Chapter 2

Orientation camp started. As William and I belonged in different majors, he had to make quite the trip to come over to my side of the campus. We usually had our lunch and dinners together.

Alas, every time that happened, Natasha would mock me, calling me a fool for not socializing with my peers to spend time with a guy instead. She even claimed I had no friends.

In reality, I got along pretty well with everyone in my class, as well as Connie and Brenda. Whenever there was an announcement, they would inform me about it. Natasha was the only one who seemed to have a problem with me.

Although she said it was for my own good, she did nothing but chastise Willian and me. She wouldn't even tell me about any last-minute changes to the class events or orientation camp schedules.

Once, after a camp session, I took a bottle of water from William and only managed to take a sip before Natasha spotted me.

Acting as though she unearthed all the proof she needed, she pointed at the drink William was holding and said with an amused expression, "What did I tell you? He merely bought you a bottle of water—the cheapest thing there is—while he got himself a drink that costs at least twice as much. Aren't you going to break up with such a stingy guy?"

William and I exchanged confused looks before I replied, "You got the wrong idea, Natasha. I like drinking water, and I don't like sweet drinks. I don't think there's a problem with him buying something else for himself."

Natasha glanced at William before scoffing at me, saying, "I didn't expect you to come up with excuses for his sake. You're hopeless! I'm going to stop wasting my efforts on you. You'd better not come crying to me when he dumps you!"

She stalked off after saying her piece, leaving William and me to exchange puzzled looks.

Upset at being unfairly branded in such a way, William wanted to drag me off and buy me a meal—and a bunch of other stuff—to prove himself. Even when I stopped him, he said with a fearful expression, "Tammy, if you're displeased with anything I do, make sure you tell me about it. I'll change my ways! Please don't misunderstand me."

William and I were high school classmates, and we had been dating for a year now. Naturally, I was fully aware of the kind of person he was.

I let out a sigh, feeling helpless about the situation with Natasha. Perhaps she was truly trying to look out for me. Maybe her domineering way of doing things was merely out of concern that I might be tricked by a guy. Either way, it wasn't a big deal. Since we had to share a dorm room, there was no reason for us to get into any conflicts.

When I got back to the dorm room that night, Natasha was lying on her bed. I didn't know what she was doing, but I vaguely heard the words "dating" and "my dormmate's boyfriend".

However, when I walked up to her, she warily put her phone away and asked, "What do you want?"

I felt a little confused, but I went ahead with my decision to have a proper chat with her to try and ease the tension between us.

"Natasha, thank you for being concerned about me, but William and I were high school classmates. We've been dating for a year now, and I know him very well—"

As soon as I got that out, Natasha shrieked, "High school sweethearts? I can't believe you two dated in high school! Don't you know that high school relationships never end well? How can you think he's a decent guy when he convinced you to date him in high school?

"Not only is he being irresponsible with his own life but with yours too! I can't believe you're standing up for a guy like him. You're a hopeless, love-addled brain romantic, alright! A guy like him won't treat you well. You should break up with him as soon as possible."

In reality, William and I were study partners first before we ended up dating. Being a cool-headed person, I was able to keep an appropriate distance and prioritize my studies. William never crossed the line either. We got into Argan University together, and even our families approved of our relationship.

And yet, Natasha was disparaging our relationship in every way possible.

In the end, I didn't say the words I had been meaning to say to her. The look of scorn and contempt on her face pissed me off too. I even thought it was silly that I had even thought about mending my relationship with her.

"It's none of your business," I said before walking off.

After rolling her eyes at me, Natasha took her phone out and started tapping away furiously.