#shortstory #ShortDrama #AImovie #fulldrama #RomanceDrama
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00:00My roommate Blair wanted to make her rich boyfriend jealous.
00:02She walked right up and kissed Noah, the boy I'd loved for over ten years.
00:05I watched her pull him down by the collar and press her lips against his.
00:08Her boyfriend Cole blew up and smashed his glass, and I was heartbroken.
00:12I should never have begged Noah to come tonight.
00:14Then Blair kissed him again, and Noah blushed.
00:15That hurt more than the kiss.
00:17I couldn't keep telling myself anymore that he just hated being tough,
00:19hated flirting, and treated every girl the same way.
00:21We're already broken up. Who I kiss is none of your business.
00:24Everyone expected Cole to punch Noah.
00:26Instead, he laughed, reached into the pile of dare cards, and pulled one out.
00:30Choose one girl here and date her for 30 days.
00:33Cole read it once, then stood.
00:34To my complete shock, he walked straight towards me.
00:36Zoe Monroe, I heard you're single. Want to give me 30 days?
00:39The room went silent. I hesitated, then placed my hand in his.
00:43Sure.
00:45Cole, what the hell are you doing?
00:49You said we're over.
00:50You can kiss whoever you want, and I can date whoever I want.
00:52Zoe, are you doing this on purpose?
00:55I picked the card. I picked her.
00:58Don't take your anger out on my girlfriend.
01:00That was when Noah stepped forward and grabbed my wrist.
01:03Come with me.
01:04He pulled me outside the private room before I could protest.
01:07Why did you say yes to him?
01:09I stared at him.
01:11For more than 10 years, I had wanted him to care.
01:13Now that he finally did, I suddenly wanted to know why.
01:16Why wouldn't I say yes?
01:18You barely know Cole.
01:19And Blair barely knows you.
01:20She kissed you twice. You didn't stop her.
01:22She was upset. She'd just broken up with Cole.
01:25If I'd shoved her away in front of everyone, she would have been humiliated.
01:28So?
01:29What if she did something stupid afterward?
01:31I stared at him for a long moment.
01:33Then I understood.
01:34He could see Blair was upset, so he spared her the embarrassment.
01:37But he could never see that how much I was hurting.
01:40The moment we walked into the party, someone asked what he was to me.
01:44Childhood friends.
01:46That's why Blair dared to kiss him in front of everyone.
01:49Okay.
01:49Okay?
01:50You were protecting Blair's feelings, so I was protecting Cole's.
01:54He'd have been embarrassed, too, if I'd turned him down.
01:56That's different.
01:57Why?
01:58He's a guy.
01:59And?
02:00His girlfriend dumped him in front of everyone and kissed someone else.
02:03Maybe he'd go home and do something stupid, too.
02:05And anyway, you're not my boyfriend.
02:07You don't get to tell me who I can date.
02:12I pushed open the door to the private room and walked straight into a disaster zone.
02:16You're really going to date a plain Jane like her just to get back at me?
02:19You said it yourself a minute ago.
02:21We're broken up.
02:22You get to kiss someone else, so you don't get a say in who I pick.
02:25Damn, is cold actually serious?
02:27Every other time Blair threatened to break up, he caved in two seconds flat.
02:30Maybe she really crossed the line this time.
02:32Otherwise, he'd never play it like this.
02:34When she saw me walk in, Blair, eyes bloodshucked, turned her fire on me.
02:38Zoe, you bitch!
02:40You've been waiting for us to break up so you could swoop in and steal him, haven't you?
02:43Look in the mirror!
02:44You're not even in his league!
02:45First of all, Cole chose me himself.
02:48Second, he's single and I'm single.
02:50What's the problem with us being together?
02:52You knew he was my ex and you still said yes?
02:54Oh, so now you remember I'm your ex?
02:56My ex-girlfriend kissed another guy right in front of me, and I didn't say a word.
03:00Now you want to turn around and police me?
03:02Talk about a double standard.
03:05Blair's face went red with rage, but she had no comeback.
03:08I went back to the couch and picked up my coat and bag.
03:10Where are you going?
03:12It's too loud in here.
03:13I need somewhere quiet.
03:14Then I'm coming with you.
03:15You're seriously leaving with her?
03:17I'm her boyfriend now.
03:18Is that a problem?
03:19We walked toward the door together.
03:21Cole took my hand, like a dare.
03:23I didn't pull away.
03:25Zoe, you're really leaving with him?
03:26Where my girlfriend goes is none of your business.
03:29Don't forget, you're just her childhood friend.
03:31Stay in your lane.
03:31You sure about this?
03:32If you walk out with him tonight, don't come looking for me again.
03:35For ten years, that threat would have terrified me.
03:38Tonight, it only made me tired.
03:40Okay.
03:41Maybe we shouldn't connect anymore.
03:43Noah froze.
03:44He clearly hadn't expected me to be so final.
03:46Zoe, I'm serious.
03:47So am I.
03:47Come with me now, and I'll forget tonight happened.
03:50Noah, you don't actually think you're the one giving me a chance, do you?
03:53You didn't push her away either time she kissed you.
03:55That's when I gave up.
03:56There's no chance left for us.
03:58None.
03:59See?
03:59You're just my girlfriend's childhood friend.
04:01Quit casting yourself as the lead.
04:02Let's go, Zoe.
04:03Somebody in here is shameless and obnoxious.
04:05Don't let his bad luck rub off on us.
04:06Once we reached his car, I finally let out the breath I'd been holding.
04:10Thank you, Cole.
04:11For what?
04:12Saving me from becoming the saddest person in that room.
04:15Pretty sure we saved each other.
04:17Cole took the driver's seat, but didn't start the engine.
04:20So it's true?
04:21What?
04:22You came to this college because of Noah?
04:24Mostly.
04:25That's rough.
04:26And you dated Blair no better than me?
04:28Fair point.
04:28We're tied.
04:31I really thought Noah was different.
04:33I thought he was cold because that was just who he was.
04:37Tonight, I realized he isn't cold.
04:39He just never wanted me.
04:42Why are you crying?
04:43You did great back there.
04:45Rotten things belong in the trash.
04:46He's not worth it.
04:47Looks like we're in the same boat tonight.
04:49About that dare, if you're not okay with it, just pretend it never happened.
04:51I didn't mean anything by it when I drew it.
04:53I was just so angry, and I wanted to get back at them for both of us.
05:00You okay?
05:01Want me to take you back to your dorm first?
05:04Let's find somewhere to get a few drinks.
05:06I don't want to go back right now.
05:07Sure.
05:08He hit the gas and pulled onto the road.
05:11My phone suddenly rang.
05:13It was Noah.
05:14Where are you?
05:15You really left with him?
05:16Zoe, so everything you ever said about liking me was fake?
05:19Your feelings are that cheap?
05:20Noah, listen to yourself.
05:22What?
05:22You let another girl kiss you twice, and somehow I'm the one who has to prove I loved you?
05:26He went quiet.
05:27For years, I'd made excuses for him.
05:30Tonight stripped away every excuse.
05:32I finally figured something out.
05:34I didn't love you.
05:35What the hell does that mean?
05:37I loved the person I thought you were.
05:40My feelings made you seem kinder than you were.
05:43Zoe.
05:43They made you seem worth waiting for.
05:46Loving someone sincerely isn't embarrassing, but the real you just weren't worth it.
05:50Before he could answer, I ended the call.
05:52Then I blocked him.
05:53Well said.
05:53When I saw you crying earlier, I was worried you couldn't let go, that you'd go running
05:56back the second he softened up.
05:59Guess I worried for nothing.
06:01You've got a spine.
06:02Are you talking about yourself?
06:04I just heard somebody say that every time Blair threatened to break up, a certain someone
06:08caved in two seconds flat.
06:10Not this time.
06:11She crossed the line.
06:12The words were barely out of his mouth when his phone rang.
06:15It was Blair.
06:16He hung up on her.
06:18But Blair kept calling like a madwoman.
06:21At a red light, it buzzed again.
06:25The guy's fingers were long, and on his middle finger was a plain band I knew by heart.
06:30I had worked a part-time job for three months to buy it as Noah's birthday present.
06:35I stared at the screen.
06:36A few hours ago, that picture would have destroyed me.
06:39Now I mostly felt embarrassed that I'd ever thought Noah's was too noble to play games.
06:43Looks like we both have terrible taste.
06:46Tragic.
06:47Congratulations, Blair.
06:48Zoe and I are doing great, too.
06:49We're actually going out to celebrate.
06:51Don't call again.
06:52My girlfriend might get annoyed.
06:54He blocked her, too.
06:56My girlfriend, huh?
06:5830 days, remember?
06:59For the first time that night, I smiled without forcing it.
07:04Cole took me to a quiet cocktail bar downtown.
07:07The second my drink arrived, I took too big a swallow and nearly coughed myself to death.
07:13Easy, Monroe.
07:14I know how to drink.
07:15I ignored him and took another sip.
07:18After a while, he asked,
07:20Why Noah?
07:21When I was little, my parents fought constantly.
07:24One night, I hid in the hallway because they were screaming about divorce.
07:28Noah found me.
07:29He took me to his house, made hot chocolate, and gave me a comic book.
07:33It was about a kid blaming himself for his parents' problems.
07:37Noah told me adults make their own choices.
07:39None of it was my fault.
07:41So after that, I kept going to him whenever things got bad.
07:44And eventually you fell for him.
07:45When we got older, girls started noticing him.
07:48He stopped wanting me around.
07:51He told me not to talk to him at school because people kept asking if I was his girlfriend.
07:54I thought he was embarrassed by me.
07:57So I lost weight, learned makeup, changed my clothes, studied harder.
08:01After I got into this university, Noah finally agreed to come to a party with me.
08:05I thought he was finally starting to like me.
08:07And this is how it ended.
08:09Cole didn't answer.
08:11He just poured me another drink.
08:13Tell me, am I stupid?
08:15Pathetic?
08:16It took me over ten years to see who he really was.
08:19That's enough.
08:20You've had too much.
08:21I'm not drunk.
08:22I'm completely clear-headed.
08:24To prove it, I pushed myself up from the table.
08:27My legs gave out and I pitched sideways.
08:30You smell really good.
08:32Zoe, stand up straight.
08:34Can't.
08:35I buried my face deeper and whined.
08:39I'm taking you back to your dorm.
08:41No.
08:41My roommates will ask about Noah and I don't want to answer.
08:44Aren't you my boyfriend?
08:46You're supposed to look after me.
08:47Fine.
08:48Zoe, you said it.
08:52Everything was hazy.
08:53I felt him lay me on something soft.
08:55A bed.
08:56Don't go.
08:58He lost his balance and went down onto the bed with me.
09:01That feels so good.
09:03You're so cool.
09:04It wasn't enough.
09:05I rolled over, pinned him, and tugged at his shirt.
09:08Zoe.
09:11Zoe, do you know what you're doing?
09:13I ignored him.
09:15He trapped both my hands together and pinned them above my head.
09:18Zoe, you're the one who started playing with fire.
09:21I stared at his mouth.
09:23Then I lifted my head and kissed him.
09:25Cole froze.
09:27I was a little frustrated, but he had my hands pinned above my head and I couldn't move.
09:32All I could do was tip my chin up and chase his mouth to continue.
09:35You want to kiss me that badly?
09:37My mind had melted into smush, and I couldn't make out what he was saying.
09:42All I knew was that his lips were moving, and I couldn't look away.
09:46Yeah.
09:48He smiled, then kissed me hard.
09:51He tasted like whiskey, and I kissed him back, clumsy and eager.
09:55A shriding ringtone went off by the pillow.
09:58Cole stopped short.
09:59Sorry.
10:00Zoe, we've had too much to drink.
10:04I opened my mouth to say something, but my eyelids were too heavy.
10:09My vision blurred little by little.
10:12The last thing I remember is him tucking the blanket around me, then heading into the bathroom.
10:18The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache.
10:23When last night came back to me, my stomach dropped, and I threw back the covers to check.
10:30Okay, my clothes were all still on, and the other side of the bed didn't look slept in.
10:36You're up?
10:36Yeah, and thinking about what I'd done last night made me want to crawl into a hole.
10:42Hangover pills.
10:43Take one and your head will stop hurting.
10:45Thanks.
10:49Last night, nothing happened, right?
10:51You were drunk.
10:52I'm not the kind of guy who takes advantage of that.
10:53Only then did I notice the dark circles under his eyes and how worn out he looked.
10:56Zoe, do you want to actually try this?
10:58Us, for real?
11:01I blinked, and a flash of last night's kiss hit me.
11:04Even exhausted, he was ridiculously good-looking.
11:07Honestly, sexy.
11:09How had I never noticed?
11:10He was better looking than Noah.
11:12Not feeling well?
11:14Um, why are you saying this all of a sudden?
11:18I picked it up.
11:19Unknown number.
11:20And it had been calling since last night, dozens of times.
11:23I turned the ringer off so it wouldn't wake you.
11:25I nodded.
11:26I had a pretty good guess who it was.
11:28Nobody but Noah would be bored enough to call me all night.
11:31Want me to get it?
11:31As your boyfriend.
11:33I hesitated, then handed it over.
11:36Zoe, are you done throwing a fit?
11:38Where are you?
11:39Your roommate said you never came back last night.
11:41Who are you with right now?
11:42What do you want with my girlfriend?
11:44She's not up yet.
11:45Calling this early, are you bringing us breakfast?
11:49Cole?
11:49It's you?
11:50Where's Zoe?
11:51Put her on the phone!
11:52I told you, she's not up yet.
11:54She can't take your call.
11:55His voice was lazy, like he was deliberately poking a cat with its fur puffed up.
12:00We were up pretty late last night.
12:02She wore herself out.
12:03Cole, you've got some damn nerve lying to me.
12:06I know exactly who she is, and she would never get with you.
12:09Whatever she said last night, she only said it to get back at me.
12:13Oh, is that right?
12:16If you really believed that, you wouldn't keep calling.
12:18Stay away from my girlfriend from now on, or don't blame me when I stop being nice.
12:22Without another word, he tuned out the shouting on the other end.
12:25He hung up and blocked the number.
12:28Well, how was that comeback?
12:30Pretty good, right?
12:31He's probably about to explode.
12:33Cole, you know what you looked like just now?
12:35Like a certain kind of animal.
12:36What kind?
12:37A dog.
12:38I instinctively tried to pull back, but he caught the back of my head.
12:42Where do you think you're going?
12:44Say it again.
12:45What kind of dog?
12:47The kind that bites and wags its tail at the same time.
12:50Oh.
12:51Then you should know a dog that's been pushed too far will bite.
12:54That's not what I meant!
12:55But it's what I mean.
12:56Zoe, be with me.
12:57Give it a try, okay?
12:59Just one month.
13:01If you're not happy with me, you can call it off anytime.
13:03Why?
13:04He wasn't joking.
13:05Not even a little.
13:06A guy this rich and this good-looking had just broken up with the campus queen.
13:11Why would he turn around and pick someone as ordinary as me?
13:14He seemed to read my mind.
13:16Because we're the same kind of person.
13:18We give everything to the people we love.
13:21Even when we get hurt again and again, we talk ourselves into getting back up.
13:25And that kiss last night?
13:26I thought we fit pretty well together.
13:28You liked it too, didn't you?
13:30My face went hot, and I tried to slide off his lap.
13:33But he locked me against his chest, and I couldn't move.
13:37He was right, and he really was good-looking.
13:41Way better looking than Noah.
13:42And he was rich.
13:44However I looked at it, I had nothing to lose.
13:48Okay, but I have one condition.
13:50Name it.
13:51Nothing too intimate.
13:53We'll just see how it goes.
13:54If one of us has no feeling for the other within 30 days, we call it off.
13:59Then kissing like last night is still allowed, right?
14:02That much, I can do.
14:04Great.
14:05I want to kiss you right now, can I?
14:07Just as I shut my eyes, at my most nervous, my stomach ground.
14:13Hungry?
14:14Makes sense.
14:15You haven't eaten anything since last night except alcohol.
14:19Come on, get ready.
14:20I'm taking you to eat first.
14:21Cole drove me to the fanciest restaurant downtown.
14:24It's just a meal.
14:25Isn't this a bit much?
14:29It's our first meal as a couple.
14:31Of course it should feel special.
14:32He snapped his fingers.
14:34Happy first day anniversary.
14:36When did you set all this up?
14:38While you were washing your face.
14:40So, do you like it?
14:41He cut a slice and set it in front of me.
14:44Something to tide you over?
14:45The food will take a while.
14:51What are you doing here?
14:53Cole, you jerk!
14:55After a couple of hits, Cole shoved her away.
14:58You're really with her?
14:59You really don't care about me at all anymore?
15:01That's an interesting thing to hear from you, Blair.
15:03You broke up with me yesterday and said you'd be with someone else.
15:06So why are you coming in here?
15:07Aren't you afraid your new boyfriend will get jealous?
15:08I was just trying to get back at you.
15:10There's nothing between him and me.
15:12Is that so?
15:13I was wrong, okay?
15:15I promise I won't throw tantrums like that anymore.
15:18Can we make up?
15:19Blair, last night when you said we were done,
15:22I asked if you were serious and you said yes.
15:24Now so do I.
15:25But you always came to make me back.
15:27Why not this time?
15:28Is it because of her?
15:29Because of Zoe, that bitch?
15:31This has nothing to do with her.
15:33Blair, you still don't get what you did wrong?
15:35Now you're defending her?
15:36She's just a pathetic girl who always throws herself at men.
15:39Noah told me everything.
15:40You've been clinging to him shamelessly since forever
15:43and he can't shake you off.
15:44He's sick of you and you still keep doing all those humiliating things for him.
15:47You even followed him to the same college?
15:49Are you really that cheap?
15:50Is that how he described me to her?
15:52Every gift I gave and everything I did, he took it all.
15:55He never said he didn't want it.
15:57He loved having me orbit around him.
15:59He was even called me all last night trying to win me back.
16:03And then he told other people I was the one who wouldn't let go?
16:06It was ridiculous.
16:07I stood up and walked toward the person standing in the doorway.
16:11The one I had liked for over ten years.
16:13The one I thought would at least never hurt me.
16:16Is that how you described me to her?
16:18Don't talk nonsense.
16:20I never said that.
16:21She's making it up.
16:21Making it up?
16:23Noah, you told me all of it yourself.
16:25What, you can do it, but you can't stand to hear it said out loud?
16:28Come outside with me.
16:29I can explain.
16:30There's nothing to explain.
16:32No, I have nothing to say to you.
16:33Let her go!
16:34Cole tried to stop him, but Blair blocked his way.
16:38Cole, if you go after her, I'll kill myself right in front of you.
16:42What the hell do you want?
16:43Noah pulled me out of the restaurant and still wouldn't let go.
16:47Zoe, quit pretending.
16:48I know you're only putting on a show with him to get back at me.
16:50And it worked.
16:51I'm angry.
16:52I went out of my mind looking for you all night.
16:54Happy now?
16:55Can you stop this and come home with me?
16:57I was stunned by his confidence and the way his mind worked.
17:00Noah, I made it clear yesterday.
17:02From now on, no contact.
17:03Who I'm with is my choice.
17:04It has nothing to do with you.
17:06Zoe, we've known each other for over ten years.
17:08I know you better than anyone.
17:09Just go apologize to Blair, tell Cole it's over, and stop seeing him.
17:13I'll act like none of this ever happened.
17:14I laughed in disbelief.
17:16Even now, he thought everything I did was for him.
17:18Why should I apologize to her?
17:20She broke up with Cole and kissed you.
17:22Who's to blame for that?
17:23She had no choice.
17:25Cole never knows how to coax her.
17:26You're at fault.
17:27You helped Cole upset her, and you upset me now.
17:30I can forgive you, but you have to apologize to Blair and draw a line with Cole.
17:33Blair cried all night because of the two of you.
17:36His absurd speech made me laugh out of pure anger.
17:39Noah, what right do you have to say any of this?
17:43Zoe, when did you turn into this?
17:45I don't like girls who twist everything and push people around.
17:48If you still want to chase me, go apologize to Blair like a good girl and cut things off with
17:52Cole completely.
17:53Otherwise, I really won't forgive you.
17:55I looked at him and suddenly didn't know what to say.
17:58Absurd?
17:59Furious?
18:00Did I even want to curse at him?
18:02It was none of those.
18:03I just felt it wasn't worth it.
18:05Do whatever you want.
18:06I'm not apologizing to her.
18:07No way.
18:08And you'd better keep your word and stop coming after me.
18:20When I came back, Cole stood up and walked over.
18:23Let's go eat somewhere else.
18:30She threatened me with a knife.
18:31Break up with you or she'd kill herself in front of me.
18:35And then?
18:37I told her whether she lives or dies has nothing to do with me.
18:39If she really does something stupid, the only people she'd be letting down are her parents.
18:43I suddenly remembered what Noah had said earlier.
18:46What if she does something stupid?
18:48So that was why he never pushed Blair away and let her kiss him twice.
18:51Same situation, and the two of them chose and acted so differently.
18:55I looked at Cole's profile, and suddenly he got better looking by the second.
18:59Cole?
19:00Hmm?
19:01I just realized you're actually pretty great.
19:03I wanted to give you some credit.
19:09I don't want credit.
19:11I want a reward.
19:15Before I could react, his lips came down on mine, deep.
19:20Stupid light.
19:21My heart was pounding, and I turned to look out the window.
19:24He'd been right before.
19:26We really did seem to fit in this department.
19:28After dinner, I said I wanted to go back to campus.
19:32We've been together one day, and you're already in a hurry to get away from me?
19:35Look at yourself.
19:36Your eyes are black like a panda's.
19:38Did you really not sleep last night?
19:40Cold showers.
19:40How was I supposed to sleep?
19:41My face heated up again, and I pretended I haven't heard.
19:44So go rest first.
19:45We have plenty of time.
19:47Then you have to let me kiss you some more.
19:51On the way back to my dorm, classmates kept turning to look at us.
19:55Isn't that Cole, the famous campus heartthrow and rich kid?
19:57Who's the girl next to him, right?
19:59Isn't he the campus queen's boyfriend?
20:00What is going on?
20:05No need to hide.
20:07Let him look.
20:08When we got to my dorm building, I let out a breath.
20:11I'm going up now.
20:13Go get some rest, too.
20:16Okay.
20:17See you tomorrow.
20:22The moment I pushed open the dorm door, I saw my desk in a mess, with the word bitch
20:27sprayed across it.
20:29You're back?
20:30Everyone come look.
20:31This is the shameless girl who stole my boyfriend.
20:34My other roommates tried to calm her down.
20:36Blair, don't do this.
20:37We're all roommates, after all.
20:41She had the nerve to do it, and nobody's allowed to say it?
20:44Zoe, tell everyone.
20:45Since when have you been trying to steal my boyfriend?
20:50Blair, if this blows up, the one who looks worse is you.
20:53You know exactly what I'm talking about.
20:56Don't get cocky!
20:57Cole will never like someone like you!
20:59I'll be waiting for him to dump you and come back to me!
21:04I ignored her and started packing.
21:06I didn't need Blair losing it and going after me again.
21:10I was dragging my bag out of the dorm when my phone rang.
21:13It was Cole.
21:14Come downstairs.
21:15I'm waiting for you.
21:20I walked out of the building, and sure enough, he was standing there.
21:24Let's go.
21:28Where are we going?
21:31To find you a place to stay.
21:33Your roommates told me everything.
21:35They were worried about you.
21:37That's on me.
21:38I forgot Blair might give you a hard time at the dorm.
21:41I felt a little warm inside.
21:44Honestly, I'm not scared.
21:45She knows she's in the wrong, so she won't dare make it too big.
21:48I just find it annoying.
21:51I'm sorry.
21:51I'm sorry.
21:57I get it.
21:58That's why I want to handle this for my girlfriend.
22:01Where are we going?
22:03To my place.
22:04It's been empty ever since it was finished.
22:09I'll stay in the dorm.
22:10Don't worry, I would never force you to do anything you don't want.
22:18You're being this polite with your own boyfriend?
22:22We've only been together one day.
22:27Then you'll have to get used to it, Lowly.
22:31When we arrived, I stepped out of the car and was stunned by the detached house in front of me.
22:39My parents bought it the year I got into college.
22:41They wanted me to have somewhere convenient.
22:43I get along fine with my dorm roommates, and I'm too lazy to drive to campus every day, so it's
22:47just been sitting empty.
22:53You carried my luggage up to the master bedroom on the second floor.
23:00Get some sleep.
23:01I'm heading back now.
23:02Good night.
23:08Over the next few days, Cole and I started trying to get to know each other.
23:15Every day, Cole dragged me along to eat with him and to watch him play basketball.
23:19When he ran, his shirt clung to his back and showed the lines of his muscles.
23:24I looked for a few seconds, then hurried to look away.
23:28I thought about how I'd run my hands over his abs that night at the hotel.
23:34He came running toward me at halftime.
23:41What are you looking at?
23:43Why is your face so red?
23:45Am I just that handsome?
23:46Oh, it's boiling in here.
23:51I turned away at once, then found my eyes drifting back anyway.
23:55He was definitely doing it on purpose.
23:57Zoe, you're my girlfriend.
23:59If you want to look, look all you want.
24:00If you want to touch, I'll let you.
24:05Don't be shy.
24:06You weren't like this last time.
24:13Being with him was more comfortable than I'd ever imagined.
24:16At first, I treated him the way I treated Noah.
24:18Searching for topics, afraid of awkward silence, walking on eggshells.
24:22At dinner one day, I said something offhand and regretted it immediately,
24:26and rushed to add,
24:27Is that boring?
24:29Zoe, you're my girlfriend.
24:30I think everything you say is interesting.
24:34Stop being so careful.
24:35You can say whatever you want to me.
24:39I froze.
24:42Noah used to say I talked too much and was annoying.
24:45Cold was different.
24:46He didn't say much, but he was a great listener,
24:48and he always knew how to pick up what I said.
24:50That night, lying in bed, I imagined something.
24:56What if, 30 days from now, he said to me,
24:59Never mind.
25:00I guess I still don't like you.
25:04How would I feel?
25:05Thinking about it, my heart suddenly felt hollow.
25:10I think I really had fallen for him.
25:20A week later, Blair couldn't stand the sight of Cole and I together every minute anymore.
25:25She asked no one to meet her at a cafe.
25:28Help me win Cole back, and I'll help you get Zoe back.
25:33Let's work together.
25:37Why would you think I'd agree?
25:40Because you have no other choice.
25:42All she sees now is Cole.
25:44Are you really going to be okay with that?
25:48Blair kept stoking the fire.
25:52She chased you for over 10 years,
25:54and now she's turned around and hooked up with Cole.
25:56Cole, I don't believe you're really okay with it.
26:01Noah, don't think I don't know.
26:03Lately, you've been secretly following her and checking her social media.
26:07That's none of your business.
26:08Don't contact me again.
26:13Do you think you can still win her back?
26:16She doesn't like you anymore.
26:17Noah's steps faulted, but he didn't look back.
26:20After gym class, I was putting equipment away in the supply room.
26:23The door swung open from outside.
26:27Zoe, are you done with this yet?
26:30Done with what?
26:32You and Cole.
26:34You're just using him to make me jealous, aren't you?
26:39I'll be with you.
26:40Is that enough?
26:43Cut off all contact with Cole right now.
26:48If you're sick, go to a hospital.
26:50Stop bothering me.
26:52Stop bothering me.
26:56The next second, he pressed his whole body against me and bent down to kiss me.
27:04Noah, have you lost your mind?
27:05Get off me!
27:10Why are you acting?
27:12Isn't this the day you've been waiting for these past ten years?
27:15The face I once thought I'd never get tired of now filled me with disgust.
27:23Noah, I kept holding back from cursing you out before.
27:26Did that give you the idea you could get away with this?
27:29What kind of piece of crap do you think you are to say that to me?
27:35I was blind to like you for over ten years.
27:38Come near me again and you'll regret it.
27:53Zoe, I don't believe you'd treat over ten years of feelings like this.
27:58I'll be waiting to see you regret it.
28:04Cole got sick with the flu.
28:06His roommates passed to him.
28:09I called him and his voice was horsty.
28:13Don't come.
28:14What if I get you sick?
28:17I'm your girlfriend.
28:18If I'm not with you now, who will be?
28:22Cole, wait for me.
28:25Then wear a mask when you come.
28:27Okay, I hung up and rushed to his dorm.
28:32Where is everyone else?
28:36They're all worse than me.
28:37They went to the hospital.
28:40You can still smile?
28:41Come on, I'm taking you to the hospital too.
28:45I hate hospitals.
28:46Can I skip it?
28:48No.
28:49Give me your car keys.
28:51He obediently handed them over.
28:53At the hospital, I found the place packed.
28:56We waited a few hours after getting a number.
29:03It's the flu.
29:04Not too severe.
29:05I'll prescribe some medicine and he just needs to rest at home.
29:09Great.
29:10No hospital stay.
29:13I picked up the medicine and helped him back to the car.
29:18Satisfied now?
29:19Take me back to my dorm.
29:23No.
29:23I already requested sick leave for you.
29:26You're doing what I say.
29:30I hit the gas and took him back to the house.
29:34I settled him on the sofa and piled thick blankets over him.
29:38I went into the kitchen and made a pot of porridge,
29:41then sat on the edge of the self and fed him spoonful by spoonful.
29:45After a few bites, he suddenly stopped.
29:49What's wrong?
29:50Is it bad?
29:54It's really good.
29:56When I was little, I always imagined someone taking care of me when I was sick.
30:02My parents were always busy.
30:05One time I got sick, I sat there alone, getting my IV, watching all the other kids with their parents,
30:10and I felt so lonely.
30:17Don't be scared.
30:19You have me now, don't you?
30:25Blair used to say that, too.
30:28I've known her since we were kids.
30:30Our families did business together.
30:36I only thought of her as a friend until last year,
30:38when she suddenly said she liked me and we got together.
30:40After we got together, she turned into a different person.
30:43She was always throwing princess tantrums.
30:46She probably feels insecure.
30:47The only way she can make sure you like her and won't leave is to keep causing a scene.
30:54After everything she did to you, you're still defending her?
30:58I'm not defending her.
31:00I'm saying it for you.
31:03Me?
31:07Yeah.
31:08You and she grew up in similar environments,
31:10but the two of you are actually completely different.
31:13She gets people's love by making a scene.
31:16And you don't make a scene or demands.
31:18You only think if you do everything well enough, people will like you.
31:21Right?
31:22He was silent.
31:23And after a long while, he said hoarsely,
31:25When I was little, my parents were very strict.
31:28So I never showed weakness.
31:30I just tried to do things right.
31:36Since Blair was with me, I tried to make her happy.
31:39Whatever she wanted, I gave her.
31:43But I never understood why she was never satisfied.
31:45It's not your fault.
31:47It's her own problem.
31:49Cole, when you were with her, were you happy?
31:53He fell silent again.
31:55After a long time, he reached for my hand.
32:00Zoe, how do you see everything so clearly?
32:05Because I'm just like you.
32:09Those ten plus years I liked Noah,
32:12all I thought about was how to make him happy.
32:20When he was in a bad mood, I'd find ways to comfort him,
32:22go to the beach and let the wind blow,
32:24and he'd feel a lot better.
32:28But later, when I caught a cold from all that wind and called him,
32:31he said coldly,
32:34Then go see a doctor.
32:36What's the point of telling me?
32:38Damn it, that son of a bitch deserves to die.
32:43Zoe, from now on, you don't give him the time of day.
32:45He doesn't deserve it.
32:49If someone treated me that well, I would have...
32:53You would have what?
32:54I would have treated her like a treasure
32:55and never let her get hurt for a second.
32:59Zoe, hearing how good you were to that asshole,
33:01I'm jealous, and it hurts.
33:05It needs to be rubbed before it'll get better.
33:11Through the fabric, I felt his heartbeat and his solid chest.
33:15My face got warm.
33:16He kept my hand there and wouldn't let go.
33:19Like a prank, he slid it down a little.
33:22It hurts here, too.
33:25The moment my palm touched his abs, I froze.
33:30My mind started replaying that night at the hotel against my will.
33:33It's time for your medicine.
33:35Let me go get it.
33:39Cole watched me go, laughing happily.
33:42The next second, an unfamiliar message popped up on his phone.
33:46In the photo, a dim supply room.
33:49Noah had me pinned against a metal shelf, kissing me.
33:59Cole, you really think Zoe likes you?
34:01Dream on.
34:03She chased Noah for over ten years.
34:05And the second he crooked a finger, she surrendered and kissed him.
34:09She's stringing you along because you're rich and easy to fool.
34:18What's wrong?
34:19Your face suddenly looks terrible.
34:21Nothing.
34:27I haven't been with you the last couple of days.
34:29Did anything unusual happen?
34:32I froze for a second.
34:34The scene in the supply room yesterday flashed through my mind.
34:37But Cole was still sick.
34:38So I decided not to tell him for now.
34:41So it wouldn't mess with his mood.
34:43No, nothing.
34:44I just wasn't used to you not being around.
34:47I sat down at the edge of the sofa and smiled.
34:50He looked at me for a few seconds, then said flatly,
34:53Oh, got it.
34:57I'm tired.
34:58I want to sleep for a bit.
34:59I tucked in his blanket.
35:01He didn't say anything else and just closed his eyes.
35:04The next day, he got better and said he wanted to move back into the dorm.
35:08I could tell he was unhappy.
35:10Are you okay?
35:13When I asked, he just smiled and said it was nothing.
35:16We agreed, didn't we?
35:17No overly intimate moves.
35:19I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself if I stay here.
35:22From that day on, Cole barely spent time with me.
35:25When I asked, he only said he was busy.
35:28My heart slowly sank.
35:30We'd agreed it was only a 30-day trial.
35:33Maybe he had already decided it wasn't a fit.
35:35I forced myself to stop overthinking and sent him a message first.
35:40Cole, I thought about it, and it's not right for me to keep staying at your place.
35:43I'll find somewhere to live and move out as soon as I can.
35:49The screen showed typing for the longest time.
35:52After a long while, only one word came back.
35:55Okay.
35:56Cole sat at the edge of the basketball court, clutching his phone, his face stormy.
36:04Does she really not like me at all?
36:07Is she really this desperate to draw a line between us?
36:10Just then, Blair walked up in a miniskirt, holding a cup of milk tea.
36:17I told you she and Noah have been together all along.
36:19She's only dragging this out to get something out of you.
36:28What are you doing here?
36:31Cole, we're the ones who belong together.
36:36Zoe isn't good enough for you.
36:38Let's get back together, okay?
36:43No.
36:45Blair, I told you very clearly.
36:47There's no way I'm having anything to do with you again.
36:50Cole, if you're going to do this to me because of that bitch, I'll ruin her.
36:53I mean it!
36:54I mean it!
36:58Blair, this is between you and me.
37:00She has nothing to do with it.
37:02Try touching her and see what happens.
37:07Nothing to do with it?
37:09Look at these first, then talk.
37:12Cole took it and opened it.
37:13Inside was a stack of photos.
37:15There was the one from the supply room, of me kissing Noah.
37:17There were others of me from back when I was chasing Noah, running after him.
37:24The more Cole flipped through, the darker his face became.
37:29What's the point of showing me this?
37:35She rides in your car, lives in your house, and at the same time, she's fooling around
37:40with Noah.
37:43What do you think will happen if the whole school finds out she's two-timing like that,
37:47playing both sides?
37:51Blair, don't you dare touch her!
37:54If you want me to leave her alone, fine.
37:57We get back together, and you become my boyfriend again.
38:02After the way she treated you, you're still protecting her?
38:07I'm the only one who really likes you.
38:10Let's get back together, okay?
38:14Cole suddenly remembered what I'd asked him that day on the sofa.
38:19Were you happy with her?
38:25But Blair, I don't like you.
38:28I don't believe you!
38:29Did that bitch feed you some kind of love potion?
38:33I knew a shameless girl like her would stoop to any dirty trick!
38:39Don't slander her.
38:40She's a hundred times kinder and sweeter than you.
38:45Then he threw her hand away and left without looking back.
38:48Blair was left standing there, full of venom and bitterness.
38:53Cole drove straight back to the house.
38:58When he opened the door, he walked in just as I was dragging out my packed suitcase, about
39:02to leave.
39:03You're here.
39:04I cleaned everything, and I replaced anything I used.
39:08Thank you for taking care of me these past few days.
39:17Zoe, are you really in this much of a hurry to draw a line between us?
39:23I felt a pang of bitterness as I looked at him.
39:26Haven't you been avoiding me on purpose?
39:30I messaged you, and you said you were busy.
39:32I messaged to say I was moving out, and you said okay.
39:39Cole, with how you've been acting, I'm not an idiot.
39:45If you don't like me, I'm not going to keep hanging around here.
39:48Before I could finish, he gripped the back of my head and kissed me hard.
39:52It was rough, like he wanted to crush me into his body.
39:58I pushed against him once, and he only kissed me deeper.
40:02After a long time, he finally let me go.
40:11Zoe, it's not that I don't like you.
40:13I was just angry at you.
40:16What?
40:17The day I got sick, Blair sent me a photo.
40:21What photo?
40:24The one of you and Noah in the supply room.
40:28It all clicked.
40:30So that's why you were upset?
40:32You thought something was going on between me and him?
40:34At first, I didn't believe her.
40:36But when I asked you, you didn't tell me about it.
40:43I thought you really wanted to be with him, so you didn't want me to know.
40:45So that's why you were avoiding me on purpose?
40:48Yeah.
40:50Zoe, you told me that liking someone means being happy together.
40:54If you're happier with him, I'll let you go.
41:03Cole, will you let me explain?
41:08That day, Noah came to find me, and he said that if I broke up with you, he'd agree to
41:12be with me.
41:14I said no, and I cursed him out.
41:19He didn't actually kiss me.
41:21It's just the angle of the photo.
41:22How could I ever let him kiss me?
41:25He looked a little happier, but then quickly put his serious face back on.
41:30Then why did you hide it from me when I asked?
41:36You still had a fever, and I didn't want you to get upset hearing it.
41:40Cole, it's because I like you.
41:42I care about your health.
41:48What did you say?
41:49I said, I like you.
41:53He pulled me into his arms.
41:55He held me tight, like he was afraid I'd run away.
42:00I listened to his heartbeat against his chest.
42:02It was racing.
42:04So I'm so happy.
42:12From now on, whatever happens, we talk it through and face it together.
42:17Okay.
42:23And you're not moving out.
42:24I don't want you to go.
42:28Cole, you already agreed.
42:29Are you being unreasonable?
42:31So, are you being unreasonable now?
42:39Zoe, I was really scared you'd leave these past few days.
42:43It wasn't until today that I realized how much you matter to me.
42:54That night, Cole didn't go back to campus.
42:56He insisted on holding me while we slept.
42:59And that night, he took a few more cold showers.
43:03The next day, I was woken by my phone buzzing.
43:06The screen was full of messages from roommates and classmates.
43:09Zoe, check the forum.
43:10Something happened.
43:11I opened the campus forum.
43:13At the top of the front page was a post by Blair.
43:19Cole and I grew up together.
43:21And our relationship has always been stable.
43:24Zoe chased Noah for over ten years.
43:27And when she couldn't get him, she turned around and stole my boyfriend.
43:32She broke up Cole and me.
43:34Rides in his fancy car.
43:36Lives in his house.
43:38Spends his money.
43:39And then goes right back to being tangled up with Noah.
43:44I stared at her post, shaking all over.
43:51What's wrong?
43:52After he heard what Blair had said, he exploded.
43:55She has the nerve to lie and smear you.
43:58I'm posting something to clear this up right now.
44:03Wait.
44:04Let's see what everyone's saying first.
44:10Most of the comments were attacking me.
44:13Shameless.
44:13Look at yourself before you try to compete with the campus queen.
44:16Gold digger.
44:17Throwing herself at someone because he's rich?
44:20Disgusting.
44:21But a few people defended me.
44:23And they were the ones who had been at the party that night.
44:25Blair, you're the one who broke up with him that night.
44:27And you kissed Noah in front of everyone.
44:29That's why Cole got together with Zoe.
44:31Right?
44:32Why not admit it's the result of your own doing?
44:34What's the point of blaming someone else?
44:38Blair's face went livid.
44:39And she tagged Noah directly.
44:41Whether I'm lying, just ask him.
44:46At that time, Noah was about to go ask Blair what was going on.
44:49But she called him first.
44:51Blair, you secretly took pictures of me and Zoe?
44:55Don't put it like that.
44:56I did it to get back at her for you.
45:00This is your last chance.
45:02Think carefully about whether you want to take it.
45:06The call ended.
45:10After a long time, Noah finally opened the post and replied.
45:14Zoe and I are childhood friends.
45:15It's true.
45:16I don't mind that she stole someone's boyfriend.
45:18So please stop attacking her.
45:22As soon as he said it, everyone exploded.
45:25Holy crap.
45:25Both the top student and the campus queen say so.
45:27Zoe definitely stole someone's boyfriend.
45:29Both of them are so pitiful.
45:31One was swooped on while fighting with her boyfriend.
45:33The other got harassed for over ten years and still defends her.
45:37That's complete bullshit.
45:41You were harassed for ten years?
45:43Why doesn't he say he's the one who shamelessly clung to you?
45:47I can't take this.
45:48I'm posting the evidence right now and slapping them in the face with it.
45:52Since they all think I stalked and harassed Noah, let's let everyone see whether that's true.
46:01I opened my laptop and started organizing my old photo albums and diaries.
46:06They were full of gifts I'd given him and proof that I'd liked him.
46:10My diaries also showed how Noah had brushed me off and been cold to me.
46:14There were also the endings from when I'd tried to give up on him and pulled back.
46:18That time, I'd cried and told Noah that since nothing I did could make him like me, I was giving
46:23up.
46:25And that time, he had actually hugged me first.
46:28Zoe, don't do this.
46:32We grew up together.
46:33I'm used to having you around.
46:37Just like that, he'd given me hope again and made me keep liking him.
46:41Cole sat beside me looking at all this.
46:43So sour, he couldn't stop cursing.
46:49He strung you along like that, and he has the nerve to say you were the one harassing him?
46:54When I finished putting it together, I posted it on the campus forum under my real name.
47:00Response.
47:01I did like Noah in the past, but it was not harassment or stalking.
47:05Here's the proof.
47:07I don't think liking someone for over 10 years is something to be ashamed of.
47:10What's shameful is stringing someone along and refusing to admit it.
47:15When everyone saw the photos and diary sclampships I posted, the tide turned at once.
47:23Holy crap, you call this harassment?
47:25Please, harass me like that.
47:26In the diary she posted, she was trying to give up three years ago, and Noah hugged her himself and
47:31pulled her back.
47:32Ugh, scumbag.
47:33He couldn't stand to lose how good she was to him, so he strung her along.
47:37In an instant, everyone started attacking Noah.
47:39Some people tagged Blair and Noah directly.
47:41So at the party that night, you two really did kiss first to get a rise out of Cole and
47:45Zoe?
47:47Blair called Noah in a panic.
47:49Get out there and explain.
47:51Say you were drunk and you kissed me.
47:52Blair.
47:53That night you were the one who dragged me over to make Cole jealous.
47:57And now you want me to take the blame for you?
48:00No way.
48:02She got people to rip you apart like that!
48:04And you're still protecting her?
48:05Blair, I used to feel sorry for you.
48:07Now I get it.
48:07You're not pitiful, you're shameless.
48:10You're nothing compared to Zoe.
48:12He hung up and looked at a photo I had posted on the forum.
48:16It was from his 18th birthday, when I'd stood in front of the cake, holding his arm.
48:21Zoe, I don't believe you have no feelings left for me.
48:24I sat on the bed with my laptop, and Cole leaned over and kissed me.
48:28That's my girlfriend.
48:29A few words and they all shut up.
48:33Because being sincere is the only killer move.
48:37Thanks for the hard work, babe.
48:39Leave the rest to me.
48:40His fingers flew over his phone, and I took a sip of coffee, curious.
48:45What are you going to say?
48:47You'll see in a minute.
48:49Five minutes later, the campus forum completely blew up.
48:52Everyone started tearing into Blair as a drama queen and a toxic campus queen princess.
48:58They called Noah a hypocrite who wants it both ways, a scumbag, and said he gives everyone the ink.
49:05It turned out that Cole had gotten the security footage from the private room at the party that night.
49:11Along with the footage from when Blair and Noah made a scene in the restaurant's private room.
49:17The video of the two of them kissing in front of everyone.
49:23And the video of her ruining our date, even trying to threaten him with a steak knife and her own
49:27life, all laid out clearly.
49:29The truth was out.
49:30Blair is so shameless.
49:32She broke up first and provoked him, and now she won't let him hit back?
49:35Cole and Zoe are both single.
49:37It's perfectly legit for them to be together.
49:39She can't handle the result of her own doing?
49:42Exactly.
49:43And that Noah, he looks like a cold, brilliant student, but he's actually a pretentious scumbag.
49:49Hilarious.
49:50The whole school was cursing the two of them.
49:52Blair was so angry, she nearly crushed her phone.
49:55Noah!
49:56This is all your fault!
50:01Blair's post was taken down by the moderators soon after.
50:07The school issued a notice saying she had posted false information and violated someone's privacy, and gave her a formal
50:13warning.
50:14She took a long leave of absence and never came back to campus.
50:18Noah had it worse.
50:20The former top student everyone had put on a puristal became the scumbag everyone hated.
50:25That afternoon, I had just come out of the classroom building after class.
50:29I saw Noah standing there from a distance.
50:35Zoe, I have something to say to you.
50:39I have nothing to say to you.
50:43I'm sorry.
50:44Zoe, I didn't know about Blair secretly taking pictures of us and posting them.
50:49I only asked her after I saw the post.
50:52You know me.
50:53I wouldn't do something like that to hurt you.
50:55I suddenly found it kind of funny.
50:57You wouldn't hurt me?
50:59You knew she was lying and smearing me, and you still said something that made people believe it even more?
51:05I'm sorry.
51:07She was very emotional at the time.
51:09She said if I dared say anything, she would...
51:12Suicide, right?
51:14I really had no choice then.
51:16That's why I posted that line.
51:19Noah, do you think I'm still the fool who believes whatever you say?
51:23You're still making excuses for yourself.
51:25I was just afraid she'd get hurt.
51:27Zoe, I didn't mean to hurt you.
51:29Suddenly, I felt there was no point saying any more to him.
51:32Noah, you still won't admit you were wrong.
51:35You're smart.
51:36You understood everything all along.
51:38Let's leave it at that.
51:40Don't come looking for me anymore.
51:42I don't want to see you.
51:48I'm sorry.
51:49I never thought about how you felt.
51:52I don't like Blairie.
51:53When she kissed me, you were the one I was thinking of.
51:57Zoe, back then, the way I treated you, it wasn't because I really found you annoying.
52:03I thought you were always going to be there.
52:04You'd never leave me.
52:05So I kept saying nothing and doing nothing.
52:09The time I agreed to go to the party with you, I'd made up my mind to slowly try being
52:12with you.
52:15And then you ended up kissing Blair?
52:21I was wrong.
52:22I should have pushed her away right then and told her I had someone I liked.
52:26Noah, you didn't come to me today because you suddenly like me so much.
52:30You're just afraid of losing me because I was too good to you before.
52:37You got used to it, so when you lost it, you can't let it go.
52:40That's all.
52:44Zoe, that's not it.
52:49You gave me this ring.
52:51I've worn it all along and never took it off.
52:55For over ten years, you were the only one around me and I only liked having you with me.
53:03These past few days, Blair's been coming to me all the time.
53:05She's really annoying and she flips and throws fits over the smallest things.
53:10That's when I realized not everyone treats me the way you did.
53:14My whole life, you were the only girl who was ever close to me.
53:18Give me a chance.
53:20Let me be good to you.
53:21Let me make it up to you, okay?
53:23In those ten plus years, I had imagined countless times what it would be like if Noah liked me
53:27too.
53:28But now that he was really standing in front of me, bearing his heart in humility,
53:32all I felt was annoyance.
53:34It's too late, Noah.
53:36I only like Cole now, so don't contact me again.
53:40I don't want him to get the wrong idea.
53:42You really don't like me anymore?
53:45But you liked me for over ten years.
53:46Wait.
53:49You don't understand plain English, huh?
53:52My girlfriend already said she only likes me.
53:56Do you have any self-awareness at all?
53:58After everything you did to her, you think she'd like you?
54:00Keep dreaming.
54:02Stay away from my girlfriend from now on or I'll punch you every single time I see you.
54:09When did you get here?
54:11Did you hear everything?
54:12No, I only heard the last few things you said.
54:17Babe, you said you only like me now.
54:19Is that true?
54:21No.
54:23No.
54:25I only like you, too.
54:28Not long after that, Noah applied to be an exchange student and transferred to another school.
54:33Before he left, he had someone return the plane band to me, along with a letter.
54:38The letter went on and on.
54:41Cole leaned over from the other end of the sofa, glanced at it, and scoffed.
54:45Too little, too late.
54:47Where was all this before?
54:49After that, Cole and I went back to our calm, sweet days.
54:53Cole kept going to class with me and eating with me, and when we held hands across campus,
54:58people cheered and congratulated us.
55:00Sometimes, in quiet spots, he'd stop and kiss me, then keep walking like nothing happened.
55:05I told him he had no shame, and he said you need a thick skin to land a girlfriend.
55:09Soon, the 30th day we'd agreed on arrived.
55:11I had no classes that day, and Cole called as soon as I got up.
55:15Babe, did I pass the test these past few weeks?
55:17I can't wait to find out.
55:19I'll tell you tonight.
55:24Then I have to get ready.
55:25Wait for me, babe.
55:26After we hung up, I started getting dressed up.
55:30I went to the supermarket to buy groceries and picked up red wine and scented candles.
55:34I arranged fresh flowers and decorated the living room a little.
55:38I cooked from 4 to 6, then lit the candles and sat on the sofa to wait.
55:42At 6.30, the front door opened.
55:44Cole stood there in a plain white shirt, holding a bouquet so big it hid half his face.
55:49He set the flowers down and took in the table, the candles, the dinner.
55:53Zoe, you made all this?
55:55Don't get excited.
55:56The pasta is fine.
55:57The chicken is questionable.
55:59He didn't laugh.
56:00He just looked at me, his ears turning red the way they always did.
56:05So, 30 days, did I pass?
56:11You passed on day 9.
56:13I just wanted to see how long you could wait.
56:15Day 9?
56:17The day you told me I could say anything to you and you'd never find me boring.
56:23He closed his eyes and let out a shaky laugh.
56:26Then he kissed me.
56:30Not the house.
56:31That one's already yours.
56:32This is for my car and my parents' front door.
56:36My mom's making lasagna on Sunday.
56:38She asked what you like.
56:39She wrote it down.
56:41Cole.
56:42Say yes to dinner, babe.
56:44Then say yes to Europe.
56:46Then say yes to me for a lot longer than 30 days.
56:49Yes, to all three.
56:52He greened, picked up a fork, and eyed the chicken.
56:55Okay, let's see how questionable it really is.
56:58After dinner, he pulled something from his wallet and laid it on the table.
57:02It was the dare card, soft and creased from being carried around.
57:07Choose one girl here and date her for 30 days.
57:10He had crossed out 30 and written a new word above it in messy ink.
57:14Forever.
57:16I was angry when I picked this up.
57:18Best bad idea I ever had.
57:20I looked at the card, then at him.
57:23Outside, the city lights glowed.
57:27Inside, the candles burned low, and Cole's hand found mine on the table.
57:31Now, get back to my wedding roy feed.
57:31There is some stuff with the grapple.
57:34You don't know if the newspaper harinaSpee,