The Night I Let Our Stars Fall

Faye was very anxious; after all, we had applied for the job together, and the company only wanted me because of my academic record. I made it a strict condition that they had to hire Faye, my girlfriend, as well, so now that I had backed out, Faye couldn't possibly remain either.

I nodded and replied calmly, "That's right. Mom and Dad have set up jobs for us in Borrengate, so we'll get engaged once things settle down."

"Caleb Jacobson!" Faye snapped. She then suppressed her outburst to avoid catching anyone's attention, though her expression was absolutely livid. "Who allowed you to make arrangements for my future, Caleb?"

She stormed off in a rage, and once the group was stretched out thin, she led the way at the very front, dragging Xavier along with her.

I lagged behind at the tail end, making idle small talk with our classmates.

It wasn't until dinner at the buffet that evening that Xavier spoke up at the table. "Haven't you guys ever heard of the Perseids meteor shower? Faye mentioned there's an observation point close by, and it peaks at around a hundred meteors an hour."

Those present immediately became interested and began discussing plans to catch the meteor shower. Richard, however, clicked his tongue and said, "You guys should seriously read the room! You can see the meteor shower from the hotel room just fine! Do you guys really want to crash their date and act like third wheels?"

In that instant, everyone caught on to the implication. "I guess you're right, Richard. That observation point offers the clearest view, so it should absolutely be reserved for the two who need it most."

Faye, on the other hand, served Xavier some food. She remained silent throughout, but the blush on her cheeks spoke volumes.

I didn't really like the food at the buffet, as the flavors were far too overwhelming for me. I chewed on some seafood, but the heavy seasoning irritated my throat, and I couldn't force it down. I lowered my head, spat it out, and rose from the table to look for a lighter option.

Richard followed me and whispered, "I saw your post a few days ago about going to the observation point for the meteor shower, Caleb. I think it'd be best for you to skip it, just so you don't get in the way of Faye and Xavier."

I merely nodded, saying, "Got it, Richard."

Richard exclaimed, "You're truly worthy of being the top student in our class! I'll tell you a little secret as well—I was actually the one who set it up so they'd pull the same numbers."

I nodded again. "I overheard you when you mentioned it to Faye."

Richard was caught off guard for a moment, but then someone behind called for him, prompting him to turn around and rejoin the group.

I was just about to grab some oatmeal when Faye suddenly walked over to ladle some pumpkin soup for Xavier. She sounded quite nonchalant as she said, "I'm sorry about earlier today. I shouldn't have snapped at you.

"I know you're just doing this out of spite because Xavier and I are rooming together, but you can rest assured that I slept on the bed and he took the floor last night. I just spent the night chatting with him. It's just a part of the game, so nothing will really happen, Caleb."

I ladled the oatmeal into my bowl and simply hummed in response.

Faye stated without even looking up, "You should tell your parents that there's no reason for us to move to Borrengate since we have great career prospects right here in Sundermere, where we can settle down permanently once our careers stabilize."

I didn't reply to her this time.

I was just about to turn to leave after ladling my oatmeal when Faye suddenly hesitated and called out to me. "Xavier is really excited about the meteor shower tonight, Caleb. I had already promised him that I would watch it with him.

"I mean, since the Perseids meteor shower happens every year, we can just come back and watch it together next year, Caleb."

I stood with my back to her. I had my hand pressed against the bottom of the bowl, yet I felt no warmth whatsoever. I then said softly, "Alright."

Faye breathed a sigh of relief and walked past me, not forgetting to grab a plate of grapes for Xavier on her way.

I returned to my room to pack my things after having dinner. I took out the coordinated outfit I had planned to wear when I proposed to Faye under the meteor shower, then threw the engagement ring into the trash along with the meteor shower information brochure.

I then zipped up my suitcase, finding it significantly lighter.

I booked the flight at the last minute, with boarding scheduled for that night, and ten minutes before we were set to take off, the Perseids streaked across the sky.

Those around me marveled at the view and filmed it on their phones, while I checked my phone and found an unread message. "It's all taken care of. Your parents had turned in early, so I'll be waiting for you at the terminal."

It was then that the plane steadily gained altitude while the silver glow from the meteor trails cast light across half the cabin.

I leaned back into my seat and slowly closed my eyes, thinking that I wouldn't be there to watch the meteor shower with Faye next year.