Chapter 6: New Rules

Rachel touched my forehead. "Are you okay? Did you zone out waiting for me?" She pressed her palm to my skin, searching my eyes for something.

I shook my head, and under her hopeful gaze, said slowly, "Go hang out with Jason. From now on, after study hall, I won’t wait for you to walk home together."

Rachel frowned, clearly surprised. Her lips pursed in that familiar way, like she was about to argue a grade with a teacher.

"Eric, why are you being so petty? It’s not like you’re my only friend. Jason’s actually really nice—if you got to know him, you’d like him too."

She thought I was sulking. But there was a tinge of pleading in her voice, as if she wanted me to say it was just a joke.

"I know you see him as just some troublemaker, but that’s only because of his rough background. That’s why he went astray. I’m going to save him."

In my previous life, she had this savior complex. She’d talk about him like he was a stray puppy she could fix.

But later, she also told me, "Stop meddling in my business. Jason’s right—if we don’t enjoy ourselves now, when will we? Wait until we’re old? Youth is meant to be wasted. Life is short, live for today."

When she stared into the abyss, the abyss stared back. It swallowed her whole, piece by piece.

She didn’t save anyone—instead, Jason changed her. She lost herself somewhere along the way.

This time, I chose to wish her well. "Then good luck. I hope you succeed." I tried to say it like I meant it, but my voice was tight.

At that moment, Jason came out of a nearby alley, walking toward us in a faded letterman jacket, hands deep in his pockets.

His dark eyes locked onto me, like I’d stolen something from him. The air was heavy, like the sky before a summer thunderstorm.

He said to Rachel, "I’ll walk you home." His voice was low, almost a growl.

But Rachel ignored him, staring at me suspiciously. "Eric, what’s up with you today? You’re acting weird."

I didn’t answer, just picked up my pace toward home. The crunch of leaves under my sneakers sounded impossibly loud.

Behind me, Rachel stomped her foot. "Why are you giving me the silent treatment? Fine, don’t wait for me—see if I care! You’ll be begging me to hang out with you later. Nerd."

I genuinely wished her happiness. For the first time, I meant it without bitterness.

Let her chase what she wants—I respect her choices. I kept walking, not looking back.