Turning Point

I happened to overhear him talking to a friend as I passed by his bedroom door.

"So you really don't have feelings for Claire? Then why are you always looking out for her?"

"She's got a weak constitution. My mom insists I keep an eye on her. It's so annoying—I'm here to study, not to be a nursemaid!"

The next day, I submitted my application for campus housing, packed my bags, and moved out of the Ashford residence.

1

I came into this world early, spending my first three months in the NICU.

Though I've always been a bit frail and sometimes slow to react, I've never thought of myself as different from anyone else.

But my parents were always overly worried about me. Even a minor bump would send them rushing me to the hospital for a full check-up.

When I got into college, I chose one far from home in the Capital City, finally escaping their watchful eyes.

However, my mom had already contacted her old friend Aunt Linda, who lived in the Capital.

Aunt Linda's house was close to the university, and when she found out her son Julian and I attended the same school, she immediately suggested I stay with them.

My parents agreed without even consulting me.

Aunt Linda and her husband were college classmates of my parents too.

Back when Uncle Mark's business failed and they were drowning in debt, my parents helped them out with everything they had, getting the Ashfords through that rough patch.

Aunt Linda knew about my health issues. When my mom told her I was in the NICU, she'd even traveled all the way to my hometown to visit me.

So, just as I'd escaped my parents' control, I found myself under Aunt Linda's wing.

Unfortunately, I've always been too agreeable to say no, so I ended up moving into the Ashford home.

My presence did cause some inconvenience for Aunt Linda's son, Julian.

His gaming room was converted into my bedroom.

The bathroom he used exclusively now had another girl's toiletries.

Sometimes, when I had afternoon classes, he'd have to wait for me to finish before we could head home together.

Julian was like the male lead straight out of those romance novels I'd read in high school.

Six-foot-two, always in a white T-shirt, an amazing basketball player.

Top of his class, handsome and aloof, but with a smile that could warm anyone—he was the most eye-catching person on campus.

So, naturally, I couldn't help but develop a secret crush on him as we lived under the same roof.

2

Julian got his driver's license the moment he turned eighteen and drove to and from school every day, giving me a ride as well.

At first, I felt awkward getting into his car under the jealous glares of other girls, but eventually, I started secretly enjoying it.

They say "a balcony by the water gets the moonlight first," but with my timid personality, I could never muster the courage to make the first move.

At home, the only time I could be alone with Julian was when I brought him his after-dinner fruit.

Every evening after dinner, I'd help Aunt Linda clear the table while she washed the fruit.

"Claire, take this to Julian for me, please."

Aunt Linda pushed a plate of fruit toward me and carried another to the living room.

"Come down and have some too when you're done. The cherries I bought today are really fresh."

I nodded and headed upstairs with the fruit.

I knocked on Julian's door twice but got no answer.

Was he gaming?

Just as I was debating whether to knock louder, the bathroom door down the hall swung open.

A cloud of steam billowed into the hallway as Julian emerged, towel-drying his hair.

It was like a scene from a movie—a gorgeous guy fresh out of the shower...

I was so lost in the sight that I didn't notice him walking up to me until he took the fruit plate from my hands.

The scent of body wash wafted over me.

We used the same brand...

My cheeks burned, and I nervously let down the bangs I'd tucked behind my ear.

"Something else?"

"Um... no."

I turned to go downstairs, but he called out.

"Hey..."

"Yeah?"

"Starting tomorrow, I'll be busy with the lab at school. You'll have to get home on your own."

I agreed readily, but inside, I was crushed.

3

The next day after class, I quickly gathered my things and headed to the school parking lot.

Julian's car was there, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Right, I was supposed to go home alone today.

I turned and walked toward the main gate. As I passed the intersection leading to Julian's building, I glanced in that direction.

Just in time to see him emerge from around the corner, holding some papers, a faint smile on his lips.

Beside him walked a girl with an elegant aura. Her long hair fell to her waist, tied in a low ponytail that made her look even more gentle.

They chatted and laughed as they entered the building, disappearing from my sight.

Whenever I'm upset, I bite my lower lip. The pain brought me back to my senses.

I walked out of the school in a daze when a girl suddenly blocked my path.

"Excuse me, are you Julian's cousin? Could you give me his WeChat?"

From the very beginning, I'd explained that our parents were friends and I was just staying with them.

Somehow, the rumor spread that I was his cousin or some other relative.

"Sorry... I'm not his cousin, and I'm not really comfortable sharing his contact info." I blurted it out in one breath, clutching my bag strap as I brushed past her.

It was the first time I'd ever turned down one of his admirers, and one of the rare times I'd ever refused anyone.

I walked quickly, not daring to look back to see if she was following. My head was spinning, my heart racing.

Like a fly without a head, I collided with a bicycle, twisting my ankle and scraping my hands. That finally snapped me out of it.

"Are you okay?"

The guy on the bike and some nearby students rushed to help me up. I gritted my teeth against the pain in my ankle, embarrassed by the crowd gathering around.

The guy insisted on taking me home. To escape the awkward situation, I reluctantly agreed to get on his bike.

When we stopped in front of Julian's house, he exclaimed, "Isn't this Julian's place?"

Aunt Linda happened to be outside watering the plants. Seeing me hobble off the bike, she rushed over, fussing.

Turned out the guy who hit me was Ryan, Julian's best friend since high school, now at the same university.

Because of my injury, Julian got an earful from Aunt Linda when he got home.

He didn't return until after ten, looking exhausted. After a few harsh words from Aunt Linda, he irritably slung his shirt over his shoulder and stomped upstairs.

"That boy!" Aunt Linda wanted to follow him.

I quickly grabbed her arm. "Aunt Linda, the lab's been keeping him busy. He probably hasn't even eaten yet. Besides, I'm an adult. I don't need someone to chauffeur me around every day."

Aunt Linda sighed, a mix of frustration and pity on her face. Finally, she softened. "I'll make him a late-night snack. Can you take it up to him?"

"Of course!"

4

Because of my injured foot, Julian was forced to drive me to and from school every day, then head back to the lab afterward.

I felt bad for taking up his time and tried to refuse several times.

Julian stared out the window, tapping his finger impatiently on the steering wheel. "Stop dawdling. Get in."

A week later, my foot was finally better. At dinner, I announced I'd start taking the bus to school.

Aunt Linda initially objected, but after much persuasion, she finally agreed.

Julian glanced at me but said nothing, though I could tell he was pleased.

But as they say, the weather is unpredictable.

I'd only been taking the bus for a few days when a taxi crashed into it.

It was rush hour, and the bus was packed. All the seats were taken.

I was standing near a row of seats, holding onto the handle on the backrest.

Suddenly, a taxi slammed into the side of the bus. The force threw everyone standing to the ground.

I was flung from the left side of the bus to the right, crashing into the door. For a moment, I felt like my whole body was shattering.

The injured passengers were crying out in pain. I struggled to prop myself up against a pole.

Luckily, I managed to stay conscious until the ambulance arrived.

Since I was near the door, I was the first one loaded onto a stretcher.

In the ambulance, my consciousness began to fade, and I blacked out.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital room that smelled of disinfectant.

Aunt Linda, Uncle Mark, and Julian were all there.

I tried to move and realized my head and foot were bandaged, and I had a neck brace on.

"Claire, you're awake? Do you remember who I am?"

I nodded weakly.

"I'll get the doctor." Julian left the room quickly.

Aunt Linda immediately called my parents to update them, while Uncle Mark asked if I was in pain anywhere else.

Soon, Julian returned with the doctor.

After examining me, the doctor said I had a mild concussion from the impact and various other injuries. I'd need to rest in bed for two weeks before a follow-up.

After the doctor left, Aunt Linda called my parents again, apologizing profusely. When she hung up, she told me they were on their way to the Capital.

I thought that might be for the best, so I wouldn't have to trouble Aunt Linda anymore.

After the call, Aunt Linda turned on Julian again, saying if he'd driven me home, this wouldn't have happened.

Julian gritted his teeth, trying to hold back. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed his bag and stood up from the sofa.

"Even if I drove her, I'd take the same route. That damn taxi could have hit me too. Would you only be satisfied if we both ended up in the hospital?"

He stormed out of the room without looking back.

Aunt Linda was furious and wanted to go after him. I instinctively tried to sit up to stop her, but the sharp pain in my arm forced me back down.

Luckily, Uncle Mark held her back.

"It was an accident. Who knew the taxi driver would get into an argument with his passenger and lose control? Why are you blaming our son?"

"Yeah, Aunt Linda. It was entirely the taxi driver's fault. He hurt so many people. No one could have predicted it."

Aunt Linda knew she was wrong to take it out on Julian. She didn't say anything more, just quietly picked up the bowl of porridge she'd set on the nightstand and began feeding me spoonful by spoonful.

That evening, Aunt Linda wanted to stay with me, but I insisted on spending the night alone in the hospital.

She'd gotten me a private room with a 24-hour nurse.

The room was decorated like a hotel, providing a small sense of comfort amidst the smell of disinfectant.

But the first night was rough. I'm not good with unfamiliar beds, and I couldn't turn over. My back was itchy.

Calling the nurse for something so trivial felt like an overreaction, so I just shifted around on the sheets, trying to scratch my back.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. I thought it was the nurse and felt relieved.

But it was Julian.

5

"You... what are you doing here?"

He stood at the door. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah."

He pushed the door open but didn't close it.

The light from the hallway cast a glow around him, making him look like a god stepping out of the light.

He didn't turn on the light but walked over to my bed.

That's when I noticed he was carrying... my pillow.

"This...?"

He rubbed his nose awkwardly. "I noticed you bought this pillow when you first came to our house. I thought you might sleep better with your own."

He gently lifted my head, pulled out the hospital pillow, and replaced it with mine.

My pillow was designed to support my neck, but with the neck brace on, it still wasn't very comfortable.

Julian must have realized that too, and for a moment, he looked embarrassed.

"Thank you." My voice was muffled, maybe from nervousness or because my mouth was hidden under the blanket.

"And sorry for getting you yelled at for no reason."

Julian clicked his tongue dismissively. "I'm used to it."

My back itched again, and I couldn't help but flinch.

Julian noticed and touched my blanket. "Are you cold?"

My face flushed red as I shook my head.

His expression turned awkward. "Do you need to use the bathroom?"

"No!!"

My hands were sweating under the covers. Under Julian's questioning gaze, I finally gave in. "I... my back is itchy."

My voice got quieter and quieter. I wanted to disappear under the blanket.

While I was still hesitating, he didn't seem to think much of it.

He sat down on the chair by the bed and rolled up his right sleeve.

Was he... going to scratch my back for me?

He slipped his hand gently under my back. I could feel his hand, spread wide, almost as broad as my back.

"Here?"

"A little... lower."

His hand moved down slightly, and my spine felt like it was melting.

"Right there."

He scratched lightly, each touch sending a jolt straight to my heart.

I felt like I couldn't breathe, and my face was burning.

"Still itchy?" He finally noticed how red my face was and slowly realized the awkwardness of the situation.

He pulled his hand out abruptly, but the warmth lingered on my back.

"Sorry, that was... inappropriate."

I tried to act casual. If I wasn't embarrassed, then no one would be.

"It's fine. I feel much better. It's getting late. You should go."

"Okay."

He stood up and walked out, gently closing the door behind him.

In the silence, I could clearly hear my own heartbeat.

6

The weather in the Capital had been terrible this year. When school started, it was nearly 40 degrees Celsius every day.

Now that autumn had just begun, it had been raining heavily for days, and the temperature had plummeted.

Julian's grandmother fell ill suddenly, and Aunt Linda had to go visit her.

My parents' flight was canceled due to the weather, and they couldn't get train tickets because of the upcoming National Day holiday.

Uncle Mark was too busy with work to visit. Even though I had a private nurse, Aunt Linda insisted Julian come see me every day.

So the next afternoon, Julian showed up at my hospital room with the soup Aunt Linda had left warming on the stove.

But he wasn't alone. The girl I'd seen him with at school was with him.

"This is Joanna, my lab partner." Julian introduced her briefly.

Just a lab partner?

I nodded at Joanna. "Hi."

Julian set the soup on the small table by the bed and was about to open it when Joanna stopped him.

"Let me pour it for her. You go wash the fruit you bought."

Julian stepped aside and went to the bathroom to wash the fruit.

Joanna sat on the edge of my bed and poured the soup into a bowl.

She was really beautiful, with a gentle demeanor and a soft voice.

But then, a flicker of disdain crossed her face as she spoke to me in a quiet, condescending tone. "Little girl, you really don't take care of yourself. Going through all this trouble just to get Julian to drive you to school every day?"

"What?" I thought I'd misheard, but her expression told me I hadn't.

I glanced toward the bathroom. The water was still running, and she'd spoken so softly that Julian couldn't possibly have heard.

"First a twisted ankle, now a car accident. I understand the kind of game you're playing, but you're becoming a nuisance."

I didn't understand why a girl I'd just met would think so poorly of me, or why I had to endure her sarcasm for no reason.

I was angry and hurt, but I couldn't even find the words to defend myself.

Julian came back with the washed fruit. Joanna immediately switched back to her sweet, gentle demeanor.

Julian placed the fruit on the table and politely told me to eat plenty to get my strength back.

"Julian, the professor is waiting for us." Joanna reminded him softly.

"Okay." He grabbed his bag.

"I'm heading back to the lab. I'll come see you later."

I nodded, said goodbye, and watched them leave with a heavy heart.

7

That evening, my parents called to say they'd finally managed to get train tickets and would arrive in the Capital the next afternoon.

It was the best news I'd had in days. Even though I'd always wanted to escape their watch, I really missed them after months apart.

The next afternoon, my parents showed up at the hospital carrying bags of my favorite local snacks.

Seeing me in such a "wretched" state, my mom's eyes welled up. My dad stood by, grim-faced, silently assessing my injuries. Despite his stern expression, his eyes were filled with concern.

An extra bed was brought into the room, and my parents stayed with me every day.

Julian still came to visit every afternoon, but Joanna never came with him again.

Although Julian was always polite and proper in front of my parents, I could still sense his impatience.

One day, when my parents stepped out, I called out to him.

"Julian."

He was sitting on the sofa, looking at his phone. When I called his name, he held the phone in his lap and looked up at me, waiting for me to speak.

Yeah, he was definitely annoyed.

"Um... my parents are here now. If you're busy with school, you don't have to come by."

"Okay." He didn't hesitate. He grabbed his bag and stood up. "I'll head out then."

He walked out of the room without a second thought, leaving the space suddenly empty and lonely.

My heart ached. Things had been fine before. Why had his attitude toward me turned so cold since that day with Joanna?

What was his relationship with Joanna? Did he like her? And did she dislike me, making him think I was just trying to cling to him?

Julian didn't come for the next few days. I tentatively brought up the idea of moving into the dorms a few times.

My parents were adamant that I should stay with Aunt Linda, insisting that home-cooked meals were healthier.

Later, Aunt Linda returned from her trip. The three of them spent every day in my room, catching up. It was lively, and the two weeks passed quickly.

With my parents' care, the doctor cleared me to recover at home.

Aunt Linda prepared a feast to celebrate my discharge.

That day, I saw Julian for the first time in nearly two weeks.

The adults chattered endlessly at the table, while Julian and I sat at opposite ends, quietly eating.

Suddenly, Aunt Linda looked my way and made a joking comment.

"I've always wanted a daughter."

My heart skipped a beat. Comments like that often had a hidden meaning.

I glanced at Julian. Sure enough, his expression stiffened, and he looked annoyed.

I gripped my chopsticks tightly, silently praying Aunt Linda would drop the subject.

"Claire is so sweet and lovely. Why didn't we arrange a marriage for you two when you were kids?"

As soon as she said it, Julian put down his chopsticks, muttered a perfunctory "I'm full," and headed upstairs. But there was still half a bowl of rice left in his bowl. His feelings were clear.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my dad's face darken. Aunt Linda and my mom looked awkward too. Uncle Mark stepped in to smooth things over.

"That brat of mine has a terrible temper and thin skin. He's not good enough for Claire."

Aunt Linda changed the subject, and everyone started chatting again, except my dad, who still seemed upset. Only my heart felt bitter and sour.

8

After another week of rest at home, I was well enough to move around carefully. A follow-up X-ray showed no issues, and I was cleared to go back to school.

My parents returned home, and I started riding with Julian again.

The atmosphere in the car was tense. I tried to break the ice by talking about a popular movie.

But before I could say much, he turned up the volume on the car stereo with one hand.

A foreign hip-hop song blasted through the speakers, drowning out my voice completely.

I fell silent. The bass vibrated through my eardrums. I turned to look out the window, biting my lower lip hard to keep the tears from falling.

Why did he suddenly hate me so much?

After that, I stayed quiet during our rides. Even though the distance from school to home wasn't long, I couldn't take it anymore after a few days.

His attitude made it clear that just having me around annoyed him.

Fine then...

"From now on, you don't have to drive me home. I'll tell Aunt Linda you dropped me off at the gate."

I got out of the car before he could answer. He didn't agree or refuse. After I'd walked a short distance, I heard the engine start and the car drive away.

From that day on, we both kept up the pretense.

He'd drive me to school, and I'd take the bus home. At first, Aunt Linda would ask if Julian had driven me, but she eventually stopped, assuming he did.

One day after class, a professor asked me to deliver some documents to a building near the east gate.

Since I always left through the main gate, I had to take a different route. The east gate was a bit偏僻, but it had a long row of ginkgo trees.

It was November, the season for ginkgo leaves. A thick layer of golden leaves covered the ground. A few couples were strolling along the path, and some people were taking photos.

I followed a couple slowly toward the bus stop.

The girl had her fingers intertwined with the guy's, her head resting gently on his shoulder. He playfully ruffled her hair and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

It was a beautiful scene—until the girl turned around.

She tilted her head to talk to the guy, then caught sight of me out of the corner of her eye. She immediately pulled away from him.

The guy looked confused, then followed her gaze to me.

It was Joanna.

But the guy wasn't Julian!

I felt a mix of glee and anger at catching her in the act.

From her hostility toward me during her visit, I'd assumed she liked Julian.

And after that visit, Julian's attitude toward me had changed. I thought Joanna had said something to him, making him keep his distance.

So I assumed Julian liked her too.

But now Joanna was being intimate with another guy. If she had nothing to hide, why would she look guilty when she saw me?

We stood there for a few seconds, frozen. She quickly recovered from her initial guilt, walking up to me with a confident, arrogant air.

"I'd advise you to keep your mouth shut. Even if you say something, Julian won't believe you."

With that, she flicked her hair arrogantly, left the guy she'd been flirting with, and walked back toward the school. The guy, looking confused, chased after her.

Only after they'd disappeared did I realize my fists were clenched so tight they were sweating.

Should I tell Julian? Would he really not believe me? Did he really like Joanna?

9

I went home with a heavy heart and found Aunt Linda busy opening packages.

"Claire, you're back! Can you help me organize these?"

There was a pile of packages on the floor—cupcake liners, birthday decorations, all clearly party supplies.

"Aunt Linda, are you having a party?"

"Oh, right, you didn't know. The day after tomorrow, Sunday, November 6th, is Julian's birthday. We're having a party at home this year."

The day after tomorrow? So soon!

And I hadn't even bought a birthday gift yet.

After helping Aunt Linda organize everything, I went to my room and checked my bank balance.

My mom had just sent me this month's allowance. I only ate lunch at school; the rest of my meals were at home. I didn't have many expenses, so I had enough money left over from last month. It should be enough for a decent gift.

I searched online for what guys like these days. After browsing dozens of posts, I decided to hit the mall the next day. The whole Joanna thing temporarily slipped my mind.

The next day after class, I headed straight to the mall. I wandered around but couldn't find anything that felt right.

Then I saw a group of high school boys coming out of a basketball merchandise store. It hit me—Julian loved basketball too. I walked into the store.

Inside, it was nothing like a regular sports store. The displays were high-end, and one wall was covered in signed basketballs.

The owner greeted me warmly. "What are you looking for?"

"Excuse me, do you have a basketball signed by LeBron James?" I pointed to the wall of signed balls.

The owner followed my gaze, paused for a moment, then put on a friendly smile.

"These are my personal collection. I don't usually sell them. Little lady... are they for your boyfriend?"

Boyfriend?

"No... no, they're for a friend who likes LeBron James." I waved my hands frantically, my cheeks flushing.

The owner looked like he understood. He carefully took down a basketball still wrapped in protective plastic.

He held it out to me, explaining that James had signed it at some game, something about a replica and an auction, and a bunch of other terms I didn't understand.

Basically, it hadn't been easy for him to get this ball.

My eyes sparkled. "Can you sell it? I have a really important friend who loves LeBron James!"

The owner put on a troubled expression but eventually gave in, moved by my sincerity. "Alright, ten thousand. I'll part with it, though it pains me."

"Ten thousand?! That's so expensive!"

I was shocked. I only had a little over eight thousand in my account.

I looked at the basketball regretfully and decided to forget it.

"How about this? Since your friend and I share the same passion, and I admire how thoughtfully you're picking out a gift for them, it's fate. Nine thousand five hundred. Deal?"

"But... I only have eight thousand."

"Then eight thousand! Consider it a friendly gesture!"

"Deal!"

I happily went home with the beautifully wrapped basketball.

10

The next morning, I was in the kitchen with Aunt Linda, preparing ingredients.

We'd hired a party planning company to decorate the backyard. Workers were busy blowing up balloons and setting up a canopy. Within a few hours, a proper birthday venue had taken shape.

As night fell, I helped arrange the desserts and drinks, working up a sweat.

I went upstairs to shower, changed into a dress, and put on a little makeup.

When I came downstairs, Julian's friends and classmates had already started arriving.

Ryan, the guy who'd hit me with his bike, spotted me first and came over to say hi.

As I greeted them, I looked around for Julian. Just then, one of his friends asked where the birthday boy was. Ryan said he'd gone to pick up a few people.

As if on cue, I heard his car engine.

I ran to the front yard just in time to see Joanna getting out of the passenger seat.

When she saw me, she lifted her chin arrogantly, her eyes full of contempt.

She walked past me without a word, heading straight to greet Aunt Linda.

But strangely, Aunt Linda, who was always warm and welcoming, ignored Joanna's polite greeting and called me to the backyard to help seat the guests.

Joanna's gaze on me felt like a snake's tongue, sending a chill down my spine.

It didn't end there. Aunt Linda seated Joanna at the far end of the table, farthest from Julian. Joanna tried to move closer several times, but Aunt Linda kept redirecting her to the back.

Seating arrangements don't usually matter, but Aunt Linda's obvious snubbing of Joanna was hard to miss.

Why? Had Aunt Linda had a run-in with Joanna before? But Joanna acted like she was meeting Aunt Linda for the first time.

Julian came downstairs after changing. Joanna immediately latched onto him.

Aunt Linda came out with a bowl of fruit salad. Seeing Joanna next to Julian, she deliberately squeezed between them to set the bowl on the table.

"Young lady, why are you up here again? Go back to your seat. We're about to serve dinner." Aunt Linda pulled Joanna back to the end of the table. Joanna shot Julian a pleading look.

Julian, sensing the tension, thought for a moment before turning his gaze to me.

He walked over and tapped the table with his knuckle. "Come with me."

I clutched my dress, suddenly nervous.

I stood up and followed Julian upstairs.

He stood with his back to me for a moment, as if holding something in.

I stood there anxiously, feeling like a child who'd done something wrong.

"Claire, can you stop meddling in my friendships? Stop running to my mom and telling her things? Joanna and I are just classmates. Even if there was something between us, it's none of your business!"

His words were cold, but I didn't understand a single one.

Meddling in his friendships? Tattling?

Had Joanna, after I caught her with that other guy, badmouthed me to Julian?

"Julian, you've misunderstood. Did Joanna say..."

"Enough. You know what you did."

With that, he brushed past me and went downstairs, his sleeve lightly grazing my shoulder.

I stood there, stunned, slowly processing what had just happened. My nose stung, and my eyes burned with tears.

I wiped them away frantically, but my hands wouldn't stop trembling.

The second-floor hallway was open to the first floor. Anyone passing through the living room could look up and see me in my miserable state.

I retreated to my room, leaning against the door before I finally let myself cry.

Joanna's words echoed in my mind: "Even if you say something, Julian won't believe you."

But why? Why did he have to misunderstand me like this? Did he really think I was that kind of person?

I sobbed quietly until I heard Aunt Linda calling for me downstairs.

My makeup was ruined. I washed it off, splashed cold water on my face, and took a few moments to calm down until there was no trace of tears.

When I went back downstairs, the backyard was still lively. Aunt Linda saw me and pulled me to the front to cut the cake.

She led me to the front of the crowd. Julian's gaze briefly swept over me but didn't linger.

As everyone sang "Happy Birthday," I quietly slipped out of the crowd. Julian probably didn't want to see me when he opened his eyes after making a wish.

Joanna had already taken my seat. Aunt Linda tried to move her again, but Julian called her off.

I sat in the back, sipping champagne. It was sweet on my tongue, but bitter in my heart.

So I drank glass after glass, hoping the sweetness would eventually reach my heart.

11

I got drunk. But not completely.

I remember falling on the grass, grabbing a balloon as I fell. The ribbon got tangled around my arm.

Aunt Linda had Julian carry me to my room. I think I buried my face in his neck and said something. What was it?

"Joanna doesn't just like you. But I only like you."

I must have been crazy! Did I really say that?

I groaned and rubbed my head. Now Julian would definitely think I was badmouthing Joanna.

And I'd already decided that if Julian was going to keep misunderstanding me without listening to reason, I wouldn't like him anymore.

So why did I have to go and confess like that?

I checked my phone. It was almost 2 AM.

I quietly opened my door. The living room was still bright and noisy. I peeked out and saw Julian's friends playing cards.

I looked toward Julian's room and saw light coming from under the door.

Just as I was debating whether to go talk to him and clear things up, I heard my name.

"You really don't like Claire? Then why do you care so much?" It was Ryan's voice. "Don't think I don't know. After Claire leaves school, you keep an eye on your home security camera until she gets home before you can focus on your lab work."

"She's weak and sickly. My mom insists I look after her. It's annoying. I'm here to study, not to be a nursemaid!"

"I'm really tired of her."

The disgust in his voice hit me like a whip. My legs went weak, and I took a step back.

I quietly retreated to my room. The moment the door closed, the tears came again.

I looked at the beautifully wrapped basketball on the table—the gift I hadn't been able to give him.

He was so annoyed by me. He'd probably be annoyed just seeing my gift.

Crying, I pulled out the suitcase I'd stashed under the bed and frantically started throwing things into it.

Halfway through packing, my head felt heavy, and I fell asleep on the bed.

I drifted in and out of sleep all night. One moment, it was Julian telling me to stop meddling in his friendships. The next, it was Julian telling Ryan he was tired of me.

Around 5 AM, before dawn, I woke up.

I finished packing, then washed up and packed my toiletries too.

Aunt Linda had probably been up late last night, so she wouldn't be up early. I made myself a simple breakfast.

I sat in my usual seat at the table, eating, and stared blankly at Julian's seat for a while.

I heard footsteps coming downstairs. Thinking it was Aunt Linda, I turned around, but it was Julian.

He stood at the bottom of the stairs, his gaze on me, unreadable.

Suddenly remembering my drunken confession, I didn't greet him as usual. I turned back to my breakfast, trying to avoid him.

He came over to get some water. He glanced at my bulging travel bag on the chair next to me.

"Is your department going on a trip?"

"No."

Maybe sensing my coldness, he didn't push further. He just leaned against the fridge, drinking water.

Maybe he hadn't heard my confession clearly? Drunk people usually slur their words, right?

The breakfast that had been delicious suddenly lost its appeal. I lost my appetite. After cleaning up, Julian was still leaning against the fridge.

"I need to put the milk away."

He moved aside, and I put the milk in the fridge, then grabbed my bag and headed out.

"You're going to school this early? Wait for Ryan to get up, and we'll go together."

A surge of anger rose in me. Had this guy forgotten what he'd said to me last night?

For the first time, I replied in the most sarcastic tone I could muster. "Don't bother anymore, Julian."

With that, I changed my shoes and left, hailing a taxi to school.

I applied for a dorm room with the student affairs office. There happened to be a vacancy, though it was with students from different departments.

I said that was fine and immediately started the process.

"There's less than two months until winter break. Why not wait until next semester?"

"Living this semester or next doesn't make a difference. Please help me get it approved as soon as possible."

After buying Julian's gift, I didn't have enough money to pay for the dorm. After some thought, I called my dad.

I rehearsed what I'd say, afraid he'd say no. I even prepared my arguments.

But to my surprise, after a moment of silence, he simply agreed.

"What about Mom?"

"I'll handle your mom. As long as you're happy and safe, that's all that matters to us. I'll transfer the money to you now."

Shortly after hanging up, I received the transfer notification.

After paying the fees, the advisor told me before class ended that my dorm was ready and gave me the dorm leader's contact info.

The dorm leader's name was Sienna. We coordinated a time to drop off some of my luggage.

That evening, I went back to the Ashfords'. After dinner, as usual, I washed the dishes while Aunt Linda cut fruit.

I took the opportunity to tell her I was moving into the dorms.

Aunt Linda was surprised and immediately asked if I was uncomfortable or if Julian had been mean to me. She tried to persuade me to stay, saying I could wait until next year.

But I'd already prepared my response. I said living on campus would be more convenient for studying, and since I was shy, living with classmates would help me make friends.

When I mentioned my parents had already agreed, Aunt Linda knew she couldn't convince me. She offered to help me pack, but I told her I'd already finished.

"Claire, tell me the truth. Did Julian do something to you?"

"Aunt Linda, really, it's nothing like that. I just want to experience dorm life."

She sighed and gently held my hand. "Don't think I don't know. You've been coming home on your own lately. I saw you getting off the bus at the gate last time, but you told me Julian had dropped you off."

"I also know Julian hates it when I meddle, and he might have taken it out on you. Don't blame him."

My eyes welled up again. I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Aunt Linda, don't overthink it. I've been under my parents' watch my whole life. Now that I'm in college, it's time I experienced dorm life. It'll help me when I enter society."

"Then make sure you come back for dinner on weekends."

Aunt Linda gave me a long list of instructions. Julian was busy with a science competition