Chapter 3

"I'm going to make her apologize to you."

I stopped my roommate who was about to chase after them, smiling: "Forget it."

There's a saying: people who don't love you can't see your efforts.

Since that was the case, why should I care?

"Let's go. Today's on me!"

The atmosphere at the bar was lively. Because Killian wasn't there.

During previous class group activities, no one had looked down on him for being on financial aid. They'd take him everywhere, but he always said inappropriate things.

"Fifty dollars for one drink? That's so expensive. You guys are really rich."

"I'm not rich like you guys to buy gifts, so I can only give verbal blessings. Happy birthday."

"My family is poor. I really envy how you guys just throw away torn clothes."

He always disguised himself as the victim, as if we were flaunting our wealth in front of him. Whenever this happened, Victoria would always step forward to defend him.

"What are you thinking about? You're today's star. Why don't you sing a song for everyone?"

My roommate nudged me with his elbow, then stood up and pulled me along, asking the bar's band to play "At Last" for us.

This used to be my favorite song, but not anymore.

"Change it to 'She's Gone,'" I said, starting to walk toward the stage.

My roommate paused, then silently changed the song.

As soon as the intro started, Victoria walked in with Killian.

Victoria acted like she didn't notice anything, saying on her own:

"Killian persuaded me. I thought about it and he was right—I should come. Plus, I think it's necessary to let you all see him completely transformed."

Victoria smiled broadly: "So? Isn't he handsome?"

The room fell silent.

I looked at Killian wearing my clothes, pants, and shoes, and was the first to applaud: "He really is handsome!"

"At least you have good taste!" Victoria was satisfied with my response. "Actually, Killian is very handsome. He just didn't have money to dress up before. Now you can see he's just as good as any of you."

I smiled.

Handsome? Wearing my clothes, pants, and shoes that clearly didn't even fit him properly.

Victoria looked Killian up and down, tapping her chin: "Seems like something's still missing."

She turned to look at me: "Leopold, take off your watch and give it to Killian."

I froze, looking down at the watch on my wrist.

It was the first birthday gift Victoria had ever given me. It held special meaning for me. Though it was already many years old, I'd always carefully maintained it.

I'd even treated it as a token of love between Victoria and me.

Now, she was asking me to give it away with my own hands.

I was silent for a long time before speaking in a hoarse voice: "Are you sure?"

"What's there to be unsure about? It's just a watch. It's not like you can't afford a new one."

Victoria said indifferently, then personally came over to remove the watch and put it on Killian's wrist herself.

In that moment, I saw Killian smile at me, his eyes full of smugness and provocation.

"Leopold, you've finally become sensible."

Victoria was pleased that I didn't make a fuss after giving away the watch. She happily pulled Killian along to sing.

I watched the two of them singing a love duet, sitting expressionlessly on the sofa.

I hadn't become sensible—I was learning not to care.

When the party ended, Victoria was drunk, leaning drunkenly against Killian and insisting he take her back to her dorm.

Killian looked at me with feigned helplessness on his face, but his eyes were clearly triumphant.