Chapter 2

This wasn't the first time Lillian used "building my character" as an excuse to steal my hearing aids.

During the fitness test, Lillian hid them so I could "focus better." The result? I didn't hear the coach blow the whistle to stop. I kept running around the track like an idiot until I collapsed from heat exhaustion and had to be rushed to the campus clinic.

At a crowded restaurant, she hid them, then giggled into Ethan's chest while I frantically signed at a confused waiter, trying to explain I had lost them.

At the movie theater, she told me to experience silent films. When a small fire broke out and the alarms blared, everyone evacuated while I sat there alone in the dark, watching the screen.

Thinking about all of it made my eyes burn.

Ethan hesitated, reaching out to wipe a tear from my cheek.

"Why do you cry every time I critique you?"

"Fine, you're right, I'm wrong, okay?"

"You don't have to apologize to her. Just stop crying, alright?"

I slapped his hand away, dodging his touch.

Before he could snap, Lillian's saccharine voice floated over.

"Aww, look at the cute couple having a secret rendezvous! You're making everyone jealous!"

Ethan quickly pulled back. "Stop talking nonsense. We're not."

Lillian pouted playfully. "Not true! I saw you caressing her face! If I hadn't interrupted, you two would be making out right now!"

"Are you crazy? In broad daylight? I was just returning her hearing aids."

"Since when does our former student council president personally deliver hearing aids?"

"I graduated already. I'm not the president anymore..."

They started their usual banter, back and forth. Lillian lightly punched his chest, and Ethan ruffled her hair with a grin.

They were totally absorbed in their private little world.

I stood there like an invisible ghost.

A few classmates walked past.

"Oh, look, Ethan and our department beauty are flirting again."

"Who's flirting with him/her?" they chorused in perfect unison.

They glanced at each other. "Why are you copying me?"

Seamless chemistry.

Someone snapped a picture. "Cutest couple on campus, seriously."

Then they turned, noticed me standing awkwardly beside them, and scowled.

"Ugh, look at her. Dying for attention as usual, total third wheel."

Here it went again. Sick of watching the circus, I picked up my bag to leave.

Someone snickered. "What a pathetic tagalong. Gets called out and runs away mad. She clings to Lillian just to stay near Ethan. Talk about thick-skinned."

I stopped and looked back at the two of them.

"What am I to you guys?"

Neither answered.

The snickers grew louder.

Biting my lip, I stepped up and grabbed Ethan's sleeve, speaking loud and clear: "Ethan, tell everyone. What are we?"

A flash of irritation crossed his face.

He looked down at me coldly.

"Maya, what relationship do you want us to have?"

The crowd burst into laughter.

"Oof, totally shut down in public. That's embarrassing."

"Desperate delusions fail again!"

Lillian frowned, playing the peacemaker. "Don't be mean, guys. Maya just wanted an answer."

The crowd sneered even louder.

"What answer does a deluded stalker need? Expecting Ethan to call her his girlfriend?"

"Seriously, the audacity is insane."

Every cruel remark hit me like a slap. Ethan didn't utter a single syllable to defend me.

That was my answer.

Every trace of hope inside me died.

"My mistake, Ethan."

His brows relaxed slightly.

Then I spoke clearly:

"We're done. It's over."

I turned and walked away.

Lillian shouted my name behind me.

I never looked back.

I was done being the clown in their twisted love story.