Chapter 118
I was shocked. The chubby, always–smiling boy who was shorter than me had had a crush on me for many years?
Matthew smirked, delighted to see the disbelief on my face. He ruffled my hair gently. “I was very mad when I found out. There were times when I wanted to confront Felix. But it was so many years ago. Why bring it back now, I thought.
“I was away these few years, and even when I returned, I hardly talked to the people in the group. I only learned yesterday and you and Felix weren’t together. Before I came here, I told myself to keep a level head.
“But whatever I told myself was swiftly discarded when I saw Felix. I couldn’t hold myself back. If you weren’t there, I would’ve punched him.”
“I don’t like violence.” I didn’t know what to say. These few words were the only ones I could come up with. It was difficult to talk about someone I had a crush on for years with
someone who had a crush on me for years.
“Look, Lulu. I wouldn’t have been so mad if he had treated you right and made you happy. But he hurt you for a woman like Lilac. It doesn’t sit right with me. It’s a shame that I didn’t
punch him.”
Oh, that was why.
I lifted my head to look at the tall man before me. He was gazing at me. The anger in his eyes faded away, replaced by calmness. “Sorry, Matthew. I didn’t know you had a crush on me. I didn’t mean to ignore you.”
“It’s okay. I stayed to clear things up with you, not to upset you. I’m leaving tomorrow, and we might hardly see each other again. You’re the only one I care about in Southpool tubs, I wish you happiness Felix isn’t worth your time. You’ll find someone who will do you right.”
“You too, Matthew. There are plenty of fish in the ocean. One day, you’ll meet a woman who loves you back. Be well.” I croaked in the end as tears gushed out of my eyes.
Matthew and I went to the same high school. I had always regarded him as a good friend. Little did I know, he had a crush on me for years I might not be able to reciprocate his feelings even if I were to read his letters now, but I could cherish them. His thoughts and sentiments had not gone to waste.
The chubby boy in my memory had turned into a tall, handsome man. Time had altered his
looks but not his soul. Regardless if we would ever reunite in the future, in my mind, Matthew would always be my good friend–the chubby boy with tousled hair.
+15 BONUS
“You cried for me. That is the best thing that could happen to me. Alright now. Stop crying. I’d wipe the tears on your cheek, but Colin is glaring at me, so I can’t do anything. Take care, Luna.”
“Farewell, Matt.” I waved Matthew goodbye with teary eyes.