"Sorry, Nico. I'm the reason you went viral." I snatched my phone back and sent a simple apology.Queenie knew all my social contacts by heart. When she saw that I was texting someone with a profile picture she had never seen before, she squinted her eyes and interrogated me, "Is it a guy? Who is he? Come clean now."Stunned, I looked at the phone in my hands instinctively. This felt odd because the way she interrogated me didn't sound like she was a good friend of mine but a jealous husband. Queenie wasn't bisexual, was she? Was I the reason why she rejected Andrew? Why didn't I know anything about it?Huh, no! She was straight. Very straight. Anyway, if she was straight, why was she glaring at me? Why was she doubting me? She was my best friend. Shouldn't she trust me?"It's none of your business. You should mind your business with Andrew." I grabbed her hands and put them inside the washing liquid. I decided to walk past her and left her alone in the kitchen washing dishes. "N
I looked at the forum, where the users had quickly forgotten me, and the increasing posts about Nico's girlfriend. I felt a mix of amusement and frustration. I wondered if Nico could handle the relentless questions. Our collaboration hadn't even taken off, yet I had already caused him a big problem. I felt guilty.Everyone at Jesselton College knew that Nico was devoted to his academics and had been single for what seemed like an eternity. He had never officially announced having a girlfriend. It wasn't until later that I found out that Nico was not the ascetic he appeared to be but rather a cultured rogue. Queenie's offhand remark had ruined Nico's reputation, almost akin to spreading a terrible rumor. Ultimately, it was my fault. As such, I could only apologize again.I picked up my phone and typed out a message, "I'm sorry, Nico. I didn't say that, I swear."Nico responded quickly, "My reputation is already ruined. What good is an apology? How about you introduce me to a girl
As I lay in bed, hugging Colin's pillow and breathing in his fading scent, I gradually drifted off to sleep.With most of the curriculum completed in our second year, most of my classmates were occupied with projects, preparing their theses, and planning their future businesses.I had often fantasized about opening my own art studio in the future. It would be a spacious, bright room with a courtyard that had a fountain. The courtyard would ideally have some flowers and plants and a set of wicker chairs.I would brew a pot of premium coffee in my spare time, sipping it while admiring the art. It would be a life of pure contentment.When my friends heard about my grand future plans, they laughed so hard they doubled over. They joked that an 80-year-old soul must reside in my 23-year-old body as I seemed ready to retire and embrace a lifestyle that the elderly preferred. I didn't mind their teasing as everyone had their way of living. Being ordinary and unambitious was simply who I
"That boy is always up to no good, messing around instead of focusing on his work. It's a wonder he doesn't drive me crazy. How could he ever make me proud?" Professor King always looked disdainful when talking about his son.But those who knew them well understood that Xavier, despite his rebellious nature, was exceptionally talented. He not only inherited the professor's artistic skills but was also incredibly smart, brave, and decisive. He was a rare talent.Whenever Professor King criticized his son, his words belied the pride in his eyes. He was actually silently begging for praise."Stop being modest, Professor King. Your son is one of a kind. You should be content," I replied, seizing the opportunity to flatter him.The professor, pleased with my remark, left with a chuckle.Around lunchtime, Colin finally updated his social media. He posted a single photo of his hand with his index and middle fingers extended while the other three were clenched into a fist. Seeing the bulg
After tidying up, I went to find Nico, who stood admiring his handiwork with a small hammer in hand.As I approached, I noticed the plaque mounted in the designated spot by the professor, inscribed with two striking words—"Chroma Labs." Nico had a knack for selecting elegant and meaningful names, befitting his reputation as a master of aesthetics and creativity.We decided to distribute the responsibilities by drawing lots. Nico was assigned the task of managing all the purchases. We agreed that both he and I would contribute 50 grand each, with him managing the money.Purchases would come from this fund, and if more money was needed, we would add more.True to his efficiency, all the office equipment was delivered by the next afternoon. The shipment included two grand executive desks and chairs, computers, a state-of-the-art multifunctional printer, a set of filing cabinets, a variety of stationery items, and a safe.I understood the purpose of most of the items, but the safe p
I ignored Hannah's complaints and gently pushed her out the door. As for her sore legs, it was her destiny for getting involved with someone like Felix. But I didn't say this out loud, fearing it might hurt her feelings. After all, we might end up as family someday, so it was better to stay united.I often found myself wondering what would have happened if Felix had met someone innocent and carefree like Hannah instead of Lilac. Perhaps his fate would've been different.In addition to attending regular classes and occasionally covering lectures for my department, I spent the rest of my time at Chroma Labs researching paint formulas and production techniques.Nico and I often argued about the formula. He believed that a purely chemical formula would be more stable in terms of color retention, with simpler processes and easier-to-obtain raw materials.Meanwhile, I insisted on using all-natural ingredients, which were environmentally friendly, healthier, and better suited for the futu
In one of the photos, he was sitting at a table with a glass of red wine in hand. He appeared lost in his solitude. In another one, he was standing in the dark, gazing up at the full moon. There was also one where he stood by the sea, with the breeze lifting his clothes as his short hair danced wildly. He looked like a war god returning from conquest.The caption accompanying these photos was a classic phrase well-known to romance enthusiasts, "Love conquers all, surmounting even the mightiest of mountains and vastest of seas."Indeed, when two people in love got together, mountains and valleys no longer seemed daunting. Even the most bitter moments can turn sweet, a testament to the couple's devotion.Although time and distance separated us, our love remained pure and true, only growing stronger and more real in our separation.I saved these photos, gently caressing and lightly kissing each one on quiet, solitary nights before drifting into sweet dreams.The days without Colin
I walked home, surrounded by the city's hustle and bustle, bright lights, and cheerful atmosphere. Time seemed to pass by so quickly, and another year was about to end.People often reflected on past events at certain times and places, recalling both the good and the unfortunate—even those that brought lifelong regrets.Last year, because of Felix's incident, Colin and I spent the entire New Year's Eve at the hospital. Thinking back, having our first New Year's Eve together as a couple destroyed was one of my biggest regrets.This year marked the second year since Colin and I had been together. We should have celebrated it properly. Alas, without Colin by my side, I wondered how I should ring in the new year alone."Colin, when are you coming back? I miss you so much!" I mused.I avoided the festivities that didn't involve me and opened the door to a dark and empty home. Queenie and Andrew didn't come over, leaving the expansive room cold and desolate.Earlier in the afternoon, Q