At a party, playing Truth or Dare, my boyfriend kissed his childhood friend in front of everyone.

I broke up with him on the spot.

His friends started guessing how long it would take for me to beg him to get back together.

Kian, sipping on his drink, casually joined in their conversation. “I bet it won’t be more than a week.”

After that, Kian and his childhood friend flaunted their romance.

But I felt nothing.

Kian was surprised that I didn’t reach out to him.

A few months later, when we met again, I was kissing one of his close friends right in front of everyone.

Kian’s eyes were fuming with anger.

——

At Kian’s birthday party, as soon as I pushed open the door, I was met with a scene I’d never forget.

Kian, egged on by the crowd, chose Dare.

Ruth was shyly kissing him in his arms.

“Hey, Kian, if your girlfriend sees this, she’ll definitely want to break up,” said one of his friends.

Kian scoffed dismissively.

“She won’t,” he said.

The people around him chimed in.

“Yeah, Audrey will never break up with him.”

“Exactly.”

When I heard my name, I walked straight up to them.

Instantly, all eyes were on Kian and me.

Kian looked at me nonchalantly, showing no intention of letting go of Ruth.

“It’s just a game.”

I placed the cake I’d brought on the table.

“Happy Birthday. It seems my timing wasn’t great.”

The onlookers’ gazes felt almost suffocating.

“Audrey, it’s just a game. If Kian and I were serious, it would’ve happened already.”

Ruth’s words echoed Kian’s past statements to me.

The irony was thick.

Bitch.

I smiled gently at her, clenched and then relaxed my fists in my pockets.

I grabbed the wine glass and threw it at her.

“Hope you two have a lifetime of happiness and may you get what you deserve.”

Ignoring Kian’s anger and the surrounding astonishment, I turned and walked away. Not far out the door, Kian grabbed me.

He stared coldly and demanded I apologize to his childhood friend.

I refused to back down, staring stubbornly at him.

“Let’s break up.”

Ruth, with a smug face, watched me with glee and fanned the flames.

“Kian, just apologize to Audrey. I’m fine.”

Kian, indifferent, let go of my hand.

“Whatever. Don’t come crying back to me.”

Finally free from Kian’s grip, I headed for the door.

Just before leaving, something hit my back.

I heard Kian’s voice.

“Take your cake with you.”

Through the door, I could faintly hear Kian’s friends teasing.

“How long do you think this will last?”

“I guess a month, because she seems really pissed.”

“No, no, two weeks.”

“She’ll come crawling back soon.” Kian’s words prompted loud laughter in the room.

I stood frozen, feeling humiliated.

The next moment, I heard a sneer.

“Eavesdropping?”

I turned to see Jordan smirking at me.

He was Kian’s good friend.

Was he mocking me?

Before I could say anything back, the door was suddenly pushed open from inside.

“Jordan?”

The person cast knowing glances between me and Jordan, his eyes shifting back and forth.

“What are you doing?”

Jordan suddenly took my hand.

“Declaring my feelings.”

As the person stared in surprise, I was swiftly whisked away from the scene.

“What… what are you doing?”

I stared wide-eyed at Jordan.

Declaring his feelings?

Was he doing this to get back at me for Kian?

Jordan rolled his eyes.

“I’m saving you. Can’t you tell?”

I shook my head. I couldn’t tell.

When I was with Kian, I always felt Jordan didn’t like me.

Whenever we were together, Jordan would sulk, like I owed him money or something.

Only now did I realize I was still holding Jordan’s hand.

I pulled away awkwardly.

The phone rang. It was Kian.

I almost hung up but Jordan grabbed it and answered.

“Where are you? What does Jordan mean by declaring his feelings?”

Kian usually seemed indifferent to me. He rarely questioned me.

“So that’s why you broke up with me. You’ve already found a replacement, huh?”

My long-held grievances finally exploded.

I grabbed the phone.

“Yeah, you’re right. I like Jordan. He’s great!”

With that, I hung up, afraid I’d break down and cry.

But then I remembered Jordan was still there.

He was leaning against the railing, looking at me with amusement.

“You like me?”

I suddenly had the urge to disappear and hide somewhere.

I was so mortified I felt like I could have dug a hole to escape.

But Jordan seemed oblivious to my discomfort.

“I’m great?”

“Great at what? In bed?”

Hearing his words, I took a deep breath, closing and reopening my eyes.

“Well, you answered the phone.”

Jordan chuckled.

“But I never said I was great.”

Seeing there was no escaping this topic, I decided to change the subject.

“I… I’m hungry…”

We were supposed to have dinner.

But after the food was served, I lost my appetite.

Instead, I kept drinking.

By the third glass of wine, Jordan held my hand.

“Feeling heartbroken and drinking away your sorrows?”

I shook my head.

“Not really. It’s just that tonight feels like a dream. I’d regret it if I didn’t drink a bit.”

I poured myself a fourth glass.

I rarely drink, so just a few glasses were enough to make my head spin.

Maybe it was the alcohol giving me courage.

I even tried to get Jordan to drink more.

On the dimly lit street, Jordan was supporting me as I swayed.

I noticed a couple holding hands and entering the hotel.

What kind of feeling was that? Was it like a small boat swaying on the ocean, or like strolling on clouds in the sky?

I stared blankly for a few seconds and then looked up at Jordan.

“Want to give it a try?”

“Huh?” Jordan looked at me, puzzled.

He followed my gaze to the hotel. “I’m not that easy.”

“You like me, don’t you?”

I never knew I’d be so bold after drinking. The things I said were almost unbearable to recall.

“Aren’t you going to declare your feelings?”

Jordan stared at me for a long time. His eyes were full of unreadable emotions.

“Are you serious?”

Maybe it was the alcohol. It seemed like Jordan was talking a lot.

“Why are you talking so much?”

I pouted and tried to push Jordan away.

But he pulled me into his arms, deep voice coming to my ear.

“Does it still count tomorrow?”

“Yes,” I answered hazily.

I thought his scent was wonderful and found myself wanting to get closer. And indeed, I did.

“You smell so good. I like it.”

I nuzzled against Jordan’s chest like a cat.

It felt like Jordan had made a decision as he took my hand and led me inside the hotel.

In the elevator, I was drowsy.

I didn’t know how long we had walked or which direction we were going.

With a thud, the door closed.

It felt like something was pressing against my stomach, and Jordan’s hoarse voice came through.

“Is it really okay?”

In the dim light, Jordan’s silhouette came into view.

I kissed him, his lips hot and soft.

Amidst the spinning world, Jordan’s kisses fell on my body, without missing a spot.

The air conditioning was set to the lowest temperature, but Jordan’s sweat felt scorching as it dripped onto my neck.

“Slow... slow down...” I cooed.

As we moved together with a rhythmic pattern, I felt like I was walking on clouds. Eventually, I drifted off into a deep sleep.

In my hazy state, I seemed to hear Jordan’s voice.

“Don’t try to back out.”

Alcohol did indeed give me courage.

The events of last night flashed through my mind the moment I opened my eyes.

The only thing I could think of was to run away.

Holding on to the last shred of sanity, I glanced back at Jordan on the bed.

Not a bad sight, really.

…

When I reached my home, Kian was standing there with Ruth by his side.

He stared intently as I walked closer to the door.

“You’re just getting back now?”

His voice was a bit hoarse, as if he had a cold.

I rolled my eyes and planned to walk past him.

But he stepped forward and grabbed my hand.

“Seriously, what’s wrong with you?” I snapped.

“I’ve been waiting for you. Aren’t you going to explain? And you are not answering my phone calls.”

Kian’s face was gloomy, and every word he said felt like an accusation.

“Don’t tell me you’re really with Jordan now.”

Hearing Jordan’s name made me uncomfortable.

Though it was only for a couple of seconds, Kian noticed it.

The anger in his eyes was palpable.

I swallowed and took a step back.

“So, anyone can be your partner, huh?” Kian said with a bitter laugh.

“Do you think he really likes you? It’s just...”

Before he could finish, I interrupted him.

“Who I’m with is none of your business.” I looked him straight in the eyes. “I’ll say it again – we’re broken up.”

I turned to look at Ruth behind Kian. Her eyes were red-rimmed, but she pretended to be smug when she saw me looking.

“Kian, let Audrey go. She looks exhausted...”

Ruth’s words seemed to imply that something unspeakable had happened last night. But she was right.

Kian’s face darkened even more.

As I feared he might do something impulsive, he suddenly turned around.

Kian embraced Ruth, kissing her.

His eyes stayed on me, as if he wanted to see me break down.

Unfortunately, I just felt disgusted.

“Audrey, don’t regret this.”

Regret?

I should regret being with you.

While he was holding Ruth, I mustered the strength to run home, ignoring Kian and Ruth’s venomous gaze.