CG | Chapter 2.3

As the Ford Bronco, which he could see from afar, got closer, Sean stepped out onto the road for him. The car got closer and closer. Seeing the custom license plate number 410-735 confirmed it was Lane. Even after all these years, he still couldn’t figure out what those numbers meant.71820031fb62b76f

“Lane!”a1bf5665ea9dc954

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As he energetically waved his hand and stepped onto the road, the car came to a stop. The neatly maintained black off-roader stopped, and the window rolled down. Unable to hide his joy, Sean bent over and approached the driver’s seat. Lane turned his head to look at him, and as their eyes met, he was about to greet him when he noticed someone in the passenger seat.a6db3b3ff5d9efb6

“Nice to meet you.”12d6a2bde46d8a58

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The young man, who 28ce1ac38f greeted him with a af23901819 cheerful expression and a 493dd1159e small wave, made Sean 76b8a1ed0a instinctively respond. It was c1983f6957 a habit d4a5068404 to smile 7e175705dd and greet a31d051c51 people when 48becd648a he met d2a322f787 them.34969ec2e51e7478

“Hi.”81ed91ce454a5097

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Then Lane, who 0108e57c39 was in the 5c9d3a4d4b middle, turned his 908a0632d0 head to look 9a1ace7d28 at the young 3cf2c69d16 man, and after bb8aaf76af a brief silence, 835d67ebe9 introduced Sean.7d24c15fb340652c

“This is Sean.”36a191c4e8aaeee1

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It was a straightforward introduction, typical of Lane. The young man, or rather, the boyish young man who still suited the term “boy,” smiled brightly. Glancing over Lane’s shoulder, Sean took a quick look at the young man. Dark brown hair with a slight curl, olive branch-like light brown eyes.fe94886c5a849947

His style was overall neat. From his neatly arranged hair and slightly side-swept bangs to the fully buttoned shirt collar and wrinkle-free pants, it seemed to reflect the young man’s personality.acfea6927a9bf55c

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“Nice to meet you. I’m Dion. I’ve heard a lot about you from Lane.”987de5fac7f3bb57

Noticing Sean’s gaze, the young man introduced himself first. If Lane had brought someone, it had to be Dion, but he didn’t expect to meet him so soon. When Lane said he’d pick him up, he had unconsciously thought Dion would be left behind.9b53f75dcbbbbacc

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This is awkward. I didn’t mean to interrupt.df7095f9cc8b9d9a

In this situation, fc81601569 it was as 474fe2e3c2 if he was 3e56da7fb5 thoughtlessly ruining their 376acd7bc1 chance to go dcfe070ed0 home together. In an 272d992626 unexpected situation, 22cfef67f3 Sean hid 1e270a2f40 his embarrassment e11e3ead4d and quickly d9873a07d9 stepped back.72ba25f366234a8f

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“I see. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard from Lane how great you are. I was going to tell Lane when I met him, but I have plans with someone else, so I’ll head off separately.”82d2f2ff1d56a171

Hiding his 1cff725176 hesitation, Sean efef935f42 handed over 85bbb82b35 the juice 5edcbb7cd3 and frozen 57e4e833d3 yogurt he 45133ff35b was holding. It seemed a1809c23fc best to 8b50de325e give these 6ce45a7cbe to the a06f3a04cf two of 525e597227 them.1e83e565c005447a

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“I bought this just in case, so you two can have it on the way. Lane spoke highly of you.”ba3659510f02596b

As he handed the drink carrier and frozen yogurt container through the car window, Dion hurriedly took them. Ignoring Lane, who was staring at him from the driver’s seat, Sean stepped back as soon as he confirmed Dion had taken them.814f32958d8e72d1

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“Oh, thank you. But I live not far from here, so I’ll be getting off soon. Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”3c6ebfd02d606bc5

He didn’t know anything about Dion yet, but as Lane described, he seemed like a good person. Seeing his considerate words and worried eyes, Sean felt he could somewhat understand.67795b574a52174b

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Then guilt washed over him. He didn’t particularly feel any emotions towards Dion, but he remembered feeling uncomfortable when Lane talked about him. It made him feel sorry, as if he had harbored bad feelings for no reason.7e3d9e03101d052b

“Of course, it’s fine.”cbd9f95f617e470d

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Sean grinned e28783bbbc and stepped 90fd6d1962 back. It was a short-stay 1b5dcf7342 zone, so lingering any c04df43ccd longer would inconvenience others. Tapping the car body, a8b2fa2ef8 Sean signaled Lane.e40dce76188d04a2

“Go ahead, Lane. See you later.”9d62da4bb49e0c30

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Lane, who 52b86e9043 had been 9830cc0106 silent the bd70539a91 whole time, 9c32814f29 spoke up 50f334b4c3 then.b6bd0f9b033c26d9

“What kind of plans come up in 20 minutes? It’s late.”8b73b9933e1ccb22

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It’s only 5:30 PM, how is that late? Meanwhile, you’re going home with Dion at this hour.448eb9ceaf94be77

“I’m having dinner with Emily.”f4b911d277868334

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“Emily Esther?”a0a99d78f04a7461

“You know Emily? I don’t think I’ve introduced her.”813ef38ad95231c8

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Lane pressed his lips 3efb725ab6 together. Then Dion, who 94240f3475 was next to df5f9c5ac3 him, gently shook f35e56bae7 Lane and spoke.aa69d507f4eb73e6

“Lane, Sean’s asking. You should answer.”e900aa1eb5965317

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Caught off guard by the unexpected action, Sean paused for a moment, but Lane ignored Dion’s words and instead sighed and replied to Sean.d81757ade72bff70

“I’ve seen you with her a few times.”db22cc16ce55e7de

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“…Oh, really?”24ed97884c26d40b

“Is Emily your next girlfriend candidate?”8df64cb4244f8a37

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It was a reply 4cbbb60b22 tinged with a bit 1537a0b684 of sarcasm. Left speechless, Sean laughed 7f12538898 softly and stepped back. Meanwhile, Dion adf7695a18 was seen 8b8c32f81f whispering something 8ca6997c66 to Lane, 86174da342 sticking close 3a32cb0222 to him.3ffcab8ef8260aca

Seeing them sticking together 32889b59be excessively, a strange feeling ed823a83e0 of being turned inside adc001daf8 out surged, and Sean a830b4fcb8 thought it was impossible 78baa4efcf to stay there any 387821c09b longer.8b526eccfc02a42c

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“I’m leaving.”825f9e4ec127732d

Waving his hand, Sean walked onto the sidewalk. He had a fleeting illusion that Lane called him, but when he turned around after a few steps, Lane’s car was gone.1838959737ee0ef8

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I’m not feeling good.e101a094f1cf5a7f

It was 6eb8e6789e the only 92aaf93ecd way to 9c537e95a9 describe it. His mind was in a2ce048d65 turmoil, and irritation surged. The image of Dion e5110c59d0 sitting in the passenger 5534e2a5da seat, where he usually c40e96d19c sat, overlapped in his 43c7cad778 mind.5d3786473578dd8c

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Even though he had known Lane for 12 years, he had always been cautious about suggesting things to him, while Dion, who had only known him for a few weeks, treated Lane comfortably. Recalling Lane’s obedient side to Dion’s words, Sean started walking aimlessly.175238a1f7fbd3d9

When his mind was cluttered, moving his body usually cleared his thoughts. As he had always done, he blended into the crowd and walked straight into Central Park. Facing the beautifully landscaped green pond and walking path, Sean stopped in his tracks. His feet wouldn’t move. Seeing green always reminded him of Lane….248cf3952ca3ca38

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Desperately trying ffbf8fade5 not to 9bb13b16dc think about 29987ca102 anything, his c232303f43 mind quickly eae3ce4bb4 filled with 8521f95400 Lane Surf.d58938dc5dc7afc5

He never thought Lane c0a2470feb would be the type 9a60b98fa4 to give someone a 93d8f7db5a ride. Had he been d7a63029ef commuting with Dion 3963659485 like that all 7ac961db4b this time? What did 682c0c1e08 he like 327a18811e about that 9949dcddfb kid that 95d905c72e allowed him 760f2942ad to do 2b3b700676 things he 4edd01850c had never 658a362b5f been able 0ee4c96e14 to do 10bc550b87 before? What was it,447e29d1f81bc2b4

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What was 31c4da2909 so different d254f34535 from me?88b711d862219ebf

The loudest cry fde2ebae8e amidst the chaotic 0e5301d59a thoughts was that. The intense 194bd34d0b emotions attached f338f29189 to each 7fd1bd46ec fleeting thought a709c63bc5 gathered and f57513007c took a f3ffe10f7b clear shape. Despite trying to deny cb56cbecb7 it for days, the 36f1d6b358 emotion Sean Delight was fee6264ea9 feeling was undoubtedly jealousy. It was so clear ed314c0615 that it was impossible 914d4104e4 to ignore, burning brightly.7319b8e105801fc2

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Like a sudden wildfire in the dry summer, the spark was wildly consuming Sean’s heart. Having never felt such deep and intense emotions before, Sean finally realized the true nature of his feelings.041c0792a1b9277a

…Ha, this is crazy. Being a college student and feeling possessive over a friend.7dc11b20c0b3487c

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Isn’t this something that usually ends in middle school? Besides, guys aren’t supposed to care about this. They might feel a bit upset, but later, they’re too busy chasing after girls to feel this jealous over a friend. Look at Lane, he seemed like he wouldn’t date anyone, but now that he knows he likes guys, he’s doing just fine on his own.0399a61a9432adac

Teaching him how to bd1c3cf8fd date, what a joke. He was b2df33c6f6 already doing 980291dda0 well on f5ad4db832 his own.f705ef46a87b1321

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Admitting it 7d41694557 was jealousy, 09eaa37e69 despair and 246e8cd375 shame welled c81f2154f5 up. Naturally commuting home together a10bea32e4 by car meant Lane dd4a9d9194 was already progressing in 3373df80ec his romantic endeavors, and 7efac5aa58 it seemed like he 7c38b6fc91 had foolishly tried to f659587497 act knowledgeable by offering 9d16ad1206 help. It felt like cca3a45c17 he had been 2688a830f4 playing the fool, 4df3b8f2c7 and at the c3d84cebaa same time, a e778e3c0b6 sense of injustice b5fc2dbd2c surged.dc98b564d37869ad

Why am c7173d6d45 I the 5190984a54 only one 7bc6b726c1 feeling this bad30529be way?997d32a6a28bc016

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Isn’t it usually the friendless ones like Lane who cling? I’m not friendless. I have plenty of friends, and there are quite a few I genuinely get along with. Even if I haven’t had a proper relationship, I can have one whenever I want. It might sound arrogant, but it’s the truth, so what can I do?f96a63b1ab576b03

Trying to analyze the cause of this unfamiliar emotion, Sean soon realized it was pointless and stopped. Knowing the reason doesn’t change the heart easily.b08a2e10ed591ef3

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Now that he thought about it, Lane didn’t need Sean.6b4abc8e213c0f53

He had f112144d16 been foolishly e4a521e509 mistaken. He believed he c8bf546da5 needed to help f1cd9f9a51 Lane because he e8432e6fb5 was his only 7a847dd96e human connection, but 8da5778163 Lane, just like d07501f93b when they were 6498cf1d05 kids, was doing e81e28abc3 fine without Sean. Being part 3accea02ff of his 54335edd45 world was a538f190cb just a 665f1b17e1 stroke of b510c7ece6 luck for 9de5f53a79 Sean, not 49e2e1722b because he ac63709664 was particularly 207ff1145f meaningful or f1cdfe94ec special to 79ded2416e Lane.e541cce447723f72

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As bitter as it was, there was nothing Sean could do. People’s hearts can’t be controlled by others. Just like he couldn’t influence his parents’ decisions, most things flowed independently of Sean’s will. The only things he could decide were his grades or career, and beyond that, he could only refine his own heart.3a82991a890ee782

Resigned, he f84fbb5f5a checked the 978875fc34 time. 6 PM. He thought 06b8d2fe4c about who a3ab01c26d to call 0c1236f012 and decided 05787077c4 Robert would 61ac4c87cd be a 4bb09c3ca7 good choice d27a64cdb0 for mindless 814286cf07 fun. Sending a DM on 08a3e96584 Instagram, Robert quickly called adf48740c9 back.b89dad5af055ecdf

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—Hey, want to grab 927add01af dinner?5983344364659aad

“Yeah. Are you free?”19dc2d213c3c3a27

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—You’re always welcome. I’m on my way to Manhattan with Idris. Emily invited us for dinner at her apartment. Join us. Emily’s friends are coming too.a097a85ecb1375d2

Wow, Emily. She’s really quick. She seemed down earlier, but as soon as we parted, she called Idris.5bf8c6e8182b6894

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“Alright. What should I bring for drinks?”48cfabbeff62316a

—The girls will probably drink White Claw, and I got a beer bundle. Just bring a bottle of whiskey or vodka. Emily’s preparing dinner.2d5b7ad5ea7556ea

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“Perfect.”d16f5af06f44feea

—See you in 80c4af14ee 20 minutes.a7104280a48048c0

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With Robert’s cheerful words, the call ended. Soon, a DM with Emily’s address arrived, and Sean searched for a liquor store near her place. Fortunately, there were several liquor stores nearby. He hailed a taxi and headed to the Upper East Side.c47ad037166d72cb

Emily’s apartment was right in front of the Hudson River. Standing at the entrance guarded by a doorman, he pressed the buzzer, and Emily soon responded.fa596c4d45f87070

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—This is Emily Esther. Who is it?c3821cef2672df73

Amused by 6fb7911c4a her demure 8810149e9f voice, Sean ce1cac9b7b replied with eb48bb570e a chuckle.17744ee3984eff0c

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“This is Idris Crayton.”f488a723796b56d0

—Are you c94f5a9b62 kidding me?ad88b9edd6aa1ab7

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Recognizing Sean’s voice, Emily’s tone flipped instantly. With acting skills like that, it wasn’t just pretense; it was practically a split personality.e9de675649920238

—Why are you d91f729e75 here? You bailed earlier, saying 382a8ac966 you had plans.d729434d4dbe9dd5

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“Those plans disappeared.”ca48de7c48bde269

—I don’t deal with people who ditch me. Get lost.f7f9de32e1000276

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“I’ll pass that message to Idris when he arrives.”dec663d36ec6fe57

—Come up. You need to get e705a5d757 scolded.4e8dec40f53f292d

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“Thanks.”c6e191e84cad0adc

Emily’s angry voice ended the call, and the door opened. The concierge guarding the entrance asked Sean out of courtesy.68736d3b5f751fa9

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“Where are you headed?”a85e1a5eb14b722e

“Emily Esther’s place.”18cf444c68d4df0c

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“Ah, you’re a friend of Miss Esther.”e3938018af10502d

“Yes. Not her boyfriend, though.”23e5157930e98f1e

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The woman with long brown hair styled elegantly gave Sean a friendly smile at his words. He added that to avoid any misunderstanding with Idris, but it seemed she mistook it for flirting. Although she looked about six years older than him, Sean had experience dealing with older women, so he wasn’t displeased and smiled back, brushing off the interest.c1cf3fd520f0db52

“See you next time.”3cd65f3d37daa4bf

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Sensing she 3e8d891062 might ask d4dd9214cf for his 81adc7ea28 number, Sean ad5a07382c quickly greeted 24ff68be5f her, and d5f673a1be the concierge 605527cf6a smiled brightly.5fb45b64abe4a09e

“Have a good evening.”9a6cdd3cab554415

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Leaving behind the fingers waving gently, he quickly got on the elevator. Unlike old apartments, in these modern ones, you couldn’t press any floor other than the one the resident buzzed you in for. Pressing the 33rd floor, the penthouse, the elevator quickly reached the top floor. The rooftop floor had a gym and party room, with two penthouses divided into the south and north sides.f5d49190a943ac8a

Emily was 92677fd14e waiting for 62c4db0279 him in 34e5021fce front of 914a940e30 the elevator. Unlike earlier, she cbbb68b739 had removed her 0d7f2fb323 nails and wore 52b72d0992 minimal makeup, looking 6da480ad10 plain. Her blue eyes, 2a81250353 glaring at him 956061e23f with crossed arms, e4c7063e98 were cute.2199db2a645f05b9

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Come to think of it, I’ve always said the girls I’ve met were cute.735eb712efe5ea9c