Chapter 15:
Jack woke up in total confusion and stood up so fast he looked like an innocent boy caught doing something wrong.
Since I was already feeling better, I said,
"How many times do I have to tell you to knock before entering?"
He laughed nervously.
"This time it's not my fault. The door was already open. But don't try to change the subject. Who is he, and why is he in your room holding your hand?"
I got out of bed and said,
"Can we talk in the living room? Let's get out first."
Jack looked uneasy. His usual composure and confidence were nowhere to be found, and honestly, that part was a little funny. Tom, on the other hand, looked like he was about to explode. Hand crossed, face covered with anger.
Once we were seated in complete silence, I finally spoke.
"This is Jack. He's… my closest friend. Remember, I told you I made friends at school?"
I don't know why, but I couldn't bring myself to call him my boyfriend, not right now. The relationship felt like it was standing on fragile ground, and saying the word out loud felt wrong.
"You forgot to mention he was a male friend," Tom replied sharply. "That still doesn't explain why he was in your room."
Before I could struggle through an explanation, Jack stood up.
"I'm very sorry," he said calmly. "I didn't mean to fall asleep. I only came because Lea wasn't feeling well, and I wanted to check on her. I apologize for the way we met and for my behaviour."
He bowed.
"Stop," I said quickly. "You don't have to do that."
Tom looked startled. He clearly hadn't expected such a quick apology. After a moment, he said,
"If you know your place, that's enough. You don't need to bow."
"Thank you," Jack replied. "I think I should head out now. I've already abused your hospitality."
"I'll walk you out," I said, standing up.
"I thought you were sick," Tom protested. "Now you want to go out in the cold?"
"Just to the lobby," I replied. "I promise."
He waved his hand, letting me go. Even though he's my younger brother, I respect him. He's always been the outgoing one, taller, louder, braver. Everything I wasn't.
I had to almost run to catch Jack, who was already halfway gone like a thief.
"Hey," I said, catching my breath. "Why are you walking so fast? I'm supposed to be the sick one. And… thank you for coming to check on me."
"I will always check on you," he said softly. "Go rest now."
"I'm sorry," I blurted out. "For not introducing you as my boyfriend. Everything happened so fast today, and I'm confused. Can you give me some time to figure things out?"
He looked at me for a moment, nodded slightly, and said nothing. As the elevator closed, his hand brushed his flawless hair, but his look was sad and disappointed.
And just like that… I was kind of single again. I felt like I was a bad person, missing out on something good. He is just too good for me. I felt my luck in life gone in an instant.
When I explained everything to Lily, she said it was basically a break, not a complete breakup. After she added, " Faye literally called it. I hope you will make up your mind fast because we know someone who is waiting for this opportunity." That truth just hurt so bad; the fact that she knew just infuriated me so much. For me,this is all so new that I didn't know what to do, then to stop everything for now. Even if it is not fair to Jack him that completely poor himself to me.
After that, our class winter trip was coming up, a trip to the mountains. For once in my life, I was going with friends. The timing almost felt intentional.
I was still kinda talking to Matt. He sat beside me in class, and we had class assignment and all that. That part felt normal.
The only person who suddenly felt like a stranger was Jack.
No messages. No conversations. Not even eye contact in the hallway.
I missed him more than I expected. Every time we passed each other, I wanted to stop him and say everything I was holding back, but I didn't. It was like a movie scene.
Not yet.
I told myself I would enjoy the trip and deal with my feelings later.
We are heading to the mountains, Mount Fuji, Hakone.