Chapter 3

Today, Leon went out to see Nora again.

I sat at the dining table, eating while looking at my phone.

Nora had posted: "Whenever I feel lonely, you're always there. It's wonderful. Grateful!"

In the photo, Leon and Nora had their heads together, making peace signs at the camera.

Leon's buddies all liked and commented, envying their relationship.

All along, they'd thought Leon and Nora were better matched—childhood sweethearts, how nice—while I was like a third wheel inserting myself between them.

Looking at that post, I suddenly felt those friends were right. The two of them did look more like a couple.

In the past, after holding back for a long time, I'd carefully remind Leon to keep some distance from Nora.

His buddies would mock me for being too controlling, saying I had control issues and wouldn't let Leon have freedom in his friendships.

Leon never spoke up for me. Instead, he'd join them in criticizing me, telling me not to restrict him and to give him more space.

Leon had also commented below: "You've always been there for me too!"

I calmly exited the app and got up to clear the dishes.

Thunder rumbled outside. It was going to rain.

I went to the balcony to bring in the clothes. Bean-sized raindrops immediately began pelting the windows.

In the past, whenever it rained, I'd rush to call Leon asking where he was, wanting to bring him an umbrella so he wouldn't get wet.

He and his friends would laugh at me for worrying too much, managing too much, preventing them from having fun.

I showered early, lay in bed watching videos, and fell asleep without realizing it.

The sound of Leon forcefully pushing open my bedroom door woke me. Seeing me asleep, he questioned angrily:

"Rhea, it's raining so hard, your boyfriend isn't home this late, and you're not worried at all? If it were my buddies' girlfriends, they'd already be calling nonstop asking where they are, personally bringing an umbrella to pick them up! And you?"

I was somewhat surprised, not understanding why he was so angry.

Once before when he was with Nora and it rained, I'd called several times asking where he was and when he'd be back, wanting to pick him up.

He'd gotten very angry, saying I was worrying needlessly, that he was with Nora and needed to take her home first.

He also said I just didn't want him with Nora, that I was making excuses for him to come home early, that my need for control was suffocating him.

Now I'd given him freedom, yet he was questioning why I didn't pick him up. I really didn't understand what he wanted from me.

I answered with a heart like still water, "You were with Nora, so I wasn't worried. You two can hang out longer, then take her home."

Leon's eyes widened in disbelief. Perhaps he was wondering how I could so calmly mention Nora and even allow them to stay out this late alone.

After a while, he seemed to think of something and explained, "Today... was the anniversary of Nora's father's death. She was very upset. As a friend, I couldn't leave her alone. Don't read too much into it."

I expressed understanding and nodded in agreement. "I get it. You should definitely spend more time with her on a day like this."

My reasonableness left Leon at a loss for words.

He studied my face carefully, trying to find a trace of anger, but found none.

Leon softened his tone. "Rhea, I need to shower. Can you run the hot water for me?"

I looked at him in surprise. This was almost like him initiating reconciliation.

In the past, he was always so superior, making me beg and plead before he'd reluctantly make up with me.

I pretended not to understand his hint and just said, "No, I'm tired. Run it yourself, then get some rest in your room."

Leon looked at me in disbelief, then angrily turned and left.

I got up and closed the door myself, then went back to sleep.

A peaceful night's sleep.