Chapter 3

Julia and I got back together.

Under the bizarrely enthusiastic matchmaking of her father.

I don't know if her father said something to her, but Mike started appearing around us less and less.

Valentine's Day arrived. Julia ordered me a huge bouquet of roses.

"Thank you!"

I naturally wrapped my arm around Julia, then gently kissed her cheek.

In the corner of my peripheral vision, Mike was looking in our direction.

His lips pressed tight, his eyes red-rimmed.

Ha, was he feeling sad watching us from the shadows?

My gaze fell on the roses in my hands.

I'd told Julia I didn't like roses.

So who liked roses and suggested buying them?

"Matthew, I bought two movie tickets for the latest sci-fi blockbuster. Want to go see it?"

I cooperatively nodded, my tone gentle: "Sure, you arrange this date however you want."

Julia hugged me happily, smiling like a child.

"Matthew, you're so good to me!"

I looked toward where Mike had been standing. He'd turned and left.

In the dim theater, Julia went to buy popcorn. I checked the flowers at the front desk.

Turning around, I ran into Mike at the corner.

Ha, unexpected, yet perfectly reasonable.

He was with a group of friends who usually hung out with Julia.

"Is this Julia's boyfriend? He's gorgeous—like my dream guy!"

The group stood opposite us, making a fuss. Mike casually brushed the hair from his forehead.

"Matthew, you're here to see a movie with Julia too? Which showing?"

Just then, Julia came back.

Both groups compared tickets. What a coincidence—same showing, and our seats were even adjacent.

Mike casually took the popcorn from Julia's hands, then distributed it to the other friends.

"We'll share this popcorn~ The movie's about to start and we don't have time to buy any."

The group laughed and walked into the screening room.

Julia held the remaining box of popcorn, looking at me cautiously.

"Why is Julia looking at me? Let's go in too. The movie's starting."

I took her hand and walked inside. The dim lighting hid my eye roll.