Amanda and I have been dating for the past two years.
I wouldn't say we were the perfect couple, but we were happy together.
She was the one who approached me first. Back then, I was nothing, well, that hasn't really changed even now.
I wasn't anything special. I had no particular talent, nor was I a genius. So when she approached me, I was surprised, but I didn't reject her.
We got along well, and after being friends for a few weeks, she confessed to me.
I liked her personality and her smile was quite charming, so I accepted her proposal, and we started dating.
Nothing too special. We were like any other couple. We went on dates, called each other cute names, had late-night calls, cuddled, kissed… everything felt normal. I was genuinely in love for the first time.
For someone who had always felt rejected in life, someone constantly compared to his elder brother, Amanda was a much-needed change.
She changed my life. She made me believe that I could improve, that I could actually do something with my life.
She stayed by my side, advised me, and scolded me when needed. She could be a mother, a friend, and a lover, depending on the moment.
Under her guidance, I started a small company a year ago.
Six months later, I had to abandon the plan after facing several losses.
Around that time, my father slapped me, and my brother once again reminded me why he was the face of our family.
I was at my lowest then.
Six months ago, everything began to feel like it was falling apart.
And that was exactly when I needed Amanda by my side the most.
But then… the only pillar of support I had started to ignore me as well.
I don't know what exactly changed between us, but something did.
She used to be very punctual about when she returned home. Yet around six months ago, her usual routine began to shift.
She began making excuses to leave early. She stopped coming over to my place and forgot about staying the night. Sometimes she even left the classroom without saying goodbye, only to text me later that some emergency had come up.
I tolerated everything. Until now.
I tried hard to fix things between us. I did everything I could. I texted her even when she never replied. I left notes in her locker, hoping she would at least make time to talk. I even planned something special for her birthday two months ago. Something grand.
But guess what?
She never showed up. She said her aunt had fallen down the stairs and she had to rush there.
The funny part was that Amanda had once told me she only had one aunt, and that aunt lived in a different country.
So yes, I know she has been lying to me. And I know what I need to do now.
Trrng
The bell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts as I looked forward.
The professor had already cleaned the board, and I hadn't taken a single note. Great. So much for focusing on my studies.
"Alright, class. Remember, we're going on a research trip in a week, so don't fall ill, don't make plans, and definitely don't get an elderly relative killed just so you can skip the trip," the woman on the podium said as she gathered her books.
Just as she was about to leave, I caught her glancing at me.
This wasn't the first time I'd noticed it, but I wasn't in the right state of mind to think about it.
The others began packing their bags and filing out of the classroom.
Group after group passed by, chatting and making plans for the evening.
I stayed seated.
I waited.
Just then, I saw Ethan get up from the front and glance back, not at me, but at the group behind me, the one Amanda was part of.
Three girls stepped forward. Two of them joined Ethan.
One stopped beside me.
I turned to look at her.
Ocean-blue eyes. A pair I once couldn't stop staring at.
A doll-like face, soft black hair cascading over her shoulders.
Once, I had thought this face was worth gazing at for hours. But now…
"Kyle, I'm sorry I didn't see your text. I had to visit the dentist in the morning, and because of the rush, I missed my train."
I nodded and said nothing.
She stared at me for a moment, probably expecting me to ask something, or maybe lash out. I had started showing aggression lately, though all I really did was make fun of myself. Nothing more.
After a brief pause, Amanda said, "I… need to finish my assignment, so I'm going with the others to the library, okay? I'll call you tonight."
"You don't need to," I said before she could turn away.
As I gathered my books, I added, "You don't need to call me anymore, Amanda."
She blinked, and I could see the tension creep into her expression.
In a quieter voice, she asked, "What do you mean, Kyle?"
I turned to face her and said without hesitation, "I mean we're breaking up, Amanda. So don't ever call me again."