For the rest of the school year, Leon felt like a shadow of himself. The days felt dull, his chest heavy, and every css was a constant reminder of his pain. Seeing Evelyn happy and ughing with Benjamin only reinforced the idea that love was never meant for him. Yet, Leon refused to let himself drown in the pain. He picked himself up and focused on improving his grades.

  As college entrance exams approached, Evelyn unexpectedly approached Leon.

  “Hey, Leon, can you help me prepare for my exams?” she asked.

  Despite knowing the circumstances, Leon couldn't help but feel happy spending time with her. “Sure,” he replied.

  Weeks passed, and the more time Leon spent with Evelyn, the more he realized how much he still loved her. The way she made him ugh, how she listened, cared, and noticed every little detail about him—it all reignited his feelings. But then, his mind whispered a cruel truth:

  “You’re too te. She has moved on with Benjamin.”

  Not wanting to accept it, he asked hesitantly, “Evelyn, do you like Benjamin?”

  With a glowing face, she replied, “Yes! Is it that obvious?”

  Leon forced a smile. “Not really.”

  “Do you think you can help me get him to like me back?” she asked eagerly.

  Leon’s heart shattered. With a broken smile, he said, “Yeah… of course.”

  Every study session became silent agony. The scent of her perfume, the way she pyfully punched his arm, the accidental brushes of their hands—each moment was torture. When she rested her head on the table, he longed to tell her, “I love you. Please go out with me.” But every time she looked up and smiled, he knew that smile belonged to someone else.

  A few weeks ter, the entrance exams were concluded. A month after that, the results were posted. Leon was surprised to see he had passed. Then came Evelyn’s turn.

  They walked to the bulletin board together, scanning for her name. As they searched, Benjamin walked in. The moment Evelyn found her name, she squealed, “I got in! I got in!” Overwhelmed with joy, she ran straight to Benjamin and kissed him.

  Leon stood frozen, his vision blurring as tears slipped down his cheeks. Evelyn turned back and saw him.

  “Leon, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” she asked.

  Leon quickly wiped his tears. “Of course, I’m fine.”

  “Then why are you crying?”

  “This? Oh, it’s nothing,” he said, forcing a smile. “I’m just happy for you. I know how hard you worked for this.”

  “Aww, thanks, Leon.” She hugged him and whispered, “I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m so lucky to have you as a friend.”

  The word friend felt like a dagger to his chest, but he swallowed the pain. He needed to know one st thing.

  “Are you and Benjamin dating?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she admitted.

  “When did it happen?”

  “After my st paper, which was a month ago.”

  Leon’s world crumbled. His thoughts spiraled. Why is fate so cruel? Why does no one ever fall for me? Why me? Sensing he was on the verge of breaking down, he quickly said, “I have to go. My mom doesn’t want me te for dinner.”

  “Okay, bye! See you when we meet again,” Evelyn said cheerfully.

  As he walked past the school gates, a voice in his head whispered, Tell her not to forget you.

  “How am I supposed to say that?” he muttered to himself and kept walking.

  That night, regret wrapped around him like chains. He realized he might never see Evelyn again, and with that thought, he finally broke down in tears. The next morning, his mother walked into his room and froze at the sight—his pillow soaked with tears, his eyes swollen and red, dark circles beneath them. His room was in disarray.

  “Leon…” she asked, her tone ced with concern.

  That night, Leon decided he would never let himself feel this way again.