Chapter 4

She left in anger.

The group straggled along. She pulled Victor to walk at the very front.

I stayed at the back, chatting with classmates.

It wasn't until dinner at the buffet that Victor spoke clearly at the table:

"The Perseid meteor shower? You guys don't know about it? Catherine said there's an observation point near here. Up to a hundred meteors per hour at peak."

Everyone at the table got interested, making plans to go watch.

But Kelly clicked his tongue:

"Could you guys show some awareness? You can see meteors from the hotel too. Don't go be third wheels."

Everyone immediately understood:

"True. The observation point has a clearer view, so it should definitely be saved for those who need it most."

Catherine served Victor food. Though she didn't speak, the bashfulness on her cheeks said everything.

The buffet here didn't suit me—the flavors were too strong.

I chewed a couple bites of seafood, but the seasoning stuck in my throat. I couldn't swallow it.

I lowered my head to spit it out and got up to find something milder.

Kelly followed, saying quietly:

"Owen, I saw you posted on Twitter a few days ago about going to the observation point for the meteor shower. Maybe don't go—don't disturb Catherine and Victor."

I nodded: "I know."

"Top of the class is smart. Let me tell you something you don't know—them drawing the same number? I arranged it."

I nodded again: "I heard you when you told Catherine."

Kelly looked somewhat surprised. A classmate called him from behind, so he turned back.

I opened a soup lid. Catherine happened to come over to get soup for Victor.

Her tone was natural:

"I was wrong today. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"I understand—you're upset because I'm rooming with Victor."

"But don't worry. Last night I slept on the bed, he slept on the floor. We just chatted."

"Us rooming together is just following game rules. Nothing will actually happen."

I ladled soup, humming in acknowledgment.

She didn't look up:

"Talk to your parents. It's fine for us to develop our careers in LA. No need to go to New York."

"Once our jobs are stable, we'll settle here."

This time I didn't respond.

After getting my soup, I turned around. She suddenly hesitated and called out:

"Owen... Victor's really looking forward to tonight's meteor shower. I promised to watch it with him."

"Anyway, the Perseids happen every year. Next year, we'll come again."

I faced away from her, palm pressed against the bottom of the bowl, yet I felt no warmth at all.

Opening my mouth, my voice was soft:

"Okay."

She sighed with relief. As she passed by me, she didn't forget to bring Victor a plate of grapes.

After dinner, I went back to my room to pack.

I took out the outfit I'd coordinated for proposing to her under the meteor shower. The engagement ring and meteor shower brochure went into the trash together.

Zipping up the suitcase, it was much lighter now.

The flight ticket was bought last minute. Boarding was tonight.

Ten minutes before takeoff, the Perseid meteor shower streaked across the sky.

Everyone exclaimed, recording videos and taking photos. I pulled out my phone and saw an unread message.

"Everything's arranged. Your aunt and uncle went back to rest. I'm waiting for you at the airport."

The plane slowly climbed. The meteor trails carried fine silver light, illuminating half the cabin.

I leaned back against my seat and slowly closed my eyes.

Catherine, the two of us—there is no next year.