Chapter 2
Since we had just started dating, I wanted to stick to Andre every Saturday.
When I mentioned wanting to visit his house, he paused briefly before agreeing.
It was my first time at his place.
The neighborhood was run–down, but his apartment was neat and tidy.
The furniture was minimal, but it was enough for him and Sherry, who mostly got by on subsidies and scholarships.
Sherry seemed nervous when she saw me.
“Betty, why not go out for fun instead? Our place is too simple for you.”
I pulled out a chair and sat down comfortably. “It’s totally fine. You’re overthinking it.”
Andre ruffled my hair. “What do you want to do today?”
I patted my messenger bag. “I need to finish some homework.”
Andre smiled and pinched my cheek. “Okay.”
Sherry still looked tense. “Then Betty, go to my brother’s room to work. I’ll let you use my chair.”
Andre shot her a glance but didn’t say anything.
Sherry brought out a chair and placed a pillow on it. I frowned, confused.
Sherry averted her gaze bashfully. “I figured you wouldn’t be comfortable in a stiff wooden chair. This is my pillow. It’s clean.”
I promptly took the pillow and held it out to her. “I… really don’t need it.”
I didn’t know what to say. The awkwardness in the air made everything uncomfortable.
Andre, annoyed, grabbed the pillow from my hands and threw it back at Sherry, his action not very polite. “What’s wrong with you?”
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Sherry silently clutched the pillow, standing frozen.
I tried to shift the conversation. “Andre, I’m a bit thirsty… Could you grab me a glass of water?”
Before Andre could respond, Sherry jumped in, speaking cautiously.
“Betty, would you like a soda or mineral water? I can go buy some for you.”
I sighed, feeling a headache coming on. “You really don’t need to go get anything, Sherry. Just hot water would be fine.”
Sherry nodded. “Okay, I’ll just get you some mineral water and heat it up.”
She added quietly, “Sometimes we just boil tap water, but you might not like that.”
Before I could respond, she dashed downstairs with the keys.
I looked at Andre, shaking my head. “Your sister is too paranoid.”
He picked up the pillow Sherry had tossed aside, brushing off the dust. Without looking up, he said, “She just wants what’s best for you; she didn’t do anything wrong.”
I replied, “But I can drink boiled tap water.”
He turned away from me, heading toward Sherry’s room. “If you can drink it, then why didn’t you stop her?”
I froze. I didn’t ask again until he came back from Sherry’s room.
“Andre, do you think I was just putting on a show?”
He half–raised his eyes. “I just said it casually. Don’t overthink it.”
I stayed silent.
When everything around us grew quiet, time seemed to stretch. The ticking clock sounded unbearably loud.
I tightened the strap of my messenger bag and softly said, “Um…. I think I should head home now. See you Monday, bye.”
Without looking back at Andre’s expression, I turned to leave.
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Choperz
He rushed out after me grabbing my arm. “I’m sorry.
His voice sounded a bit hoarse and tired. “Sherry’s been messing with my head; I didn’t mean to say that.”
“I never thought that about you.”
I stared at the numbers on the elevator, unresponsive to what he said.
Ding!
The elevator doors opened, and Andre stepped in with me. I gave him a blank look.
He must have sensed my confusion and explained, “I’m just seeing you home.”
My gaze dropped to his short sleeves, and I bit my lip. It was getting really cold.
As soon as we left the building, a chilly gust hit me. I felt cold even in two layers.
After walking a few meters, I finally couldn’t hold back. Clearing my throat, I said firmly, “Let’s get something straight. I’m not worried about you. It’s just that if you keep walking me home in such little clothing, you might just faint from the cold right at my doorstep, and I’d have to take care of you, which
would be a hassle.”
Andre pulled me into his arms, whispering, “So can I stay like this to keep warm?”
My face was buried in his neck, and I felt that he was freezing.
At that moment, I felt my resolve weaken.
“Andre, when I was little, I lived in the countryside with my grandma, and we always drank tap water.”
He tightened his hold on me. “Yeah, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said that nonsense.”
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Chapter 3
