Chapter 3

I once thought about confessing to Liam.

But before I even had a chance to put my plan into action, Anya appeared.

Anya attended an art university not far from Oxford, becoming famous online for her K-pop girl group dances and playing in a band.

Even in a university teeming with gorgeous girls, she was the one who shone the brightest.

She was the kind of girl no one could resist – passionate, vibrant, and radiating light effortlessly.

She was from a whole other world.

So, when rumors started swirling that the art university's ‘it girl’ was pursuing Oxford’s aloof academic whiz, a lot of people were thrilled.

Everyone chatted about how perfect they were for each other, saying that if they got together, they’d be legendary.

While they talked, their glances would often, consciously or not, drift over to me.

After all, *we* were once the talk of the town, the two brainy kids who’d grown up together.

I was used to girls fawning over Liam and honestly thought my life wouldn't change.

Back then, besides my coursework, I was busy with various part-time jobs.

Even with a full scholarship, living expenses were a significant cost.

Plus, I had to plan for my future.

Apart from that, I continued to discuss topics and eat meals with Liam as usual.

But he started missing our meetups more and more often.

Until one day, at the art university’s centenary celebration, Anya was the headliner, performing a popular K-pop girl group dance on stage.

As the fast-paced music pulsed and the lights constantly shifted, that girl, freely unleashing all her youthful energy on stage, seemed to become the center of the world.

The cheers from the audience were deafening.

I glanced at Liam, and in his eyes, I saw a light I had never seen before.

His gaze never left Anya.