A startled gasp tore from my lips as I hurried toward the classroom — but she wasn't there.A dozen thoughts flashed through my mind about where she could be, and I ended up following the most ridiculous one.
The library.
I slipped between a few shelves and spotted Liza. But she wasn't alone.She stood by a tall window beside the highest bookcases that reached the ceiling. In front of them were a couple of small couches with soft pillows, arranged as if for whispered secrets.
She stood there, arms crossed, brows furrowed — staring at a bouquet of blue roses with a teddy bear tucked in the middle. (I'd never seen anything like it.)The guy offering it to her was dressed sharply, with a handsome face and eyes too gentle for his own good.
"I missed you, my sunshine," he said in a soft, velvety tone.
"Let's not do this, Aice," she sighed, waving a hand. "I didn't ask you to come."
"I decided to. I thought you needed me. And clearly, I was right." He smiled, brushing her earlobe lightly. "They're your favorite flowers. I even sent a few more bouquets to your house."
Her look said everything — God, why did you bring those? I wanted something else.Liza grimaced and rubbed her forehead.
"Oh, Aice…" she muttered.
"If you're tired of them, I'll buy you every flower in existence," he said, tossing the bouquet onto the couch and taking her hands."My love, why won't you say you love me? You always do when we meet. I've missed your voice."
"Aice, we need to talk," she interrupted gently, pulling her hand away.But he pulled her closer again, whispering,
"If it's about the trip, don't worry. I booked the hotel. Everything's ready. You love comfort, my sunshine."
"That's not what I'm talking about! And stop calling me that!" she snapped.
He blinked, confused, then frowned."Who upset you, my goddess? Tell me, and I'll fix it."
"It's not that! I want to talk about us! The thing is… there never was an us."
"What?" His voice cracked. "What are you saying, sunshine? Take that back before you make a mistake you'll regret."He grabbed her hand, his voice trembling. "Come on. Apologize for that terrible joke."
"Aice… I'm sorry. It's just… too much. I want to end this before it goes too far."
"So it was just a game to you?!" His voice rose. "All this time — was I just some joke to you? Did you ever feel anything?"
"I'm sorry…"
"No! We loved each other! We still do!" he shouted, shaking as he grabbed her shoulders. I almost stepped out to stop him."You're lying — this is some kind of test, isn't it? Like in the movies. You're pretending for a reason. My goddess, I'll do anything, just take it back."
"Calm down, Aice! I never loved you! You're insane — chasing me like a dog!" she shouted, pushing him away.He stumbled, hit the bookshelf, and slid down to the floor.
"So there's someone else, huh?" His voice turned cold. "Who is he? Is he better than me? Is that why you're leaving?"
"No!" she screamed — too quickly.
The bell rang for class, but Aice didn't move.
"I can't believe this. After everything, you're dumping me? You're unbelievable, Liza."
"I'm sorry… I wanted to end it sooner, but—"
"I was just a toy. Who's next?!" His voice cracked. "The guys warned me. I should've listened. I wasted two damn years on you."
"I don't know what to say, Aice."
"Oh, I do." He stepped closer, eyes burning. "You're selfish. You play with hearts. One day, you'll regret this — when the person you love the most walks away and leaves you to rot."He turned sharply. "Don't call me. Don't text me. I never want to see you again."
He stormed out.Liza didn't move. She sat down, set the bouquet on her lap, and began plucking the petals one by one.No tears. No anger. Just silence.
"Quite a show," I said, stepping out from behind the shelves. "Your friends would've loved it."
"Julian?" She looked up, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to give you this." I held out her phone.
"As you can see, I'm single now," she said with a sly smirk. "So I can do whatever I want."She took my hand. "Let's talk about us. You already know I like you. And I—"
"No. You didn't, you don't, and you won't." I pulled my hand away."Liz, guys aren't toys. They're not supposed to do whatever you say."
"We'll fix that. A few dates, and you'll be mine."Her tone startled me — confident, dangerous. A predator's smile.Where did that come from?
"You like chasing guys who don't want you?" I asked quietly.
"No," she said. "I like when they fall for me."
"Your brother wouldn't want to see you like this."
"So this is about Charlie, huh?!" she snapped. "He's the reason you won't be with me?! Did he fill your head with lies?"
"No, it's not like that, I just—"
"Oh, I get it." She laughed bitterly. "You're in love with someone else, aren't you? Who is she?"
"Nobody, Liza. Calm down!"
"I knew it… it's that mafia girl, isn't it?" she laughed again.