Chapter 7

Chapter 7

That summer, after I finished the college entrance exam, my mom and stepdad got divorced.

Even though they'd fought a lot before the divorce, they were surprisingly amicable when it finally happened. They didn't feel awkward around each other either. Both agreed that maybe they were better off as friends than as husband and wife.

The night before we moved out of Noah's house, I said to him: "Even if we're apart, you'll still be my little brother. I'll definitely come see you often."

I was moving back to my hometown with my mom—we wouldn't be in the same city as Noah anymore. From now on, it would definitely be harder and less frequent to see each other.

Noah bowed his head and didn't say a word.

He didn't say a single word all night.

I thought he must be heartbroken.

I lifted my hand, wanting to comfort him. "Do you want a hug?"

Noah finally looked up. His dark eyes stared at me without blinking, but he didn't move.

"No? Then I gue—"

When I saw he wasn't going to move, I started to lower my hand. But then he suddenly leaned forward and pulled me into a hug.

He looked thin, but he was surprisingly strong. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, burying his face in my shoulder. His voice—now deeper after his voice change—was laced with a magnetic tone.

"Linda Zhong, don't you dare forget me."

He spoke each word slowly, as if giving an order.

I felt a little sad.

This kid wouldn't even call me "sister" anymore.