Mona shook her head, “Nothing, there was a misunderstanding about that thing.

I can explain.”

With the way she flustered now, all the unconfirmed suspicions that had haunted

Morrison for years seemed to coalesce into a stark revelation. It was the final

blow.

“Sure, since you’re scared of being wronged, you’re welcome to explain. If I’ve

indeed wronged you, rest assured, I’ll offer you a sincere apology.”

Rose spoke calmly, her emotions seemingly at bay. Back when she and Chloe

used to hang out, she always thought Chloe was too nonchalant when dealing

Enter title…

with certain issues, as if the person being insulted, slandered, or disadvantaged

wasn’t her at all.

Now that it was Rose’s turn, she began to understand that indignation was

merely amusement for others.

Pain for the loved ones, joy for the foes. And that was exactly what the other

party wanted to see. Besides, getting too worked up seemed pointless and

beneath her. It made her look like a clown.d2

Most importantly, she had grown accustomed to it. After witnessing so much vile

talk, it took a lot to get under her skin. Like now, she was the picture of

composure, her mind unusually clear.

But against Rose’s tranquil demeanor, Mona was visibly rattled. She glanced at

Morrison and caught him staring at her, his narrowed eyes piercing.

Quickly looking away, she pressed her lips together, “We all used to have such

good times. I forgot.”

Rose’s lips twisted into a wry smile, laced with irony. “If that’s the reason, then

indeed…”

Morrison wasn’t deaf to the sarcasm. He wrapped his arm around her, turning

her to face him, his brows knitted tightly. “What are you trying to say? That

winter of our graduation year… you mean my birthday?”

Something struck a nerve, and he took a deep breath before continuing,

“Speaking of which, Rose, why didn’t you come to my birthday that year? Do

you know how long I waited for you?!”

A flicker passed through Rose’s eyes, “You waited for me?”

Morrison clenched his teeth, “The last birthday before graduation, and you stood

me up! You always came before, but why not the last time…”

“Morrison,” Rose interjected lightly, his grip on her waist tightening.

He realized something was amiss and quickly loosened his hold, awkwardly

rubbing her waist.

looked up, her expression serene, “You changed the

and didn’t tell me.”

froze, then after a long pause, as if recalling

Mona. “You didn’t tell

felt a tingling sensation on her scalp. She opened her

“I… I forgot.”

few seconds of silence,

rehearse the play in the activity room and would tell

in person!”

“I

told me not to call

sharply, its cold fury almost

recoiled, tears spinning in

others were equally frightened

except for me, Mona, if we

always had a head start. Still feel wronged? You can continue

explain.”

her lip, her hands clenched, unable to utter a word.

his gaze had barely lingered on

say? It was a

from back then were impossible to

Rose’s waist, while the

went to the original place

her gaze sliding inch by

“Why did you decide

pressed together, and he looked ashamed. “It was my

him, her gaze intense, “Was it your own decision, or did

suggest it?”

guilty, “Someone

“Who?”

low, “Asking me to

in a tough spot,

it was Mona who suggested you change the

he gave a barely perceptible nod.

her to

playing on

voice soft and distant.

did go. I went to the place you

finally did

me the address but neglected to mention the

staff,

calling you again, there was

Morrison’s grip paused.

you know why I mentioned that winter of our graduation year? It’s

just like today, with heavy snowfall. I

for even a moment in case I

the club the

feelings

a mist

Adam’s apple bobbed, his own emotions

afraid that if I

trailed off as he embraced her, kissing

for over two months to get your birthday gift ready,

the next day, and didn’t return to school

new semester started, your attitude

and there was no chance

and find

been wracking my brain, trying to figure out

make you mess

Morrison replied, his voice stiff with the awkwardness of baring

front of Rose. “It’s just seeing you so calm, not picking fights

it would’ve made my day. That’s why

birthday.”

especially for Morrison, who was used to

constant one-upmanship. Neither had ever shown weakness to

this new vulnerability

spilling his guts just like he had at

felt so much more awkward. But what was the difference?

he’d long since lost

spirits lifted despite herself at

planted a few quick kisses on her forehead before stepping

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