Chapter 6: Spring Rain, New Roads

And ran into Autumn.

I forgot—his dorm was nearby.

At first, he didn’t recognize me. Walked past before turning back and staring for a long time.

“Are you waiting for me?”

His voice was tentative, almost hopeful.

“Do you think so?” I didn’t look at him.

I kept my gaze on the street, refusing to give him the satisfaction.

He gave a self-deprecating laugh and stood next to me, silent for a long while.

The silence was heavy, filled with everything we’d never said.

“Do you have to stand next to me?”

It was between classes, and people were streaming in and out of the gate.

He looked at me. “You learned to do makeup for him?”

His tone was sharp, but I let it slide.

“I do my makeup for myself. I can show it to whoever I want—what’s it to you?”

“You never used to talk like this.”

His voice was soft, almost hurt.

When I didn’t respond, he lowered his voice. “If we were together, would you wait for me like this too?”

“No. We’ll never be together.” I looked up at him. “You don’t deserve it, Autumn.”

The words landed heavy. He flinched, but didn’t look away.

Pain flashed in his eyes. “There’s nothing between me and Savannah.”

“You’re the one who said she was better than me in every way.”

“That was just… just to make you—”

“You just wanted to laugh at me—to see me hurt and sad, to revel in your own vanity. That’s why I said you don’t deserve it. You don’t deserve to be loved, because you never value anyone’s feelings. If you don’t like someone, reject them. Don’t play games, and don’t use their feelings as a trophy. My poor taste doesn’t make you great—remember that.”

The words hung in the air, final and true.

“I…”

He couldn’t get a word out.

The drizzle fell on my umbrella, a curtain of rain forming an invisible barrier between us.

Over his shoulder, I saw a figure waiting for me in the spring rain.

He’d arrived early, just to stand there, waiting for me to notice him.

“Thanks for the advice, Autumn. I should’ve tried being with someone else sooner.” I smiled. “Now I know how great I am—and how little you deserve.”

With that, I turned and walked away. Toward that figure. Spring rain washed the world clean. And for the first time—I walked forward without looking back.