Chapter 10

Chapter 10

In my 20-odd years of life, I’d only loved one man.

And he’d made me the biggest joke in the world.

To everyone else, I’d always been a cold person.

Relatives would talk loudly—thinking I couldn’t hear—telling my mom to “get rid of this burden.” “She’s not even a son—why waste money sending her to school?”

Back then, I’d just hide in my room, terrified that my mom would really abandon me.

All these years, Luna Wilson had been my only friend.

Ever since my dad started gambling in junior high, our house had been filled with arguments. That’s when I’d become quieter and quieter, speaking less and less.

My old friends had drifted away one by one, thinking I was “weird.”

Only Luna—even when I didn’t say a word—would chatter away, telling me about her life, her stories.

She’d always share her snacks with me, split her stationery with me.

Whatever she had, she’d give me half.

Only with her did I ever manage a real smile.

I’d often ask her, “Why are you so nice to me?”

And Luna would always smile and say, “Because you’re pretty.”

Her words always made me laugh—even though I knew she was just teasing.

Thanks to Luna, I’d gotten through junior high and high school relatively peacefully.

When college started, Luna and I went to different cities. I fell into loneliness again.

I realized I’d lost the ability to make friends. And I’d thought—having Luna as my only friend was enough for a lifetime.

My solitary lifestyle had made me feel like I was separated from the other students by an ocean.

The guys who’d chased me—after hitting a wall a few times—had all left, knowing when to quit.

But not before hurling insults:

“What’s with the attitude?”

“Do you really think you’re something special?”

“I was just bored, chasing you for fun. You’re nothing special.”

How ridiculous. These days, so many people get angry when their advances are rejected.

I’d thought college would just pass by uneventfully—until Ryan Smith appeared.

He was the only one who hadn’t been scared off by my coldness. He’d stayed by my side.

He’d tell me his innermost thoughts, share stories about his first love—then blush and say, “That’s all in the past.”

I never would’ve guessed that first love would ruin my life someday.

Because of Ryan, I’d slowly opened up. I’d started talking to people, sharing my feelings.

I knew Ryan had helped me a lot.

Thanks to him, I’d gradually built better relationships with the people around me. He’d taught me how to get along with others.

Even though I’d always teased him for being a “nice guy” and a “pushover,” I had to admit—his popularity was something I’d never have.

Back then, I’d sworn I’d do everything to treat this man well.