My One-sided Crush

[1]

I had liked someone for many years, but he dismissed me as being a hopeless romantic.

[2]

After much reflection, I resolved to change.

[3]

Unexpectedly, he deliberately got himself drunk and said to me,

[4]

"Hey, here's your chance."

[5]

1

[6]

On my twentieth birthday, I secretly made a wish.

[7]

However, it didn't come true.

[8]

Jerold threw me out of the room, blanket and all.

[9]

"How can you bear to disappoint a blossoming young girl?"

[10]

I pleaded, kneeling at the door, tears smudging the alluring makeup I had painstakingly applied for three hours to captivate him.

[11]

No long after, I heard a roar from the other side of the door,

[12]

"Juliana, do you know that I'm a man who adheres to masculine virtues?"

[13]

Jerold, my childhood sweetheart.

[14]

He indeed has no girlfriend, but he has countless pursuers.

[15]

I have been his follower since childhood and grew up with him. I was forced to take the blame for him many times, so much so that everyone thinks that I'm weak and mischievous.

[16]

I thought that even if I hadn't achieved anything, my efforts would eventually awaken his conscience, and he would treat me better.

[17]

But to my surprise, all he did was to bully me.

[18]

Fortunately, he was the only one allowed to bully me; he wouldn't let anyone else do it.

[19]

In a way, he was also my protector,

[20]

which made me quite fond of him.

[21]

One day after evening self - study, I was trailed by the owner of the small grocery store near my home.

[22]

Jerold appeared just in time to scare off the man, who was barely over five feet tall.

[23]

He then rallied a group of teenage boys to spice up the rumors in front of the man's shop. Eventually, he forced the man to transfer the ownership of the shop hurriedly and leave town in disgrace.

[24]

My parents, both doctors, were too busy to look after me. After they learned about this incident, they sent me, along with my belongings, to Jerold's home in the same building.

[25]

"Uncle and Auntie are off earning a dowry for Juliana.

[26]

Our generation works hard so you two can have it easier in the future,"

[27]

my dad told Jerold,

[28]

making his intentions quite clear.

[29]

Whether Jerold understood it or not, he was playing a game at that time.

[30]

He gestured with his chin towards the guest bedroom and said, "Okay. Well, the able ones are always supposed to take on more."

[31]

His use of "those who can, do more" was clever. My dad thought he was referring to himself, praising Jerold for his politeness.

[32]

I, however, thought Jerold was being boastful. This boy was so charming.

[33]

Anyway, it was just this one sentence that charmed both my father and me.

[34]

Our families became as close as one, celebrating New Year together, until college took us to different schools, separating us.

[35]

Until we went to different colleges in completely opposite directions, we were separated.

[36]

"Jerold,

[37]

will you come to see me?"

[38]

I asked, tugging at his sleeve as I boarded the train.

[39]

"Of course not. I'll be busy in college,"

[40]

he replied, full of anticipation.

[41]

I was filled with worry,

[42]

"Alright then. Wait for me to come and see you."

[43]

The first time I visited Jerold at his school was on Independence Day.

[44]

I was excited for three days beforehand, and the moment I saw him, I couldn't stop smiling like a fool,

[45]

drawing curious glances from passing students.

[46]

The sun was shining, a gentle breeze ruffled his white shirt as he bent down to meet my gaze, his fringe lightly brushing my cheek, tender enough to make one swoon.

[47]

"How did you become

[48]

even sillier in college?"

[49]

If a girl smiles at you, she must really like you. Such a simple truth, yet Jerold didn't understand. Who was the fool between us?

[50]

I went to see Jerold many times later. Each time, he was surrounded by a throng of people in front and behind and there were always girls following him.

[51]

I couldn't help feeling worried and frightened.

[52]

At the age of twenty, I finally couldn't hold it in anymore. I was thinking of making a decisive move to defeat the rival in one stroke and firmly secure my position.

[53]

2

[54]

Once the arrow is shot from the bow, there's no way back.

[55]

If success eludes me today, our paths may never cross again."

[56]

I continued to lean against Jerold's tightly shut door, gently asking,

[57]

"Jerold, are you hungry?"

[58]

Something heavy hit the door. "Even if I'm starving, I wouldn't eat your food."

[59]

There was a loud thud as something heavy smashed against the door. "I'd rather starve to death than eat your stuff, damn it."

[60]

Hmm.

[61]

He seemed a bit sensitive.

[62]

"Jerold, I meant I'm hungry.

[63]

Could you come out and make me some noodles ?"

[64]

There was no response.

[65]

I had no choice but to press myself against the door panel and listen carefully. I wasn't sure if it was just my illusion, but I actually did hear some faint, rhythmic noises.

[66]

All kinds of sex imagines emerged in my mind. The heart in my chest was beating fast and furiously, and my ears were burning hot.

[67]

I should have known better than to visit so many pornographic websites. It's all the blame of my roommates who kept sharing such content with me all day long.

[68]

After a while, the sounds stopped. I cautiously asked,

[69]

"Are you hungry now?"

[70]

No one answered.

[71]

After a long wait, the room remained silent.

[72]

Finally, I resigned myself to despair. With a heavy heart, I dragged my numbed legs back to the guest bedroom, looking back every few steps. Lying on the bed, I shed tears of humiliation.

[73]

At the height of his youth, full of passion and high - spiritedness. Why, with a tender beauty right in front of him, does he remain unruffled?

[74]

What does this mean?"

[75]

My roommate Averie sent a long voice message with an impassioned tone. For dozens of seconds in it, she was making those pretentious, deep - thinking hums, looking as if she had made a great discovery.

[76]

I said to myself inwardly,

[77]

"You're a little lass who's been single since birth. What on earth can you analyze?"

[78]

Soon, Averie sent another voice message,

[79]

"Be careful. Your childhood sweetheart might have already been snatched by one of his roommates."

[80]

No way. I clearly heard some mysterious noises from his room...

[81]

Just thinking about it made my face flush again.

[82]

Exhausted from overthinking, I lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

[83]

Suddenly, there was a rapid knock on the door, followed by Jerold's cold voice,

[84]

"The noodles are ready. Come out and eat. I have something to do, so stay home."

[85]

I quickly got up to open the door, but he was already gone.

[86]

On the dining table sat a bowl of noodles that were a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The bright green scallions were sprinkled over the glistening noodle soup, and the poached egg was plump and golden, looking incredibly alluring.

[87]

I took a sip of the soup, the steam making my eyes water. I felt like crying.

[88]

When I was young, my parents never had time to cook for me, so I practically grew up on Jerold's noodles.

[89]

At the very beginning, he could only cook plain noodles. The amount of salt he added was always inconsistent, sometimes too much and sometimes too little, making the noodles taste really awful.

[90]

But I adhered to the principle that since I couldn't cook, I should eat whatever was offered without complaint.

[91]

Later, Jerold noticed I wasn't growing and was too skinny, so he began experimenting with different noodle recipes, gradually improving the taste.

[92]

"Jerold,

[93]

do you like girls with a bit more weight?"

[94]

.One time, when he was forcing me to eat an extra bowl of noodles again, I couldn't help asking him.

[95]

He gave me a disdainful roll of his eyes and said, "

[96]

I'm just worried about squandering the living expenses your dad entrusted to me. You're so flat - chested that it makes me feel ashamed."

[97]

I didn't believe a word of it at the time. Instead, I thought Jerold was a genuinely kind-hearted young man, the type who does good deeds without seeking recognition.

[98]

Snapping back to reality, I picked up my phone and carefully took a picture of the bowl of noodles, then posted it on Facebook.

[99]

The caption read,

[100]

"This is the meaning of persistence and the motivation to keep going."

[101]

After posting, I kept looking forward to seeing if that person had liked or commented on it...

[102]

The room was so quiet that I could only hear my own breathing and the hum of the appliances.

[103]

I couldn't resist calling Jerold. When he answered, the noise was deafening, with music drowning out any conversation. It was impossible to communicate.

[104]

He hung up in less than ten seconds and sent

[105]

a Whatsapp message: "Busy, don't wait for me."

[106]

What kind of business requires one to be busy at a bar?

[107]

What could be so important that you'd leave your childhood sweetheart on her birthday?

[108]

Could it be true that childhood sweethearts can't compete with new sparks?

[109]

"Jerold,

[110]

you've really offended me."

[111]

3

[112]

With newfound resolve, I moved out of Jerold's house that very night, returning to my own little place, indulging in a life of takeout and late-night dramas.

[113]

My parents have been occupied with the preparation for a major operation recently. They were extremely unaccustomed to my sudden presence and repeatedly urged me to go back to Jerold's place to scrape by.

[114]

I protested, "I'm not his child bride.

[115]

Why should I live there every day?"

[116]

My dad replied,

[117]

"It's not much different."

[118]

My mom added,

[119]

"Really, dear, you're twenty and still haven't won over Jerold?"

[120]

There's nothing more hurtful than this, is there?

[121]

On the fourth day after moving back home, having grown tired of takeout food, I made up my mind to show off my cooking skills and prepare a steaming hot meal to treat my rather delicate stomach.

[122]

But as I was cleaning the fish I bought, it suddenly sprang to life, scaring me into a frenzy. I accidentally knocked over the pot, spilled the salt, slipped, and ended up breaking the trash can with my fall.

[123]

Looking at the messy kitchen, I opened the food - delivery app with a whimper.

[124]

It's important to know your own strengths and weaknesses, and I finally understood this truth.

[125]

If only Jerold were here, I wouldn't be feeling so wronged.

[126]

He used to complain about my inefficiency and high error rate, never letting me handle anything.

[127]

You could say he took on both parental roles, turning me into someone who can't even tell grains apart.

[128]

After forcing down the awful takeout and lying on the couch for a while, just as I was about to get up and clean the kitchen, a sharp pain suddenly twisted in my stomach.

[129]

I clutched my belly, curling up on the couch, thinking it would pass as usual, but it only got worse.

[130]

Cold sweat oozed from my back and my hands and feet were shaking. I hurriedly grabbed my phone and called Jerold.

[131]

I couldn't miss this rare chance to act helpless.

[132]

Jerold, come to my home quickly. I'm dying. If you run fast enough, you can still hear the password of my bank card."

[133]

」我忍着痛意说道.

[134]

"Your measly sum isn't worthy of that."

[135]

He on the other end of the line seemed to have just woken up, and his voice was very low.

[136]

Alright, you're ruthless enough.

[137]

"I'm really in so much pain. If you don't come soon, there will be a funeral banquet for me."

[138]

I shouted.

[139]

"Oh, that won't do.

[140]

I'd have to spend money on a gift," he said, and I heard the rustling of him getting dressed.

[141]

"Is your spare key still in the usual place?"

[142]

"Yes, yes,

[143]

hurry up."

[144]

"Ok

[145]

ay."

[146]

He hung up.

[147]

Staring at the darkened screen, despite the tears from the pain, I couldn't help but feel a bit smug.

[148]

Jerold still cares about me.

[149]

In less than ten minutes, Jerold arrived with his hair in a mess from sleep, wearing his shirt inside out.

[150]

I lay on his broad back, groaning while also showing off, "Jerold, seeing how worried you are about me, I can die in peace. But don't worry. For your sake, I will surely hold on."

[151]

"Can you stop being such a hopeless romantic?

[152]

Can you stop revealing your love - struck mind?

[153]

I'm afraid I'll be driven to murderous thoughts.

[154]

After climbing the seven - storey staircase, Jerold was so exhausted that he was gasping for breath. Sweat trickled down his smooth jawline and dropped onto the back of my hand that was around his neck.

[155]

My heart was filled with a certain emotion,

[156]

and I spoke with a hint of tears, "Jerold, you have no idea how great you are."

[157]

"I do know that, but you shouldn't be a love -

[158]

struck fool either."

[159]

His tone was too cold, unlike his usual self.

[160]

Recalling how he went clubbing on my birthday,

[161]

I carefully asked, "Jerold, do you have a girlfriend?"

[162]

Jerold turned his head impatiently and said,

[163]

"Keep in line."

[164]

4

[165]

Even after leaving the hospital, I couldn't get a definite answer.

[166]

Not reconciled, I held onto Jerold's arm with tears in my eyes, whining, "I'm a poor girl seriously ill, and in urgent need of a kind - hearted and handsome elder brother to take care of me.

[167]

Those with eight - pack abs are preferred, and long legs will also do."

[168]

He made a tutting sound and pushed me away with great disgust. "Both of your parents are famous doctors.

[169]

With such a minor illness, you won't be in this state if you don't bring trouble upon yourself."

[170]

I sniffled, "But I'm just the kind of person who gets into trouble.

[171]

You know that."

[172]

Perhaps annoyed by my unreasonable attitude, he turned serious, "Juliana, you can't always rely on me. I can't always be by your side.

[173]

You need to grow up."

[174]

His sudden seriousness startled me, and I shook my head, truly crying.

[175]

He must have a girlfriend.

[176]

It's not that I'm incapable of being independent. I just want to depend on him and use all kinds of excuses to be with him openly, advancing and retreating together.

[177]

He dropped me off at home and was about to leave when he saw the mess in the kitchen. He stopped, turned back, and looked at me speechlessly,

[178]

"Did you do this?"

[179]

I was sprawled on the sofa, clasping my stomach which was still in pain, and said in a aggrieved tone,

[180]

"If I told you that the fish made the first move, would you believe me?"

[181]

Clearly, he didn't believe me and couldn't be bothered to argue. He rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning the kitchen efficiently.

[182]

I watched from the couch, changing positions and offering my opinion,

[183]

"A great man always hides his joy by doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning.

[184]

He turned around and glared at me viciously, "What joy do I have?

[185]

Raising a good -

[186]

for - nothing?"

[187]

Hearing that actually made me feel rather at ease. I'm really something of a masochist...

[188]

Be on the threshold of a great experience

[189]

While I was laughing, I became conflicted again and walked stealthily to Jerold.

[190]

He sensed something, turned suddenly, and stumbled, slipping on a wet spot on the floor, falling towards me.

[191]

I couldn't dodge in time and ended up on the floor with him on top of me. Fortunately, he protected the back of my head with his hand.

[192]

With our bodies in close contact, Jerold's lips were right at the corner of my lips. The warm and soft touch made it extremely difficult not to let one's mind wander.

[193]

I tensed my back. My rationality told me: It's time to test my self - control. If he doesn't make a move with his lips, I won't be the first to stick out my tongue.

[194]

Unexpectedly, Jerold was more flustered than I was. He scrambled to get up, his face flushed red, hair standing on end like an angry cat.

[195]

"Why were you so

[196]

close to me?"

[197]

I lay on the floor, looking at him innocently, "I can't get up.

[198]

I might need..."

[199]

Before I could finish, he bent down and lifted me up roughly, clearly flustered and even angry.

[200]

I was in pain from his rough handling, so I dropped the act and got to the main topic:

[201]

"Jerold, I just want to know if you have a girlfriend."

[202]

Our eyes met, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

[203]

Suddenly, a ringtone interrupted us.

[204]

It was Jerold's phone.

[205]

Without looking, he answered,

[206]

"I'll be right there."

[207]

"It's nothing urgent.

[208]

Wait for me."

[209]

"Okay,

[210]

I'm on my way."

[211]

After hanging up, he didn't look at me, cleaned up the trash, and left, leaving me alone in the empty room, feeling desolate.

[212]

After my closest roommate listened to me rattle on about everything that had just happened, she analyzed it calmly:

[213]

"Go after another man. This guy is already compromised."

[214]

The last time, my roommate Averie said that Jerold had already been won over by one of his roommates.

[215]

Now she says he's tainted again.

[216]

Sigh.

[217]

I held my phone in my arms, with tears blurring my vision - who can ever know the pain of having the one you love "stolen"?

[218]

Especially when it's something you've cherished for over a decade.

[219]

"Isn't it too hasty to just give up?"

[220]

I asked.

[221]

My roommate sent a voice message, scolding me for being a hopeless romantic.

[222]

I told her Jerold also called me a hopeless romantic.

[223]

She became even more furious and sent another sixty - second voice message to lecture me, telling me to have more backbone and not to be looked down upon by men.

[224]

I was so engrossed in listening that I didn't notice when the door opened.

[225]

When I looked up, I met Jerold's deep gaze.

[226]

He placed the takeout box on the table,

[227]

"I do look down on hopeless romantics."

[228]

When you are young, love is always plentiful, and only when it is bestowed on the wrong person will it lead to trouble.

[229]

Being a hopeless romantic isn't a mistake. Loving the wrong person is the original sin.

[230]

I lowered my eyes, holding back tears, and smiled softly,

[231]

"I got it."

[232]

Jerold brought a bowl of preserved - egg - and - lean - pork congee. As usual, the preserved eggs were taken out of the congee, leaving only the aroma of the preserved eggs and the pork.

[233]

After he left, I ate it all up, one spoonful at a time. Then, looking at the empty bowl, I cried uncontrollably.

[234]

Jerold, you don't even know how great you are.

[235]

You also don't know how much I like you.

[236]

5

[237]

Jerold came by every day to bring me food.

[238]

I intentionally reduced my interactions with him, treating him as distantly as a stranger.

[239]

He didn't find it strange, coming and going freely, always busy.

[240]

"My stomach's better now,

[241]

you don't need to look after me anymore."

[242]

By the fifth day, when I saw a colorful band-aid on his neck, I finally made up my mind.

[243]

As he tidied up the place with practiced ease, he said without turning around,

[244]

"This time it's better, but if you don't take care, there'll be a next time."

[245]

"I...

[246]

I can find a clean takeout place, don't worry."

[247]

I feigned indifference, but couldn't help sneaking glances at him.

[248]

Under the warm - colored light, he rolled up a section of his cuff, exposing his forearm with smooth lines. There was a small mole on his protruding wrist bone. He was tidying the tea table skillfully.

[249]

With his long eyelashes drooping, faint shadows fell on his eyelids and the bridge of his nose, making him seem softer and more gentle than normal.

[250]

I have witnessed this kind of scene numerous times and have been touched by it on many occasions as well.

[251]

But for the first time, I realized so clearly that we weren't as close as I had imagined.

[252]

"You've got some skills,"

[253]

he said, standing up and giving me a quick glance before pulling out a tissue to wipe his hands. "If you really care about me, you should move to my place. That way, I won't have to deliver meals to you,

[254]

and your dad's support doesn't include delivery services."

[255]

I was greatly shocked: "You brought me meals just because my father gave you living expenses?

[256]

Not because you were concerned about

[257]

my stomach problems due to my gastritis?"

[258]

Jerold had a calm look on his face and said,

[259]

"It's just for making money.There's no shame in it."

[260]

"Making

[261]

money?"

[262]

"What's wrong with that? I'm not being greedy,

[263]

and haven't I treated you well?"

[264]

So all the considerate care he provided came from his devotion to his job.

[265]

I was both amused and annoyed, managing only to glare at him.

[266]

"Well, thank you very much."

[267]

He waved it off, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

[268]

"You're welcome.

[269]

Customer satisfaction is my greatest motivation."

[270]

"..."

[271]

I'm really going to be depressed.

[272]

But what happened two hours later made me feel even more disheartened.

[273]

My mother was frustrated at work and feeling depressed. As soon as she got home, she was weeping silently.

[274]

My dad patiently comforted her with gentle words, lavishing her with attention, completely ignoring me.

[275]

"Dad, Mom, I just went through a breakup. Your display is a bit much for me,"

[276]

I protested.

[277]

My father became energetic and said,

[278]

"Come on, talk about it to distract your mother's attention."

[279]

Just as I was about to speak, my mom dismissed it. "That's not a real breakup. She wasn't even in a relationship.

[280]

I don't want to hear it, it's boring."

[281]

My dad immediately agreed. "True, you better keep quiet,

[282]

it's boring."

[283]

I...

[284]

On the rare occasion that the whole family was together, they made me feel redundant. They even didn't forget to persuade me to move back to Jerold's house so that they could be more at ease.

[285]

I...

[286]

I was on the verge of crying but had no tears. Before the summer holiday, I had been looking forward to going home so much, but now I wanted to go back to school just as eagerly.

[287]

Fortunately, my old classmates were in the same boat, feeling unwanted at home after being there too long.

[288]

So, we decided to organize a reunion to have some fun.

[289]

I had been lonely for too long and was buzzing with excitement in the group chat.

[290]

My former deskmate suddenly emerged and @ me in the large group, saying,

[291]

"Juliana, you're still as cute as usual."

[292]

The group chat exploded with gossip, and various amusing emojis flooded in.

[293]

I hadn't thought too much about it at first. I just felt that this sentence was a little bit sickening. As a result, I was teased by these people. I was so embarrassed that I made a couple of casual and perfunctory responses and hurriedly closed the group chat.

[294]

The next morning, I saw that Jerold had also commented in the group chat the previous night.

[295]

"Where's the reunion going to be?

[296]

Discussing that would

[297]

be more meaningful."

[298]

His comment shifted the focus, ending the topic.

[299]

Most of the classmates focused mainly on whether Jerold would come to the class reunion.

[300]

This is not difficult to understand. After all, during that restless youth, Jerold was so dazzling that he was a scenery cherished by many people.

[301]

After I scrolled through the chat record in the group,

[302]

I sent a message to Jerold: "Are you really going?"

[303]

He replied an hour later, "Yes."

[304]

"Oh, are you going alone

[305]

or with your girlfriend?"

[306]

I asked.

[307]

This time he replied instantly, "

[308]

Not sure."

[309]

When I saw these three words, I suddenly despised myself and quickly switched the interface.

[310]

Why should I be curious? What good would it do me?

[311]

My phone buzzed again, but this time it wasn't Jerold. It was Rhys, the classmate who had tagged me in the group chat last night.

[312]

He said,

[313]

"I'll pick you up that day."

[314]

I had originally planned to set off with Jerold. After all, since we were going the same way, it would be more convenient. But now that I thought about it, I really hadn't thought it through and had forgotten to avoid arousing suspicion.

[315]

"It's too much troublesome,"

[316]

I replied.

[317]

"It's no trouble at all.

[318]

It'll give you more time to get ready."

[319]

That sounded appealing, and I was tempted.

[320]

On the day of the reunion, I saw my former classmate downstairs.

[321]

He had changed a great deal. His once chubby and cute face had become angular. Beneath his high - arched brow bones were a pair of peach - blossom - shaped eyes. The outer corners of his eyes were slightly upturned, and his pupils were clear, giving an affectionate look when he gazed at people.

[322]

His figure had also grown taller, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, filling out a white shirt with both youthful elegance and mature steadiness.

[323]

After secretly admiring how much he had changed for the better as he grew up, I greeted him,

[324]

"Hi, long time no see."

[325]

He opened the front - passenger door with great gentlemanly manners, and then replied with a smile,

[326]

"Deskmate, I've missed you so much."

[327]

His voice was clear and pleasant, with a playful lilt that was just like old times,

[328]

easily dispelling the years of unfamiliarity and distance between us.

[329]

As I was about to get in the car, a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist from behind, gently pulling me back a couple of steps.

[330]

Annoyed, I turned around to see Jerold standing there.

[331]

Coincidentally, he and Rhys were wearing the same outfit-white shirts and casual pants.

[332]

Only his skin was rather wheat - colored, his figure was a bit slimmer, and his buttons weren't neatly fastened, carelessly exposing his sharp collarbone. His freshly - washed hair was casually swept back, making him look more roguish and unrestrained overall.

[333]

"Chauffeur service?"

[334]

he raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes fixed intently on me.

[335]

I couldn't help but wonder if he was jealous, but I didn't dare ask.

[336]

And it was a good thing I didn't, because three seconds later, he added,

[337]

"Mind if I hitch a ride?"

[338]

The look in one's eyes when they want to kill someone can't be hidden. But why didn't Jerold notice it?

[339]

He got into the passenger seat very naturally, without caring whether the other person agreed or not.

[340]

He even had the nerve to urge, "Let's go. It's impolite to be late."

[341]

I really want to swear, but there's a handsome guy around at the moment.

[342]

Rhys lowered his eyelids and smiled bitterly. Then he opened the rear - door of the car and said,

[343]

"Get in the car first. We'll find an opportunity to catch up later."

[344]

I was just about to speak when Jerold, sitting in the front passenger seat, suddenly began to cough violently, one bout after another, as if it was very severe.

[345]

Distracted, I quickly got in the car, worried.

[346]

It wasn't until Jerold stopped coughing that I regained my composure.

[347]

I shouldn't be so focused on him; maybe it was time to pay attention to the person around me.

[348]

I turned my gaze to Rhys, who was driving.

[349]

He happened to glance at me through the rearview mirror, a slight smile playing on his lips. The crescent-shaped shadows under his eyes made his expression seem even more sincere and charming.

[350]

I couldn't help but blush.

[351]

How could there be a guy with such naturally alluring eyes? Was he as if designed to test one's resolve?

[352]

And how had I not noticed his potential to be a heartthrob before?

[353]

It was all Jerold's fault, blinding my perceptive eyes.

[354]

For some reason, Jerold started coughing again, even more severely this time. It wasn't until I looked away from Rhys that he gradually stopped.