Chapter 3

Hugh told me to go home without him again after school today.

I was used to it, so I just left him to it.

That evening, Hugh came to my house for tutoring, carrying a strawberry-flavored ice cream.

Honestly, I hated strawberry flavor.

But somewhere along the line, Hugh started bringing that flavor every time.

Only now did I realize—it was Serena's favorite.

I said coldly, "You should go home. Don't come to me for tutoring anymore."

It was the first time I'd ever refused him.

Hugh raised an eyebrow slightly, asking, "Are you mad because I didn't walk home with you this afternoon?"

He ruffled my hair, "I know you're clingy, but you have to let me have my own things going on too."

I shook my head, "SATs are coming up, and I have a lot to study too. You can get a tutor, or maybe, ask Serena to help you."

Hugh quickly shot down that idea.

"No. Her parents have really high expectations for her, she needs to get first place, she doesn't have time to tutor me. You're a better fit to tutor me."

I suddenly found myself speechless.

My nose stung, and my eyes felt hot.

Right.

One was a resilient good student in a tough situation.

The other was just a cling-on who followed him around all day.

Hugh didn't want to hold Serena back; she needed to fight for her future.

And I, with my comfortable background and happy family, was naturally expected to make concessions, always revolving around him.

Seeing my silence, his tone softened, a hint of pleading in his voice:

"Didn't you always want us to go to the same university? Then you're responsible for me."

He still remembered our promise.

I looked at his familiar face, suddenly feeling like I was staring at a stranger.

I forced back my tears, staring into his eyes as I asked, word by word:

"Are you really planning to go to the same university as me?"

Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Then, he smiled awkwardly, changing the subject:

"Alright, don't be dramatic."

"I'll walk home with you tomorrow…"

Before he could finish, I slammed the door shut, leaning against it weakly.

My tears finally broke free, falling in heavy drops.