Chapter 2

I originally didn't want to go to the graduation party that night.

Because I knew Stephen would definitely be there.

After all, he was the top student in our graduating class, and a good person, so everyone had invited him.

My friends started teasing, saying if I didn't go, it meant I was giving up, giving in.

They even said if I didn't go, they'd go confront Stephen and demand an explanation, backing me up no matter what.

I was too proud to let that happen, so I collected myself and headed out.

The graduation party was scheduled at an upscale karaoke bar near the school.

When I arrived, someone was already singing.

I quickly scanned the room but didn't see Stephen.

I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Since I hadn't figured out how to face him, I found a corner to sit in.

A moment later, someone sat next to me.

I didn't think much of it until Ramon Garcia nudged me, signaling me to look back.

That's when I noticed the excessively beautiful girl sitting next to me, who also looked familiar.

Wasn't she the prettiest girl from the next class?

I asked, "Can I help you?"

She lowered her head, her long lashes trembling slightly, and spoke timidly. "Um… about this morning, I wanted to apologize."

I was confused: What?

"That letter, I think… it was probably meant for me."

"My friend said Stephen asked her this morning where my classroom was."

"My friend gets her left and right mixed up and pointed to your classroom by mistake. She later realized that you and I both happened to be in the fourth row, third column of our respective classrooms…"

"I'm really sorry for the misunderstanding. I apologize on his behalf!"

I set down my iced soda and spoke calmly. "Are you sure?"

She probably hadn't expected me to ask back and immediately flushed crimson. "Of course! My friend wouldn't lie to me, and…"

She shyly lowered her head, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her skirt on her knee.

"Stephen even specifically asked me about college applications before the SATs…"

I said, "I see. I understand."

The air conditioning in the room was too cold, and the food was awful. I wanted to leave.

"Well, I wish you two the best."

With that, I picked up my jacket from the sofa and stood up to leave.

Someone pushed the door open just then, and I almost walked right into them.

"Woah! Who's that?!"

Stephen Hayes and his friends had just walked in.

I paused slightly, and then I heard a soft voice from behind me.

"Stephen, what took you so long?"

Oh, she was calling someone else.

Stephen's gaze fell on me, tinged with a hint of inquiry.

I turned my head away, moving past them.

I heard someone talking to Stephen behind me, mentioning my name.

He immediately cut them off with a cold voice. "Don't mention her." His tone was impatient.

I quickened my pace, leaving everything behind.

The summer of June was like a steamer.

Stepping out of the karaoke bar, a wave of heat hit me, but I was breaking out in a cold sweat.

A sharp pain shot through my abdomen, and my lower belly felt heavy.

…Damn, I'd completely forgotten about that since I was reborn. My period was coming.

I found a convenience store nearby, bought a heat pack, and stuck it on my stomach. While I was at it, I bought some chicken nuggets.

Living two lives, the pain of my period still plagued me.

I first met Stephen because I suddenly got my period during P.E. class and got my athletic shorts dirty.

My friends usually treated me like one of the guys, so no one noticed my embarrassment.

Only he, from the next class, noticed. He took off his jacket and covered my thighs. "Here, hide it for now."

Seeing my face turn pale and me unable to stand steadily from the pain, he immediately left the basketball court and carried me to the school nurse's office.

After that incident, I started to notice him.

I regretted not being more honest back then.

I never thought that given a second chance, when I pursued him, he would deny anything happened.

My gaze vacant, I stared at the ground, thinking for a long time.

Perhaps his love letter wasn't for me at all.