The Lover I Have Cultivated Since Childhood

3.

"Hey, Lillian, why are you covering your eyes?!"

I was trying to adhere to the principle of seeing no evil, so I kept my eyes shut. But when Charles asked his question, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

I thought, "Seriously, could you not be so open about everything?"

I said, "It's nothing. I just accidentally left the key to my room's drawer here when I was at your place. Have you seen it?"

I kept my eyes covered, not daring to look at them or the thing Charles was holding.

Despite his puzzled expression, Charles answered, "Yeah, I saw it. You and your forgetfulness—when are you going to fix that? I've put it away in my room. Come with me and I'll get it for you."

I quickly protested, "No, no need to go to all that trouble. Just bring it out to me."

Charles frowned deeply. "Lillian, have you hit your head or something?"

"Huh? What? No... not at all..."

I lowered my hand, looking at him in confusion. He laughed softly and said, "Then why does it seem like your brain's on the fritz?"

Seriously... whatever. I decided not to argue and focused on getting that key and getting out of there.

I was worried that if I stayed any longer, I might start tearing up.

"Come on, just get the key for me. My mom needs something from that drawer."

Mentioning my mom seemed to make Charles a bit more serious.

"Oh, your mom needs it, huh? Alright, I'll go find it for you."

Once Charles went inside, the hallway was left with just Laird and me.

An awkward silence settled between us.

I wondered, "What do I say to the current boyfriend of the guy I have a crush on?"

Before I could figure out what to say, Laird broke the silence with a cold expression. "Hi, I'm Laird Borden. I'm in the same class as Charles."

"Hi, I'm Lillian Quentin. I'm... Charles' neighbor."

As I spoke, I awkwardly shifted my weight from one foot to the other.

"Yeah, I know who you are. Charles mentioned you two are childhood friends."

I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking, "Seriously? Why does that sound like he's making a point of it? Is he jealous or something?"

I looked at Laird's face. He was completely composed, his expression neutral, like he was just making casual conversation.

Yet, I still feel so uneasy!

Finally, Charles emerged from his room, sliding into his slippers, and replaced the cylindrical object with a key.

"Here you go. And try not to be so forgetful next time, alright?"

Charles handed me the key with a stern look.

I took it, mumbling, "Got it."

He nodded, and the key was now in my hand.

I looked up at him and grinned, saying, "Next time, I can be forgetful again."

Without waiting for his reaction, I dashed down the stairs.

Once I was on the first floor, Charles poked his head out and, with a flustered grin, called after me, "Lillian, you're something else! Just wait!"

I stuck my tongue out playfully and left Charles' place without a second thought.

Back home, as I stared at the key in my hand, tears suddenly welled up.

I thought, "Charles is taken... my crush is really over..."

Why am I crying?

Didn't I promise myself that letting go of the old would make way for the new?"

I took a deep breath and held back my tears.

Then, I dialed my best friend from college, saying, "Hey, Jennifer, meet me at Moonlight Bar tonight."

"Hey, Lillian, what's up? Why the sudden invitation to the bar?"

Jennifer Minogue's voice came through the phone, filled with confusion and concern.

"Ugh, it's too complicated to explain over the phone. Let's just talk in person."

"Alright, see you tonight then."

"Yeah, see you tonight."

I ended the call with a sigh.

"Forget it, stop thinking about it."

Right now, I needed to focus on what was in that drawer.

I glanced at the key, inserted it into the lock, took a deep breath, and yanked open the drawer.