Chapter 3

That night, the three of us went to a nice French bistro nearby.

To break the tension from the afternoon, Nathan ordered the filet mignon, knowing it was my favorite.

In the past, he would always cut the best piece of steak for me first.

But this time, he placed the prime cut onto Chloe's plate.

"Chloe, you're too thin. Eat more," he murmured.

His eyes were filled with undeniable worry.

Chloe froze.

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with guilt and panic.

Nathan realized what he had done.

His face turned pale, and he quickly cut another piece of steak for me.

"Sera, you eat too."

He quickly added, trying to cover up, "Chloe has had a poor appetite lately. I'm just looking out for her."

I looked at the steak on my plate.

I nodded slowly.

"Okay."

I chewed the meat slowly. It tasted like ash.

Suddenly, Chloe covered her mouth.

Her face went pale, and she dashed toward the restroom.

Nathan bolted upright instantly.

He stared anxiously at the restroom door. He wanted to run after her, but he forced himself to stay.

He looked back at me, his hands clenched into tight fists.

He was fighting his own instincts.

I swallowed the bitter food.

I looked up and gave him a faint smile.

"Nathan, go check on Chloe. She seems really sick."

Hearing my permission, Nathan looked incredibly relieved.

"Sera, wait for me here. I'll be right back."

Without hesitation, he ran toward the restroom.

I sat in the noisy restaurant.

Watching him knock frantically on the restroom door.

I looked down at my phone calendar.

Two days left.

The next day, Chloe was incredibly sweet to me.

She bought my favorite strawberry cupcakes.

She held my hand, her eyes red.

"Sera, no matter what happens, we'll be best friends forever, right?"

Her eyes were filled with desperate pleading.

I looked at her.

I remembered her bright smile from our freshman year when she carried my suitcase.

I nodded slowly.

"Yeah."

Chloe hugged me tight and sobbed.

I didn't hug her back.

My hands hung loosely at my sides, slowly clenching into fists.