Chapter 2

"Once his eighteenth birthday is over, I won't interfere in his business anymore. Let's just focus on our own lives together, okay?"

The last time.

I had heard those words far too many times.

The last time she said that was when her brother came to stay with us for an entire month during his junior year summer break.

During that month, I got up at 6:30 every morning to make him breakfast, and after work, I had to bring him late-night takeout.

He locked himself in the bedroom playing games until two or three in the morning with his speakers blasting, keeping me awake in the next room.

When I asked Chloe if she could tell him to wear headphones because I had to wake up early for work, she brushed it off: "He's just a kid on vacation. Don't be so petty."

The time before that, we had saved money for six months to plan a trip to Maui over the holidays.

The hotel was booked, the flights were paid for, and the night before we left, her brother called crying that he was feeling down and needed her by his side.

Without a second thought, she canceled our flight tickets, swallowing hundreds of dollars in non-refundable fees.

She claimed, "Austin's under so much pressure at school right now. I have to be there for him."

And the time before that, during our second year together, on my birthday.

She promised to take me out for a nice steak dinner.

I dressed up and waited at the restaurant for two hours.

When she finally showed up, she brought her brother along.

She said she couldn't just leave him home alone.

Throughout that entire meal, I sat across from them, watching her cut his meat, pour his soda, and wipe his hands.

My birthday cake was picked out by her brother—strawberry flavor, which I had never eaten in my life.

She just offered a careless, "Sorry, Austin loves strawberry."

Every single time was supposed to be the "last time."

Yet it never was.

"Chloe."

I pulled my wrist out of her grip.

"Does your 'last time' ever actually mean anything?"

Her face darkened. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing. Do whatever you want. I won't get involved anymore."

She stared at me for a few seconds, then abruptly stood up, her voice rising.

"He only turns eighteen once! Why can't you just tolerate him for once? Are you seriously making a scene over this?"

I didn't bother arguing back.

"How many times do I have to tell you? Austin has chronic health issues, and our parents are getting older! If I don't look after him, who will? Can't you show a little empathy?"

Right as the words left her mouth, the doorbell rang.

Chloe walked over and opened the door. The moment it clicked open, Austin bounced right in.

Holding two boba drinks in his hands, he gave a cheerful shout of "Chloe!" before finally noticing me standing in the living room.

"Logan!"

He hurried over and thrust one of the cups into my hands.

"I bought this for you! Your favorite—taro milk tea!"

I looked down at the cup in my hands and stayed silent.

Taro was his favorite. I had never touched it.

Austin tilted his head, watching my face, and his expression instantly crumbled.

He set the drink on the coffee table, twisting his fingers together nervously, his voice dropping into a timid whimper. "Logan... are you mad at me?"

"No," I replied flatly.

"Really?"

He took a step closer, staring straight at me with wide, pitiful eyes.

"Is it because of the venue? Logan, I swear I didn't mean to. I had no idea you guys booked that date! How about I tell Mom and Dad to pick another room? Please don't be mad, okay?"

"It's fine," I said with a faint, detached smile. "Go ahead and enjoy your party. It's great."

He bit his lower lip, making his voice sound even smaller.

"If you're really upset, I honestly don't even need to have the party..."

Chloe marched over and threw an arm around Austin's shoulders. "Enough, Austin. He didn't say no. You've already apologized to him, what more does he want?"