Life was monotonous, yet not devoid of charm. The unsettling emotions from the summer gradually eased over time. Even during moments of leisure, thoughts of Felix would cross my mind. I would find myself retracing the 19 years we spent together, recalling the silent affection I harbored for him.However, it remained mere contemplation.Each reflection brought a bitter tinge, a profound sadness that I forced myself not to dwell on. I convinced myself that we were just neighbors, nothing more.I believed that my fondness for him would diminish with each passing day, and I would eventually feel better.Meanwhile, Colin continued to feed me as a daily ritual. No matter where I was or what I was doing, he would promptly arrive to whisk me away for a meal.Over time, I grew familiar with Colin's friends, and due to his influence, they all affectionately referred to me as Lulu. In Colin's absence, each of them took turns caring for me.I felt a sense of ease and comfort with Colin by
So, Lilac was coming over, and I was supposed to look after her. Juggling my own responsibilities was challenging enough. Did I need to add looking after her to the mix? Did she have a disability, or was she just clueless?I grew up pampered by my parents until high school. Even my socks were handled by my mom. But when I went to college, no one took care of me. I learned to do everything on my own, and things went well.Why couldn't Lilac do the same?Truth be told, I was reluctant to agree, no matter the reason.I had reservations about Lilac. She always appeared overly calculating and scheming. I was afraid I might unintentionally fall into one of her schemes. Moreover, with my focus on the competition, I was drained every day. If it weren't for Colin, I might not even be eating well. I really didn't have the extra energy to take care of his girlfriend.To be blunt, I didn't have that obligation to take care of Lilac for him."Please, Lulu? It would mean a lot," he asked me
"She's your brother's girlfriend and will be part of your family in the future. Don't tell me you don't know," I said with a dismissive snort, not believing him for a second.Colin picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and set it down, his eyes shimmering with an unreadable light. "Don't joke about this. You and Felix have been betrothed since childhood. He could never have another girlfriend in his life. Lilac Hawthorn, what a tacky name."I looked at Colin's innocent face, suddenly at a loss for words. He never bothered with lies. He genuinely didn't know about Felix and Lilac's relationship.The idea that Felix and I were bound to be together for life had been deeply embedded in the minds of everyone who knew us.It was like that time during our senior year in high school when I stood at the front of the classroom, explaining that Felix and I were merely neighbors. However, no one would believe our journey had already reached its end.More precisely, Felix and I never even sta
"I've been busy with my studies and haven't paid much attention to family matters for the past two years. I wasn't here for you during your most difficult moments, and I'm deeply sorry for that, Lulu," Colin slowly said, his voice carrying a deep sense of guilt."Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault," I replied."Lulu, you must have been heartbroken. Felix is such a jerk," Colin said, his gaze filled with sympathy but as tender as sun-smitten dew."I'm much better now, not as distressed as before." Time had elapsed since those difficult days, and although it had been incredibly challenging, I was slowly feeling more at ease."Good, Lulu. You're such a good girl. Would you like to talk to me about it? I can be your best listener."I sniffed and glanced at my phone, realizing there was only half an hour left until class, which wasn't enough time. Furthermore, I had no desire to delve into those painful memories. Doing so would mean reliving them, and I had no intention o
Wanted to control me the moment we met? Dreamed on. I wasn't her typical accommodating boyfriend."I'm tired," I said, not even glancing at Lilac.Given what she had done in the past, it was already quite generous of me to have gone and picked her up.And now she expected me to cater to her? No way.She watched me as I got into the car emotionlessly and left her standing there, her anger palpable. I pretended not to notice and continued to ignore her.In the end, she had to load her suitcases into the taxi's trunk herself.I couldn't help but wonder why she had brought three massive suitcases for a mere one-month exchange program. After all, she wasn't even staying permanently at the Marlmiwi.It made me question the necessity of carrying so many suitcases, especially when Felix wasn't even present to see her all dressed up.Later, I discovered that I had overthought the situation, and there were indeed people who paid attention to her outfits."Luna, you've been here for ov
Lilac was vain and cared a lot about her image. Her expression shifted as she listened to my words. She deviated from her usual gentle and delicate demeanor that she always put on in front of Felix. Instead, she grew frustrated visibly, her eyes practically blazing with anger."Luna Lawson! I'll tell Felix if you don't treat me," she threatened."Go ahead. Tell anyone you want. Tell the world if you can."A chorus of laughter erupted from the onlookers, clearly relishing in the fact that I was refusing to compromise with Lilac.It turned out they were just a bunch of fake sororities.Lilac seethed with anger as she dialed a number on her phone. Felix picked up the call just as she put it on speaker, ensuring that everyone could listen to their conversation."Felix." Lilac's voice maintained its usual sweetness, though there was a hint of grievance. "I've just arrived at the school and wanted to let you know.""Are you okay? You sound a bit hoarse. Do you have a cold?""It's n
I had just finished preparing the competition draft, and it turned out even better than expected.I was quite satisfied with it and was about to show it to Colin when my phone rang."Colin, I was just about to call you. The draft is ready. Do you want to take a look?" I asked."It seems that we think alike, Lulu," he remarked, his voice carrying a touch of charm, much like the comforting warmth of nighttime light.I pursed my lips, pondering why Colin appeared somewhat flirtatious.But no, that couldn't be right.He had watched me grow up and had always treated me like a sister. I had to be overthinking."So, Colin, why are you calling me so late?" I asked."Do you want to take on a project? It's a great opportunity," he said."Do tell me, but I'm not sure if I can do it.""A classmate of mine is looking to create a photo album to commemorate his grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. "He intends to capture their decades of memories and present them to his grandparents on
Following the sound, I slowed my steps and stealthily moved closer. I felt relieved that I had opted to wear these shoes today. Otherwise, had they noticed me, I might have risked losing a tooth or two.To the right of the rose-covered wall was a sunken flower corridor extending about ten yards in depth. It led to an unused small room at the end, rumored to serve as a storage space for the agricultural economics department.At the far end of the corridor, I noticed two individuals hidden from view, locked in a tight and passionate embrace.The man's hands wandered while the woman tugged at the hem of his shirt. The atmosphere was intensely heated to the point of warming the cool autumn night air.The lights at the research institute were still on, providing dim illumination. As I finally laid eyes on the person, I was so shocked that I felt a chill down my spine, and I had to stifle a scream.It was actually Lilac!She was in a passionate embrace with a male classmate wearing a