I was—perhaps—the only one who felt that way, though. I looked down and ate a piece of the orange before the male classmate beside me suddenly gestured wildly at the screen. "Why is the girl holding an umbrella over you, Caleb? Did she use to have a crush on you?"

In that instant, the discussion shifted over to me.

I simply shook my head and replied, "It was just a coincidence—she was passing by."

That classmate persisted, though, saying, "It's a shame that she isn't here today; after all, she's clearly interested in you. You should give her a chance, Caleb. I think you guys would be perfect together."

Faye was smoothly pouring a glass of water for Xavier on the other side, seemingly oblivious to our conversation.

I smiled faintly and said, "It won't be necessary since I already have a girlfriend."

I noticed Faye suddenly going rigid, her fingernails digging into her palms. I knew her well enough to know she feared I would speak recklessly.

That classmate caught hold of my arm and asked loudly, "Who is it? Is it someone from our class, Caleb?"

I could feel dozens of people staring at me, but I maintained my smile exactly as it was and nodded, replying, "Yes."

In that instant, everyone in the room erupted with excitement, demanding to know who she was.

Faye's expression gradually soured as she lowered her head to look at her phone, tapping frantically at the screen.

I noticed my phone vibrating twice, but I paid it no attention. I simply said, "She had something to take care of and couldn't come."

There were seven or eight female classmates who hadn't shown up that day.

Richard looked disappointed. He was just about to follow up with another question when Xavier suddenly cut him off with a shout as his glass tipped over, spilling water all over his pants.

Faye immediately reached for tissues to wipe it, but Xavier stopped her while bending forward with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry. I didn't hold onto it properly."

"It's fine. I'll go back with you so that you can change into something else before you catch a cold."

Faye left with Xavier, and since the documentary was no longer interesting, everyone dispersed from the AV room.

I returned to my room and noticed that the suitcase was open—Faye had taken her clothes and cosmetics bag.

I spent the whole night staring at my phone, and the unread notifications on my screen remained the two messages she sent—"Don't say anything," and "Don't ruin the moment."

I, as her rightful boyfriend, couldn't ruin the flirtatious vibe between her and Xavier.

It was just like the charity bazaar during sophomore year; even though I brought in the most money, I had to let Xavier have the award so I wouldn't overshadow the class heartthrob.

It was also just like the junior-year tennis tournament—just because Xavier said he wanted to try playing in a match, I had to drop out so that I wouldn't dampen his spirits.

In the past three years, Faye had been very good to me. She had brought me water during games and knitted me scarves when it got cold. She had done everything a girlfriend should do, aside from not agreeing to make our relationship public.

I, however, was always sidelined whenever Xavier was involved.

It was already dawn, yet there was still nothing from my phone. I stared out the window at the rising sun, feeling increasingly calm inside.

That day's itinerary was sightseeing. Faye and Xavier wore their red wristbands and stayed side-by-side the entire time.

Xavier was carrying the camera I had bought for Faye. He took photos of her at every trendy photo spot and snapped selfies of the two of them in front of the attractions.

Those around asked about my future plans while we were resting by the bridge. "Do you plan to stay in Sundermere or go back to Borrengate, Caleb?"

I replied calmly, "I'll be returning to Borrengate."

Faye wiped the sweat off Xavier, occasionally glancing in my direction.

Richard nudged Faye, asking, "You'll definitely be staying in Sundermere since Xavier is a Sundermere native, right?"

Faye replied without any hesitation, "Of course."

Xavier lowered his eyes with a smirk and quietly shifted over, pressing himself close against Faye.

It was then that one of the classmates furrowed their brow in confusion and asked, "Haven't you already found a job in Sundermere, Caleb? Why are you suddenly returning to Borrengate?"

I smiled faintly and replied, "I turned down the job offer since I wanted to be closer to my parents."

"Is that really the reason? Is it really for your parents—or actually for your girlfriend?"

They crowded around eagerly for gossip as my smile widened. "It's a bit of both since my parents are getting older, so I want to stay nearby to look after them, and my girlfriend has also decided to settle down in Borrengate, too."

They kept teasing me and demanded to know my girlfriend's name, but I simply shook my head and held my tongue.

Faye caught me outside the restroom at the next sightseeing spot. "Did you actually quit your job, Caleb?"

Faye was very anxious; after all, we had applied for the job together, and the company only wanted me because of my academic record. I made it a strict condition that they had to hire Faye, my girlfriend, as well, so now that I had backed out, Faye couldn't possibly remain either.

I nodded and replied calmly, "That's right. Mom and Dad have set up jobs for us in Borrengate, so we'll get engaged once things settle down."

"Caleb Jacobson!" Faye snapped. She then suppressed her outburst to avoid catching anyone's attention, though her expression was absolutely livid. "Who allowed you to make arrangements for my future, Caleb?"

She stormed off in a rage, and once the group was stretched out thin, she led the way at the very front, dragging Xavier along with her.

I lagged behind at the tail end, making idle small talk with our classmates.

It wasn't until dinner at the buffet that evening that Xavier spoke up at the table. "Haven't you guys ever heard of the Perseids meteor shower? Faye mentioned there's an observation point close by, and it peaks at around a hundred meteors an hour."

Those present immediately became interested and began discussing plans to catch the meteor shower. Richard, however, clicked his tongue and said, "You guys should seriously read the room! You can see the meteor shower from the hotel room just fine! Do you guys really want to crash their date and act like third wheels?"

In that instant, everyone caught on to the implication. "I guess you're right, Richard. That observation point offers the clearest view, so it should absolutely be reserved for the two who need it most."

Faye, on the other hand, served Xavier some food. She remained silent throughout, but the blush on her cheeks spoke volumes.

I didn't really like the food at the buffet, as the flavors were far too overwhelming for me. I chewed on some seafood, but the heavy seasoning irritated my throat, and I couldn't force it down. I lowered my head, spat it out, and rose from the table to look for a lighter option.

Richard followed me and whispered, "I saw your post a few days ago about going to the observation point for the meteor shower, Caleb. I think it'd be best for you to skip it, just so you don't get in the way of Faye and Xavier."

I merely nodded, saying, "Got it, Richard."

Richard exclaimed, "You're truly worthy of being the top student in our class! I'll tell you a little secret as well—I was actually the one who set it up so they'd pull the same numbers."

I nodded again. "I overheard you when you mentioned it to Faye."

Richard was caught off guard for a moment, but then someone behind called for him, prompting him to turn around and rejoin the group.

I was just about to grab some oatmeal when Faye suddenly walked over to ladle some pumpkin soup for Xavier. She sounded quite nonchalant as she said, "I'm sorry about earlier today. I shouldn't have snapped at you.

"I know you're just doing this out of spite because Xavier and I are rooming together, but you can rest assured that I slept on the bed and he took the floor last night. I just spent the night chatting with him. It's just a part of the game, so nothing will really happen, Caleb."

I ladled the oatmeal into my bowl and simply hummed in response.

Faye stated without even looking up, "You should tell your parents that there's no reason for us to move to Borrengate since we have great career prospects right here in Sundermere, where we can settle down permanently once our careers stabilize."

I didn't reply to her this time.

I was just about to turn to leave after ladling my oatmeal when Faye suddenly hesitated and called out to me. "Xavier is really excited about the meteor shower tonight, Caleb. I had already promised him that I would watch it with him.

"I mean, since the Perseids meteor shower happens every year, we can just come back and watch it together next year, Caleb."

I stood with my back to her. I had my hand pressed against the bottom of the bowl, yet I felt no warmth whatsoever. I then said softly, "Alright."

Faye breathed a sigh of relief and walked past me, not forgetting to grab a plate of grapes for Xavier on her way.

I returned to my room to pack my things after having dinner. I took out the coordinated outfit I had planned to wear when I proposed to Faye under the meteor shower, then threw the engagement ring into the trash along with the meteor shower information brochure.

I then zipped up my suitcase, finding it significantly lighter.

I booked the flight at the last minute, with boarding scheduled for that night, and ten minutes before we were set to take off, the Perseids streaked across the sky.

Those around me marveled at the view and filmed it on their phones, while I checked my phone and found an unread message. "It's all taken care of. Your parents had turned in early, so I'll be waiting for you at the terminal."

It was then that the plane steadily gained altitude while the silver glow from the meteor trails cast light across half the cabin.

I leaned back into my seat and slowly closed my eyes, thinking that I wouldn't be there to watch the meteor shower with Faye next year.