As I looked over the picture frames, one photograph immediately caught my attention.
Everyone else was smiling—Levi beaming, the others looking irritated in one way or another—but she was the only one frowning. They must have fought that day.
My gaze drifted to the back of the photo, and I noticed something written there.
My name.
"Did Keanu write this?" I muttered to myself.
Before I could think further, the sound of the door opening made me turn around.
And there stood Keanu.
When our eyes met, he gave me a warm smile, his cheeks turning a faint shade of red.
"You didn't tell me you were already here," he said shyly.
Seriously? Is he still embarrassed around me?
Doesn't he ever get used to this?
"What is it you wanted to tell me?" I asked.
He stared at me for a long moment, then smiled.
Before I could react, cold metal snapped around my wrists.
"H–Hey! What do you think you're doing? What is the meaning of this, Keanu?!"
"Don't you get it?"
He cupped my cheek, and I froze at his touch.
"I love you, Solar. I love you so much. I almost went insane seeing you happily talking to my brothers—wait, no. I am already insane."
Hold on—wasn't he supposed to act like this for the female lead?
Why me?
I pressed my forehead against his, making him pause.
"You don't have a fever. You're not drunk either."
I stepped back slightly, but he remained frozen in place.
"I'm not Charlotte. Maybe you're just hungry?"
"You didn't hear what I said?" he whispered.
He lowered his head, shoulders tense.
"I said I love you. Not Charlotte."
But we barely talk.
How did he even fall for me?
I didn't do anything.
"Are you crazy?!" I snapped.
Did he seriously call me here just to ruin my life?
I was already living peacefully!
What is wrong with this world?!
Why won't they let me experience even a single good day?!
Gosh!
Suddenly, he pushed me down, pinning me beneath him.
Keanu—why me?! Why is this happening?!
"I've been holding back for so long," he said, voice trembling. "Every day, I stop myself from doing what I really want because I know it's wrong!"
His grip tightened on my shoulders.
"K-Keanu, w-we can talk about this," I pleaded internally. Somebody! Save me!
"Whenever I see you, my heart races. I really like you. There's never a moment when you're not in my mind."
His expression darkened with fear.
"I'm scared—terrified—that one of my brothers will take you away from me."
He pulled me into a tight embrace.
"I don't want you to leave me, Solar."
"I'm not the one for you! Come on—get off!" I shouted in frustration.
His hand slowly slid down, stopping at my neck.
My eyes widened. His cheeks were still flushed.
"You're really beautiful, Solar."
He leaned closer, his breath brushing my skin.
"You're mine."
I felt his lips touch my neck.
I shoved him away as hard as I could, but fighting was difficult with the handcuffs binding my wrists.
"Stop! Keanu—please! Don't be like your brother! You promised me—"
"You told me I was the only one you liked."
He bowed his head again, hiding his face, but I saw the tear that fell.
"I saw you two. Xavion kissed you."
His voice cracked.
"Do you know how much that hurt? It hurts so much—it's driving me insane."