When the Long-lasting Secret Love Finally Exposed

I looked at Eva.

Eva was the department's beauty, gorgeous and elegant. She was the type James had casually mentioned he liked before.

Then I looked at myself in the mirror.

I was very fair-skinned, looking quite innocent. But nowhere near gorgeous and elegant.

"If he says he likes you, he must be serious."

James's principle was to never settle for less.

So for years, no matter how much his friends teased, he never considered trying things with me.

He remained single until Eva appeared out of nowhere, and he became passionate and focused.

James was indeed serious.

He was so busy, but now he seemed to have all the time.

Eva's laughter echoed in the dorm all day.

Eva sweetly complained to me, "You liar, you told me he was very busy. But he picks up my calls instantly. We talked until his phone died."

I had nothing to say.

Because I had just found out too.

His busyness was only towards me.

Eva was lively and generous.

She was open about her relationships, sharing her affection with others.

I was the matchmaker for her and James.

I became her main confidant.

Every time Eva came back from a date with James, she'd tell me about his tenderness.

She'd say James would carry her while hiking.

She'd say James would bend down to tie her shoes.

She'd say when she posted about wanting coffee from Eastside, James would drive from Westside to buy it for her.

I was dazed because this wasn't the James I remembered.

The James I remembered was aloof, proud, and noble. He was someone who seemed to never serve anyone.

Eva said, "I also told him I flaunt our love in front of you daily."

Eva suddenly leaned towards me. "James is so great. Why didn't you keep him for yourself and introduce him to me instead?"

Her gaze was scrutinizing.

For a moment, I panicked.

Last time, after James treated Eva and me to spaghetti, he left me alone.

"Don't let Eva realize you like me."

I was stunned. "Why?"

"I don't want you to be an obstacle in my pursuit of Eva."

I looked up at him. "Can you pursue someone else?"

My voice was humble and pleading.

I liked him. I had liked him for ten years.

I didn't know when it started. But I got used to following James, watching his back, following his steps.

He got into this city, so I followed and got into this city.

He studied computer science, so I studied computer science.

I knew he didn't like me and would eventually meet someone, date, get married, and have kids.

But could it be a bit later, or farther away?

It's not right in front of me.

James's tone was a bit impatient. "No."

I didn't speak. I just looked at him.

James seemed to sigh. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and rubbed my head. His voice was low and pleasant. "I've never liked anyone this much. Please cooperate and don't be an obstacle between Eva and me."

The words 'please' sounded like a request, but I couldn't hear any pleading tone. It seemed he already knew I wouldn't refuse.

He always had the upper hand with me.

And he indeed always had the upper hand.