Derick knew my cycle like clockwork. Every time the pain made me pale, he’d hold me close, keeping my stomach warm.
But in two days, the person in his arms wouldn’t be me anymore.
When he held out a pastry to me, I shook my head.
No matter how sweet, love that doesn’t belong to you is just an illusion. Like pastries that taste overly sugary, they leave only bitterness behind.
“Derick, my advisor just called for a meeting, and I’m already running late. I’ll eat it when I get back.”
Before he could respond, I darted into the elevator, unable to bear sharing the same space with him any longer.
The moment I realized he didn’t love me, I should’ve understood—I didn’t belong here anymore.
For the first time, I lied to him. The truth was, there were no meetings. Apart from tomorrow’s graduation ceremony, I had nothing left at school.
At the café, I video called my brother.
His job was highly restrictive, and calls or video calls were always strictly scheduled. When he saw me, his first words were: “Are you and Derick now over?”