Kevin Black wept and begged me to forgive him, and my sister pleaded with me to let her have this one last chance.
I let them have their way, but later, Kevin regretted his decision.
1
During my internship in junior year, thanks to the help of my major professor, I successfully got into a TV station and was kept busy all the time.
At one o'clock in the morning, while taking a short break from my busy work in the program team, I opened my social media.
My sister had posted a selfie, grinning brightly at the camera.
The weather in Chonia was nice, and she had gone for a picnic outdoors.
I gave the photo a like and noticed that in one corner of the photo, there was clearly a man's arm, and the watch on the man's wrist looked rather familiar.
It was the same watch that I had bought for Kevin with my first internship paycheck.
Kevin, who was my boyfriend, and I had been deskmates for three years. After graduating from high school, we got into a relationship. He promised that we would get married after graduating from college.
I stared at the blank chat window. His last message to me was sent five hours ago when I asked him what he was doing. He replied hurriedly, "I'm busy. Let's talk when I'm free."
2
After the program was completed successfully, I finally got some free time.
When I arrived home, my mother was busy preparing things in the kitchen.
As soon as I walked in, she didn't even glance at me but directly ordered, "Ava, you're back. Go buy some grape juice. Luna loves it, and they'll be home soon."
I quickly responded in the affirmative. It had been nearly half a year since I last saw my sister. Since it was a rare occasion for Luna to come home, I decided to prepare some of her favorite snacks to give her a warm welcome.
I bought two bottles of grape juice and selected a perfectly ripe seedless watermelon before walking back home.
When I opened the door, Luna and Kevin were gathered around the dining table chatting and laughing. Luna picked up a piece of chicken with her fingers and couldn't help putting it into her mouth.
Kevin frowned slightly, saying with a touch of indulgence, "Be careful. It's hot."
Luna chewed on the chicken, her eyes shining brightly, and gave a thumbs-up, saying, "It's so delicious. You should try it."
I smiled and said, "You're back!"
Their figures visibly froze for a moment, as if my appearance had spoiled their sweet atmosphere.
Kevin looked at me with an awkward expression, while Luna smiled and hugged me, saying, "Ava, I've missed you so much."
3
Dinner was ready, including Luna's favorite Italian pasta, Prosciutto, as well as Kevin's favorite steak and fried calamari rings.
When we sat down to have dinner, Kevin instinctively chose a seat close to Luna. But then, realizing it wasn't appropriate, he moved to sit next to me.
My face turned deathly pale, but I quickly regained my composure. My intuition told me that something was changing quietly.
Luna excitedly shared her experiences in Chonia, "Last time, Kevin and I went skydiving. It was so exciting. And my Chonia classmates, they have such interesting accents when they speak. I got another scholarship, and my professor hopes that I'll stay there for postgraduate studies."
Bitterness filled my heart. Mom and Kevin were smiling, their eyes fixed entirely on Luna.
As Luna talked, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
My mother was gratified and said, "Kevin, I asked you to take care of Luna, and you've really done me a big favor."
Kevin smiled modestly and replied, "it was my obligation."
4
After dinner, Kevin was about to leave, so I went downstairs to see him off.
We were silent for a long time.
I tried to break the silence by asking, "How have you been?"
"Pretty good," he replied.
We used to talk about everything.
After the evening self-study classes in high school, he would walk me home. Even when we got downstairs to my apartment building, he was still reluctant to let me go.
He used to share every single detail with me.
Now, there was only silence.
I smiled faintly.
A dull pain filled my chest, as if something was choking my throat, making it difficult for me to breathe.
5
There was an ice cream shop beside the TV station. Last night, Luna mentioned that she wanted to have some ice cream.
When I was about to get off work, I sent her a message, asking whether she wanted to come and have ice cream.
She replied that she was out with friends and would eat it next time.
I walked to the door of the ice cream shop and got a takeout for her.
When I opened the door, I never expected to see familiar people there.
Kevin and Luna were sitting together, with only one portion of ice cream on the table.
Luna took a small taste and then jumped around joyfully with satisfaction.
Kevin affectionately tousled her hair.
Their interaction attracted envious looks from the people around them.
In the eyes of outsiders, they seemed to be a young and sweet couple.
Then what about me?
What was my place? An unnecessary third party? Or just an insignificant onlooker?
Kevin and I had known each other for nearly six years, understood each other for three years, and had a long-distance relationship for another three years.
However, it seemed that he had fallen in love with someone else, forgetting our promise to get married after graduating from high school.
My nose stung painfully.