Chapter 20
Chapter 20
On the way back to the dormitory for the last time, Alex stayed with me.
“Zoe, I need to tell you something,”
We walked side by side down the avenue, the ground covered with golden ginkgo leaves.
In the past, this had been the road to the library, where we’d often had small, joyful quarrels.
But today, for some reason, the atmosphere felt heavy and sad.
pahead.”
“I might… have to leave.”
My heart tightened.
Though I knew that parting was inevitable sooner or later.
I turned to him and forced a bright smile.
“Let’s go, then. I have to leave too.”
I suppressed the aching in my chest, my words at odds with my feelings.
Maybe he hadn’t expected this reaction.
He turned me toward him and wrapped me tightly in his arms.
The embrace felt like he was trying to melt me into him.
“Zoe, don’t you feel even a little reluctant to let go?”
My hand froze in mid–air, not knowing where to place itself.
The memories of the past year flashed by like a sped–up film reel in my mind.
From the first time we were together, to him guiding me through everything, and gradually becoming a part of my l
I realized, I couldn’t seem to live without him.
My hand, which had been suspended, finally wrapped around him.
How could I bear to let go?
I clung to him, sobbing.
“Zoe, when I come back, I’ll go to England as an exchange student, just for two years… and then I’ll come back…”
“Okay, I’ll wait for you,”
He wiped away my tears, his voice gentle, “There’s one more thing.”
“What?”
My yoice was rough with emotion.
“Zoe, will you… be my girlfriend?”
“Huh?”
Chapter 20
Hannah’s car had somehow pulled up at the curb. “Just say yes!”
“Hey?!”
It suddenly dawned on me–they were in cahoots!
I punched Alex playfully in the chest. “You’re awful!”
He leaned down and kissed me, a teasing smile on his lips.
“Come on, sis, what’s the verdict? Heh heh.”
I tugged my cap lower and nodded reluctantly.
right, alright, I agree…”
