he spoke, you'd think the world was ending. It was as if the car had hit him, not me.Luna's face instantly filled with worry.But instead of agreeing right away, she shot me a conflicted look, as if she was torn."You should go. I'll be fine on my own," I said, trying to make things easy for her.Luna seemed to relax a little at my words.After hanging up, she turned to me, her face full of apology. "Sorry. I really want to stay with you, but Hugo's been in such a bad state ever since he hurt his hand.

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 5

    In the meeting room, the boss, Greg Manning, deliberately praised Hugo, mentioning that the collaborative couple short video with Luna had gained a lot of attention online, boosting the studio's revenue.Then, he shifted the conversation. "We've decided to restructure the team," he said, his gaze lingering on me. Hugo's smug smile only confirmed my growing suspicion.Sure enough, Greg turned to me. "Joseph, you've worked hard these past two years, so… to give you more time to rest, we've decided to relieve you from the upcoming matches. Hugo will take over your role as the jungler, and from now on, he'll lead the team into competition. Don't worry. Since you're a long-time member of the team, I won't overlook your contributions. In the meantime, you'll help out with the logistics department."Kicking me off the team right after I had won a championship—wasn't that just throwing me away when I was no longer useful?I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. "Thank you for your considerat

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 4

    Back at the dorm, I made a quick bowl of instant noodles and sat down at my desk to start today's training.It wasn't until my eyes began to sting from the strain that I reluctantly closed my laptop.Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a new notification.I unlocked it and saw that Hugo had posted something on his social media.[It's so great having you. Thanks for making me hangover soup when I drink too much.]The photo showed Luna in an apron, busy in the kitchen, bathed in soft lighting that gave it a warm, cozy feel.So Luna could cook for someone else, after all.I gave a self-deprecating smile and commented, [Your girlfriend is so thoughtful. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.]Then, I went ahead and blocked both Hugo's and Luna's accounts.Not long after, an unfamiliar number called. It was Luna on the other end."Joseph, what did your comment mean?" she demanded. "Do you need to make everyone miserable just to be happy? Apologize to Hugo right now, or you won't get

  • Leveling up With You   Chapter 3

    Luna had never cared enough to do anything like this for me.Even on my birthday, when I casually mentioned wanting a cake, she'd just grumble about how we were adults and didn't need to bother with such pointless formalities.Yet here she was, in front of everyone, preparing such a grand surprise for Hugo.It became clear to me: Only when someone truly cared would they put in the effort.Teagan observed my reaction, clearly pleased with the effect it had on me.A knowing smile played on her face, and it felt like a sharp jab to my heart.After the meet-and-greet, Luna returned to the private room with Hugo.Teagan quickly went up to her, looping her arm with Luna's, and teased, "Luna, you've gone all out for Hugo's surprise. Aren't you worried your boyfriend might get jealous?"Luna stiffened at the comment, and then her eyes flicked to me, guilt flashing in her gaze."Next time, for your birthday or our anniversary, I'll make sure to prepare a surprise like that for you too,

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