1.
I listened to Maya’s startled, high-pitched little complaint and to Liam patiently calming her down again and again, and for a moment everything felt utterly flat.
After we left the private room, I went to the restroom.
I wiped away the lipstick I’d carefully applied today and glanced up to see Maya walk in.
"Liam’s going to take me home tonight."
Maya reapplied her lipstick in the mirror. When she pursed her lips, a dimple teased out and mischief danced in her eyes—she didn’t even bother to hide the challenge in her tone.
"Fine."
I forced a small smile and shoved the feeling deep into my chest.
I stepped back out and ran straight into Liam, who was waiting by the door.
He was even carrying Maya’s bag.
"Claire, Maya asked me to take her home tonight, you—"
Liam’s voice had always been beautiful. I used to save every voice message he sent me and play them back on long, quiet nights, tucking my earphones in and letting my teenage heart melt over the way he said even the simplest things. Usually his tone was cool and distant; only when Maya was involved would it soften with a rare, gentle apology.
"Let’s go, big brother."
Before I could say anything, Maya looped her arm through Liam’s. She still acted like a little girl; the smug grin she wore was blinding.
I stared at Liam, searching his face for signs of being torn, but there were none.
"Be careful, Claire."
Maya turned, fully blocking my view, batting her eyelashes and tugging Liam away.
I watched their backs until they were out of sight, a little dazed.
Big brother?
Maya only ever called Liam "big brother." She knew exactly how to press the softest spot in him.
In front of me, she always called him "Liam"—not the nickname of childhood friends who’d grown up together, but a subtle claim, a quiet declaration of ownership.
I wandered the streets after I left the building.
The Riverton river tasted of autumn chill. I was only wearing a thin knit, and the wind along Riverside Avenue made me shiver.
I leaned against the railing and stared at the water. The amber streetlights reflected off the surface, split by ripples until the edges blurred, and then, suddenly, sharpened again.
Of course I couldn’t help it—I let a few lonely tears fall.
I started to wipe them away when a warm presence touched my back and a tissue was pressed into my hand.
I felt my jacket on my shoulder, stunned for a second.
"Get home early. It’s too cold by the river."
The voice beside me was soft and low—suddenly the chill eased.
I took the tissue and dabbed at the tracks on my face, then shrugged off my sweater and handed it back. "Thanks. I should go."
I practically ran. I couldn’t bear anyone seeing me like that—not even a stranger.
I’m not like Maya; she could squeeze out a few tears and make a scene until people looked over.
I prefer to curl up alone in some empty corner, sniffling quietly, sweating and exhausted, drifting off to sleep.
Even in dreams it’s always the same: Maya dragging Liam away, crying, and me left holding a silly lollipop—awkward and helpless.
Maya is Liam’s little sister. Not by blood, but he worships her.
If she pouts and lets a pearly tear fall into her dimple, Liam drops everything, patiently coos at her, and keeps going until she’s smiling again.
Maya is three years younger than us. She didn’t come to the Brooks household until she was six. Strictly speaking, Liam and I were the true childhood sweethearts.
But the kid who cries gets the milk.
When Liam and I were in middle school, she was still in elementary. When we hit high school, she was in middle school. She always lagged behind us by three grades. I thought I’d finally stop hearing that name on Liam’s lips all the time.
In junior year of high school, because of his exceptional fitness, Liam was picked by the airline to train as a pilot. I knew it was his dream.
In my sophomore year of college, he was on a business trip to my city. I got drunk and confessed.
He replied in a hoarse whisper: "Okay."
All those years of secret longing and quiet companionship finally had a happy ending.
Until Maya got into the same university as me.
"Claire, she’s younger than us. Please look after her."
Liam rarely sounded so pleading with me. No matter how much it stung, I kept stepping back.
"You and Liam are together."
The first day I met Maya on campus, she said it flatly, not even curious.
"Maya—"
Before I could finish, she tugged her suitcase and walked off, shoving her bag into the hands of a senior.
It wasn’t until Liam called that I learned she’d started seeing that senior. Liam scolded me for not watching over her; she’d been taken to a bar by that guy.
After I hung up, it felt like I’d fallen into an icebox. My whole body went numb.
Only when Liam told me they’d broken up did my anxious heart settle a bit.
He requested a schedule change at work and flew back to Riverton.
Maybe that’s what Maya wanted.
I always wanted to ask Liam why—why, though I was there for her earlier and was more sensible, his softness and concessions were never for me.
2.
I hailed a car. By now Maya should be back in the dorm; it wasn’t likely I’d run into them on campus again.
It made me laugh at myself. We were at the same school, and yet Maya somehow always had a way of making Liam ditch me, his girlfriend, to bring her home.
Back in Elm Hall, I opened the string of messages and missed calls Liam had left me—over a dozen.
"Claire, are you back?"
"I’m downstairs at your dorm."
"Maya broke up with him. She’s upset and wants someone to talk to."
"I’m her brother. I have to take care of her."
"Claire, are you back yet?"
"The company scheduled a mission for tomorrow morning. I have to go back to the hotel."
Maybe the river breeze tonight had cleared something inside me. My heart felt unusually calm.
I’ve always hated choosing between two options. If I couldn’t do it well, I’d avoid it. I didn’t want to throw this problem back at him: choose me or choose Maya. It felt childish.
Or maybe deep down I already knew Liam would never choose me with unshakable certainty.
Like the last lollipop in a bag always ending up in Maya’s hand, like the sweetest bite at the center of a watermelon—Liam would always scoop that for her first.
"She’s my sister."
So he’d already answered all the questions for me.
"Let’s find a time to talk properly."
After I sent that message, I closed my eyes and slept an unusually peaceful sleep.
In the dream, Maya tantrumed and dragged Liam away. This time I didn’t stand frozen watching them leave—I turned and walked away.
When I was about to message Liam to meet and talk, his call came through the phone.
"Claire, has Maya contacted you?"
He sounded urgent.
I frowned and felt my right eyelid twitch. "No. What’s wrong?"
"I just got a voice message from her—it’s noisy. Maybe she’s at a bar or a KTV."
What was Maya up to now?
I had no words.
"Claire, can you ask around with her classmates? You’re at the same school. I need you to find out."
I’d never heard Liam beg like that. See—he always put Maya first, even on nights he could tell something was off with me.
I took a breath. "Okay."
This was my last compromise.
Luckily, Maya had been at school long enough that I’d helped her with things before. I called people in different departments—nope, no team events.
Then I thought of the senior she’d just broken up with—the basketball club president. I’d seen him around campus a few times.
I dragged several classmates into asking, and they all said the club president was out with his new girlfriend.
Finally, exhausted, I tracked down one of Maya’s classmates and found out she’d dragged a few friends to a KTV.
I texted Liam: "I’ll go with you."
He arrived in a car with a fleet emblem, and I recognized his coworker at the wheel.
I got in and gave the address. Liam sat beside me, brows tightly knit, eyes half-lidded with fatigue and worry.
I couldn’t help the tiny smile that tugged at my lips. Every time I saw that expression, I knew Maya had done something.
But as soon as she cried, all his scolding dissolved and he turned soft and soothing.
"This is my colleague, Ethan Ward," Liam said, leaning back and closing his eyes, the faint scent in the car following him.
Azure.
That year, to celebrate Liam getting into Skyline Airways, I emptied my little savings and bought him a bottle of Azure at the mall.
I had wrapped the gift box with trembling hands. Inside was not only a perfume that had been pricey for me, but everything I couldn’t say with words.
Liam had smiled softly. He was like polished jade. "Thank you, Claire."
He sprayed it on that night when we went out to eat.
I sat beside him, half dizzy from the scent, heart thudding.
Then Maya said something that made my heart drop.
"Big brother, what did you put on? It smells awful."
She pinched her nose.
Everyone looked at Liam. His earlobes flushed bright red. He couldn’t bear it—he stood up and took off his jacket, not daring to glance my way.
It was a summer evening. Maybe the box’s air conditioning was too cold; my hands and feet went numb and my whole night under the covers didn’t warm me.
Thinking back, I don’t think I’ve smelled that perfume on him since.
I tightened my brow and suddenly remembered the man by the river a few nights ago.
When he put his jacket over my shoulders, there was a warm woody scent blossoming at my brow.
3.
"We’re here."
The man in the pilot’s seat suddenly spoke. His voice was eerily like the one by the river that night. I found myself glancing over. Angular features, a high bridge to his nose, thin lips pressed together—apparently pilots come with good looks as part of the uniform.
Liam hurriedly opened the car door, and we followed.
I watched from the back as Liam went door to door, apologizing and checking. A tight, prickly sourness crept up in my chest.
When we found Maya, her hair was a mess and she reeked of alcohol.
"Maya, who told you you could go out drinking?"
Liam’s voice had an edge I rarely heard. He was truly angry this time.
"Brother, why doesn’t he want me anymore? Why did he turn and go to someone else?"
Maya dragged her words out, voice breaking. It made you ache just hearing it.
The private room was dim; I couldn’t read Liam’s face.
He righted her, straightened her clothes and bag.
"Is it my fault, brother? Why does no one like me?"
Liam didn’t answer. He nodded to her friends, half-carrying, half-supporting Maya out of the room.
"Brother, you don’t like me? I don’t want to be your sister anymore."
Maya sobbed. Under the lobby lights, her dimples ruddied. I couldn’t tell how much she’d drunk.
"Liam likes Maya. Likes his sister the most."
He finally gave in, saying what she wanted to hear, babying her like a child.
Ethan drove the car over. Liam helped Maya into the back seat. I watched them and sighed, then opened the passenger door.
"I’ll take them back to the hotel first, then I’ll take you home."
Ethan turned to me, his voice clear. I steadied my face and nodded.
I closed my eyes and listened to the noisy whispers behind us. That was when I realized: the one who’d been forced to choose all this time wasn’t Liam. It was me.
Choose to keep swallowing my pride, or choose to walk away for good.
Ethan drove us to the hotel.
"Claire, I’ll come find you after I sort this out," Liam finally remembered I was in the car. "Ethan, please take Claire back to campus for now."
I didn’t turn to look. I watched out the window. From this angle, Maya snuggled against Liam’s chest—her face in full view.
Her eyes met mine. Clear. Lucid.
Even with everything I expected in advance, something sharp still tore open inside me. Blood hot and raw filled my throat; I swallowed hard, tasting iron.
"Claire, I’ll take you back to school," Ethan said, low and even.
"Okay. Just call me Claire."
The car rolled forward. I kept my eyes shut. A faint woody sandalwood lingered in the air and calmed me.
"We happened to be on a business trip in Riverton this month. Liam has to stay at the hotel the whole time."
She Chased Him Until He Burned for Her
I hadn't expected Ethan to start talking with me. The night before, I'd gone to the hotel looking for Liam. It was my birthday. He'd promised he'd be with me. I waited and waited, then got one message: "Claire, Maya and I broke up. I can't leave."
I'd had to laugh once to myself—was Maya really that calculated?
"You're not staying inside?" I asked, picking up the thread.
"My home is in Riverton," Ethan said, turning slightly, his face softening into a warm smile. "I kind of like Riverton."
Whenever I felt anxious, I'd go to Riverside Avenue, walk the riverbank with my eyes closed and let the night breeze kiss the tears away. Only the river's wind seemed to soothe me, again and again.
"I ran into a boy on Riverside Avenue the other night," I said.
"That was me," Ethan admitted, pressing his lips together. "I'd had a fight with my family and needed the river. I noticed you looked down and aimless, so I watched for a bit."
Heat crept up my neck. Embarrassment prickled—he'd seen me sneaking tears by the river, and now he’d witnessed tonight's whole awkward scene.
I cleared my throat to cover my blush.
"I'll tell you some funny things that happened while I was flying," Ethan offered, probably trying to distract me.
"Sure."
He wasn't nearly as icy as he seemed. He was talkative, actually—the first days of training and how terrified he was, how his legs shook the first time he stepped off a plane, and even some office gossip from Skyline Airways.
I thought of Liam. He never told me things like this. Even if I was curious, I'd hold back, not wanting to disturb him. As long as he was safe, that was all I wanted. When we did spend time together, it was always Maya clinging to him, asking a hundred questions while I trailed silently behind.
"Have you ever seen the ocean?" I blurted.
"All the time. Sometimes I fly missions in helicopters and we're over the sea," he said.
"I really want to see the ocean, but never had the chance."
"If I'm ever on a job by the coast, I'll film it and send you the video."
"Okay."
I didn't know why, but I felt sure he'd follow through. It made no sense that someone I'd only known a few hours could make me feel safe in a way I never had before.
"We're almost at the university."
"Just drop me at the gate—the school's cars aren't allowed inside," I said.
He parked at the entrance. I thanked him, grabbed my things, and got out.
Before I reached the gate, someone hurried up beside me.
"It's late. I'll walk you back to Elm Hall."
"Okay."
"In high school, I fought with my parents and fled early into the airline life," he said as we walked. "Now sometimes I regret not having a memorable college experience."
"Regret what exactly?"
"Not having those unforgettable college days."
"College wasn't that great for me either." I tried to comfort him. My own university life had just been routine—classes and a few strict patterns.
"Then tell me about it more, will you?"
I turned to look at him. Ethan's skin was pale, the streetlight making him a little cooler in tone. His eyes were dark like obsidian, flecked with tiny lights.
"Okay."
Back in my dorm, I washed up quickly and lay down.
My phone had no messages from Liam. I wasn't surprised—he was probably focused on taking care of a drunk Maya.
I opened his chat and typed one line.
"Liam, let's break up."
I hit send.
Saying goodbye wasn't as hard as I'd imagined. No dramatic choking sobs. No rivers of tears. I've always been by Liam's side—where he went, I went. My gaze was full of him. Later, Maya came into the picture.
There had been other boys who confessed to me over the years, but I was determined to be with Liam. Looking back, what had really changed after he accepted me? I had convinced myself I was entitled to some of Liam's love and felt guilty for taking care of Maya, so I'd always help her. But maybe Liam had never made room for me in his heart at all.
Maybe this is how it had to be.
I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep, sandalwood still faint in my nostrils.
The next morning my phone was flooded with missed calls—all from Liam. I unlocked and saw a bunch of unread pinned messages. I didn't open them—I deleted the whole thread.
Scrolling down, I found a message from Ethan last night: "I made it home. Good night."
I thought of how I used to message Liam like a running log: "I ate," "I had two ice creams today," "It rained a lot today." I worried he might think I was too chatty, but I feared an empty chat window more. Those little reports were my clumsy way of saying I missed him, that my first instinct in every moment was to tell him.
I'd deleted the records—the messages that tracked all my small humiliations and hurts.
I washed my face, did my skincare, and meant to ignore Ethan's message. But I couldn't resist replying.
"Too tired to check messages last night, sorry."
I changed and headed out to pick up a package.
At the pickup counter a girl spoke to me. I recognized her—Maya's roommate.
"Senior, Maya still hasn't come back. Is she safe?"
"Don't worry. Her brother's with her," I said.
"Thanks, senior."
I nodded and took my packages back to the dorm. I bought a few small things and then remembered a bracelet I'd helped Liam snag online a month ago—supposedly a talisman for safety. I smirked at my own gullibility back then. Thankfully the seller allowed returns.
Not hungry, I nibbleted bread and worked on a paper for hours before collapsing into sleep. A call woke me up.
"Hello?"
My voice sounded hoarse.
"Done with work early today." Ethan's fresh voice came through, pulling me alert. "I'm near your school. Mind if I grab a meal in the Commons?"
He asked like it was a gentle advance. I remembered him walking me back last night and answered softly, "Okay."
I splashed water on my face and headed downstairs. Before I left, I texted him:
"Wait at the north gate. I'll come get you."
When I looked up, he was already on the steps, in a simple white tee, one hand in his pocket, watching me. He stood under a tree a little ways from the dorm entrance—impossible to miss because he was so striking.
At 6'1", he drew a handful of glances from girls on the stairs.
His smile widened as I walked over.
"Aren't your feet cold?"
I glanced down and realized I’d gone out in flip-flops. He had a teasing look. I felt sheepish and rubbed my nose.
I normally dressed casually; it seemed only with Liam did I bother to fuss. Ethan's tone left no room for refusal.
"Go change into socks and shoes. I'll wait."
I curled my toes—yeah, they were cold—and agreed. "Okay."
When I came back down in sneakers, a girl was awkwardly red-faced, stumbling past Ethan as if she'd just left him.
"You look pretty popular with the college girls."
I walked beside him and couldn't help teasing.
"There are a lot of flight attendants at the company adding me on WeChat too."
Ethan pursed his lips; from that angle his chest still had a couple soft, boyish rolls.
I snorted. Ethan was a year younger than me. He gave off that crisp, cool vibe, but up close he was totally a kid.
"The cafeteria food here isn't great. Want me to take you out to eat?"
I glanced at the Commons Cafeteria menu—nothing I wanted.
"No need. You pick what you like and I'll eat the same."
Ethan winked at me, the corner of his eye tipping flirtatiously.
His eyes did have a way of pulling you in.
I ordered two spicy noodle bowls. Ethan carried them over, steam rising.
I watched him through the haze of steam, a little unreal—how did a kid who flies planes just wander into my life like this?
Even Liam never ate with me in the cafeteria, never cared about what I liked.
Boys eat fast. After a few slurps, he was down to the broth.
"Want me to show you around? My campus is pretty big."
Ethan sniffed, cheeks flushed from the heat. "Okay."
Honestly, I hadn't really explored the campus either. There were places I'd never properly looked at.
Coming back from Oakwood Grove, we passed the basketball court. A group of teens in headbands and knee pads kept at it in the cold, arms bare and competitive.
"I haven't played in ages," Ethan said, watching them.
Suddenly a basketball bounced toward us. Before I could react, Ethan reached out and caught it.
He dribbled toward the court, glanced back at me like he was asking something. I smiled and said nothing.
A twenty-something kid who could play instantly blended into the pickup game.
Ethan sank three shots in a row, waved like it was nothing, then jogged over to me, breathless.
"Come on, I'll walk you back to Elm Hall."
His nose was dotted with sweat, his eyes bright in a way I'd never seen—this was the first time I'd seen him so genuinely happy.
We'd just turned into the dorm area when I spotted someone a short distance away.
Liam.
Probably just dropped Maya off at her dorm.
Before his gaze landed on us, I quickly looped my fingers through Ethan's.
I saw Liam visibly startle. His eyes locked on our joined hands.
Walking closer felt awkward—Ethan was Liam's coworker, after all.
I tried to pull my hand back. To my surprise, Ethan gripped even tighter.
"Don't be scared, sis."
He leaned close to my ear, warm breath tickling, and my earlobe tingled.
My heart skipped.
"Maya, can we talk?"
Maybe it was my imagination, but I read shock and hurt in Liam's eyes.
I nodded, deciding it needed to be cleared up.
Ethan tugged my arm and changed our direction, leaning in to look at me. "Sis, that spicy noodle bowl was so good. Can you take me again next time?"
His voice was loud enough for Liam to hear.
Ethan's eyes were clear pools—bright and innocent, but at that moment they held a mischievous glint.
Such a child.
He tousled my hair and left.
I pulled myself together and turned to face Liam.
"Did you do that on purpose?"
His voice was hoarse, shaking.
I raised an eyebrow. I really hadn't.
"Maya is my little sister. I have a responsibility to take care of her. I know that means I might ignore you sometimes, but she'll have her own life later."
"Liam, what I've always cared about wasn't anyone else—it was how you treated me. If you loved me, no matter how many sisters you had, you wouldn't ignore my feelings."
"Maya, I really do love you. I'll change, okay?"
He took a deep breath. "Please don't try to make me jealous with other people."
I looked down, fidgeting with a pebble under my shoe.
If it had been before, his patient coaxing would have made me nod like crazy.
Now, for some reason, I felt irritated. Was he using the same tactics he used with Maya on me?
Liam stepped closer and I sensed what he wanted—to pull me into a hug—so I moved back.
"We broke up, Liam," I said.
"Maya…"
"Maybe I was stubborn before. I was tired. But now I've moved on."
"Go. I want to rest."
I turned away and climbed the stairs without looking back. Tears pricked—memories of the old me felt humiliating and unfair.
Before I reached my dorm door, my phone buzzed.
A message from Ethan.
"Made it back?"
He sounded anxious.
"Yeah, just got in."
"Good."
I pictured him worrying I'd been kidnapped by Liam.
"Wanna see a movie tomorrow?"
"The company gave me tickets."
He sent a sticker, as if bribing me.
"Aren't you flying tomorrow?"
"Day off."
I checked my schedule—no classes. "Okay."
"Good night, sis."
Ethan's gentle voice had tricked me into thinking he was mature. Turns out he was the kind of kid who kept trying for more.
I slept in the next day, treated myself to light makeup—my skills were rough—and decided on a thin sweater and long skirt.
Ethan said he didn't want to drive; he wanted to squeeze into the subway with me, pretending to be just another college kid. He waited by the campus gate like he'd planned it.
Rush hour packed the train. Ethan gripped an overhead bar with one hand, lightly tapped my arm with the other.
"Hold on to me."
I smiled and dodged his playful look. A sudden stop threw me into his arms.
His scent—sandalwood—hit me, warm and familiar.
Amid the jostling, I heard him whisper, "You look really pretty today, sis."
Maybe the sweater made me flushed, because my face stayed hot until the movie ended.
When we stepped out, rain hammered the street. Neither of us had an umbrella.
Ethan draped his jacket over my head and pulled me along as we ran.
I glanced at his wet lashes and felt inexplicably happy—the kind of joy from running barefoot in a sudden childhood downpour.
We were soaked through, laughing at how bedraggled we looked.
"The hotel is close. My room's still open. Let me take you so you can freshen up."
"Okay."
He led me to his room; it was on the same floor as Liam's, and bad memories crawled up—me crouched in the hallway with a cake once upon a time.
"I don't live here in Riverton much. Most of my coworkers stay here," he said, opening the door but not entering.
"Take a shower. There are my clothes in the wardrobe if you don't mind changing into them."
"I'll shower at a coworker's place."
I nodded and shut the door.
The room smelled of Azure perfume. He really did love that scent.
After I'd blow-dried my hair, Ethan still wasn't back.
Wrapped in a robe and about to ask the front desk to dry my clothes, I turned and felt a firm hand grab my arm.
"Maya."
Liam.
I looked back. Rage flickered openly in his eyes—anger I'd never seen him show, even at Maya when she'd crossed lines. What was he so furious about?
It struck me as funny. I'd tried finding him so many times before and failed. Now, stepping out of another man's room, here he was.
"Why are you here?" he demanded.
I opened my mouth, then closed it. No explanation felt satisfactory.
"If you're trying to push my buttons, you don't have to humiliate yourself like this."
Humiliate myself?
He assumed that with no facts?
Liam reached to shove the hotel door aside like he wanted to beat Ethan up.
"What's going on?" Ethan said, suddenly by his side, grabbing Liam's arm.
"What are you doing? Why did you bring Maya to a hotel?"
Liam ground his teeth, veins pulsing.
"She got soaked in the rain. She came here to change."
Ethan's face went cold. Usually composed, his eyes now held a mix of restraint and anger.
Liam's expression tightened. I pulled my arm free.
"Maya, can we talk?" he asked, voice softer now, tamping down his anger.
I glanced at Ethan. He said nothing, jaw clenched, face drawn.
"Okay."
Liam led me into his room and handed me a cup of warm water.
He sat on the couch and held my hand.
"Maya, Maya's parents died early. My parents asked me to care for her. She's so young without parents—I worry about her. Everything I've done came from being a brother."
"But she's not my sister."
I pulled my hand away.
"I've thought a lot. Maya does affect us. I'll set boundaries going forward. Please don't leave me."
"Forget it, Liam. I’m exhausted from always trying so hard to please someone."
I stood to end the pointless conversation.
Liam gripped my hand. "Do you like Ethan?"
I didn't answer. He seemed so worked up.
"Are you really going to be with my coworker just to provoke me?"
I looked at him and realized he felt stranger than before. Maybe my attachment to him had been more habit than love.
Suddenly it hit me: I didn't really know him.
"And you," I said, yanking my hand from his. "You keep using your sister to rile me for so long."
His face fell in surprise, but I didn't care.
I admitted I had reached for Ethan's hand that night with a little intention, but it wasn't to get back at Liam.
I wanted to tell him my world didn't revolve around him alone—that I could live without him.
Most of all, I wanted to tell him I didn't love him anymore.
I opened the door and Ethan stood there, waiting. His gaze slid past me to Liam, eyes narrowed in warning.
"Let's go."
He took my hand and dragged me back to his room.
"Did he say anything to you?" Ethan asked cautiously, something protectively wary flickering in his dark eyes.
I knew he wanted to know exactly what had been said.
"I told him we'll stay out of each other's way from now on."
Ethan's brow relaxed and a little curve lifted at the corner of his mouth. "I'm heading to Oceanside on a business trip in a couple days."
"Wait for me to come back, sis."
I could feel it—Ethan liked me. Big-hearted boys can't hide things like that; when he smiled, his eyes curved up with joy.
But I didn't call him out on it.
The day before Ethan left Riverton, he came by my campus again.
He said he was craving the spicy noodle bowl from the Commons Cafeteria—missed that exact flavor.
I smiled and said nothing.
After he left for Oceanside he got busy, but still every day he had little things to run over and share with me.
"Sis, I'm about to take off."
He sent a photo in uniform—dazzlingly handsome.
"Sis, the seafood here is amazing. Next time I'll take you."
"Sis, today an airline attendant at the company added me on WeChat."
I ignored it. He went into detail until I said, "Don't give it to her," and only then did he begrudgingly say goodnight and sign off.
I told him I was a bit busy lately; he still reported to me every day.
"No problem—you don't have to reply, but I want to share."
Two hectic weeks of thesis work finally ended. As soon as I got back to Elm Hall, Ethan called.
"Guess where I am."
His clear voice came through the phone and my heart skipped a little.
I put my earbuds in, cranked the volume and listened closely.
There was wind, there was water.
"You at the beach?"
"Mm-hmm."
I closed my eyes and let the sea breeze whisper through the mic, the surf slapping the rocks, and Ethan's soft breathing.
For a long moment neither of us spoke. His breath made him feel right beside me, but the ocean sounds insisted he was miles away looking at a different horizon.
"Next time I'll definitely bring you to see the sea."
His voice was carried by the wind, but it settled in my chest.
"You can video call."
"I want you to see it with your own eyes."
Stubborn, huh.
"Okay."
"Claire Bennett, I like you."
"Sis, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Okay."
I couldn't hear my own voice clearly, but my heart was pounding faster than the static in my headphones.
Seven. Two more busy weeks went by. That afternoon after my experiment I suddenly missed Ethan, so I went to the Commons and ordered a spicy noodle bowl.
I took a picture and sent it to him. "Your favorite."
I was nearly done when he still hadn't replied.
As I was about to get up, someone set down a steaming bowl across from me. Behind it was a familiar face, grinning.
Of course—what's a surprise appearance without that little flair?
I snapped a pic of him slurping noodles and sent it to his WeChat with the caption, "Someone else ate the noodles."
Ethan glanced at his phone, looked up at me, licked the chili oil from his lip. "Silly."
After we finished, he took my hand and we walked around the quad.
"How did you get through the gate? Lately you have to swipe in."
I was curious.
"Pure beauty—borrowed someone else's swipe card and snuck in."
Ethan had some nerve.
"I'm applying to transfer back to Riverton. I'll be working here mostly, with the occasional trip."
He traced his thumb over my knuckles; the little tingles made my stomach flip.
"When can we go see the sea?"
"When I fly to Oceanside next time, come on my flight."
"Okay."
The sky burned a bright red at dusk. The evening breeze brushed my cheek, cool and refreshing, like burying yourself in shredded clouds.
Ethan walked me to the dorm steps and wouldn't let go of my hand.
His lashes were long, and his eyes looked wet, like a puppy's.
I suddenly thought of a question.
"Ethan, what do you like about me?"
"Pretty. Gentle."
"The airline attendant at your company must be prettier than me."
I rolled my eyes; little brothers love to tease.
"Nope."
He paused, then said, "That day you were crouched in the hotel hallway holding a cake, I noticed you. You cried for a long time. I tasted the cake, then threw it in the trash."
Why did he always find me at my worst?
"So you felt sorry for me?"
"Not at all. When our flight attendants got fired and cried so badly, I felt bad—but I didn't like them."
Hmm. Fair enough.
"What do you like about me, sis?"
When Ethan spoke, the little softness at his cheeks jiggled.
I couldn't help it—I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
"I like your chubby cheeks."
"Look, am I losing face fat?"
I cupped Ethan's face, peering left and right. "Nope."
He squinted, grabbed my waist—his palms were hot.
"Whatever—tomorrow come have lunch with me at the office."
"Can't you eat alone?"
Bold.
"Mm-hmm."
Ethan nodded solemnly.
When I arrived at Ethan's office on time, I realized I'd been led around by his nose.
I peeked and didn't see many people in the lobby.
I stood behind a large column and opened my phone, messaging him, "I'm at the front."
Just then a shadow fell across me.
"Claire."
I looked up into Liam Brooks' eyes. It had been a while. He seemed darker than before.
I wondered why he was still in Riverton, but I didn't ask. No need.
"Liam, I applied to stay in Riverton."
I nodded—okay, fine. At least Maya was here.
"Liam, please don't be with Ethan, okay? You two just met."
He pressed his lips together, pleading in his eyes. "Even if you don't want me now, can you give me another chance?"
"I'm not with Ethan to spite you. We genuinely like each other. I won't consider your feelings over being with him. Don't you think that's ridiculous?"
Maybe my firm gaze burned him; his mouth opened slightly but no sound came out.
As I wondered how to leave, I noticed Maya approaching.
"Claire, you've broken up with Liam—why are you still hanging around him?"
Maya's eyes were sharp and her voice pierced. She shoved me hard; I staggered and almost hit a column.
"Maya, what are you doing?"
Liam grabbed her arm, annoyed.
"Why can she be with you and not me? Why have you always praised her for being obedient and sensible?" Maya flushed and began to tremble, falling apart. "I don't want to be your sister—why won't you ever look at me? She's already done with you—why are you still trying to get her back?!"
Liam froze, eyes widening, muttering, "Maya, why would you think that…"
"You're nice to me because one day you'll feel free to leave me and run off with Claire for a happy life together."
Maya pointed at me like I was the wedge between them.
"Stop it, Maya!"
It was approaching lunchtime; people came and went, glancing our way.
Liam frowned, a rare discomfort on his face.
I was about to call Ethan when someone grabbed my hand.
"Please stop bothering my girlfriend. Take your fight home and close the door behind you."
I turned and saw Ethan. His jaw was sharp, the corner of his eyes tilted up; when he set his face like that he looked fierce.
Ethan led me into the company.
"Why did you take so long?"
I shoved a spoonful of rice into my mouth.
"The boss needed to talk to me."
Ethan reached over and ruffled my hair, smiling.
"You're quite devious, you know that?"
He froze with chopsticks in hand, his eyes glinting. "Sis, I'm an innocent little brother."
"You knew Liam was staying here, didn't you?"
"What? Of course not—when I have such a pretty girlfriend, don't I want to show her off?"
Ethan leaned over and offered me an egg; his cheeks pushed up to his eyes from the grin.
I took a big bite of the egg and rolled my eyes inside.
"Sis, a twenty-year-old little brother like me is rare—cherish him."
Not serious.
I picked up my tray to leave.
"Hey, hey! Brother will always love sis!"
Honestly, I was grinning inside.
The serialized column had 41 chapters—I'd read them all.
