Chapter 2

Snickers kept ringing out in the restaurant.

Everyone saw me with my head down, not speaking, and assumed I'd been hit where it hurt, too ashamed to utter a sound.

A few classmates exchanged glances, a playful look flashing across their faces, and continued:

"I heard Scarlett and Summer both got into NYU's Fine Arts department, right? So you'll be classmates in college too."

"NYU is lucky; it's about to welcome a super beauty. Scarlett's definitely going to be the school queen for the next four years."

"Summer, don't you dare say you were high school classmates with Scarlett when college starts, you'll embarrass her."

Scarlett was sitting across from me, a smug smirk on her lips, but she said humbly:

"Oh, don't say that, guys. NYU's Fine Arts department is known for its beautiful students, and who knows, maybe Summer will be even prettier than me when she slims down."

As soon as she finished speaking, the table erupted in a chorus of snickers.

Maya Green, my deskmate and friend, couldn't take it anymore and nudged my arm under the table.

I finally pulled my attention away from my phone, looking blankly at everyone.

"Huh? What's up?"

Just then, the waiter pushed the door open.

I sniffed, my eyes lighting up.

"Steak! My favorite!"

As soon as the dish was on the table, I couldn't wait to grab a large piece and happily started munching.

The dining table fell silent for a moment, then everyone burst into laughter.

"Scarlett, you overestimated her. Summer? She'll never lose weight in her life!"

"And that whole 'every chubby person is a diamond in the rough' thing? It's just a load of crap. An ugly duckling is just an ugly duckling, no matter how much weight they lose."

"Summer, maybe eat a little less. You might never find a boyfriend, you know."

Maya fumed, clenching her fists, about to retort on my behalf.

I grabbed her hand and put a piece of rib in her bowl.

"Maya, try this. It's super delicious!"

Seeing my calm face, completely unfazed by their words, a flicker of resentment flashed in Scarlett's eyes.

Her gaze landed on a certain face, and she smiled as if by accident.

"Summer won't be looking for a boyfriend, otherwise, Dylan will get mad."

I looked at her strangely.

What does my dating life have to do with Dylan Hayes?

But as soon as she said that, a few classmates instantly caught on and started cheering loudly:

"Oh yeah, didn't Dylan often discuss problems with Summer?"

"Summer's not good at math, and Dylan even tutored her."

"I heard they're neighbors! Aren't they practically childhood sweethearts!"

"Hehe, is our class about to have a new couple?"

Mocking glances fell on Dylan, who was seated diagonally from me.

He lowered his head, his fair face turning a little red.

Everyone kept cheering, asking if he was shy.

I frowned slightly.

After moving to this city in middle school, Dylan became our neighbor.

Dylan's parents were busy with work and no one cooked at home.

So my parents would often invite him over for dinner.

He was very grateful to us, and when he learned I wasn't good at math, he offered to tutor me.

But all that was just out of neighborly and classmate kindness.

How did it sound so trashy coming out of their mouths?

I was about to protest when Dylan suddenly slammed his fork down, his face flushing with furious embarrassment.

"I just felt sorry for her! Who would ever like that pig, Summer!"

As his words hung in the air, the entire private room fell into a dead silence.

The words I was about to say to explain for him caught in my throat, and I silently swallowed them back down.