He simply replied, “What a married man
should do.”
I couldn’t change his mind.
“You guys…” Jason hesitated.
I explained, “Jason, I’m pursuing Jake.”
He remained calm: “Really? I heard you were
asking him about me. I thought you were after
me.”
“That was to understand Jake better, using
you to get closer to him.”
I was relieved that I hadn’t started pursuing
Jason in full force yet, so I could still explain
my strange behavior.
Jason looked at us intently, then remained
silent.
The car stopped at the base of the mountain,
and Jake and I got out.
く
+
While Jake bought breakfast, Jason
approached me.
“You two seem close.”
I looked at Jake, who bought my favorite
breakfast items, and smiled, “Yes, we’re very
close.”
“Really? My brother is great, but he’s quiet.” “That’s what I like about him.”
A fleeting look of meaning crossed Jason’s eyes. “I thought you liked me…”
“Jake! I want sweet soy milk! Sweet!”
I cut Jason off, hurrying to Jake. He only
bought savory soy milk.
I was devastated.
He expressionlessly turned and bought
another bowl, adding sugar.
“Sorry, I forgot.”
<
Liar.
His diary chronicled my tastes and
preferences since high school, how could he
forget?
He had seen me chatting with Jason and lost
his composure.
After breakfast, we began our hike.
Jake was incredibly fit, carrying two bags
halfway up the mountain without a single
breath.
Even Jason was winded, but Jake remained
unaffected.
I couldn’t go on and sat on a bench.
“Have some water.”
Jake and Jason offered me water
simultaneously.
Jake looked at Jason and was about to take
hanks the watar
<
back the water.
I quickly grabbed it, “Thank you.”
Jason sat beside me, “Sarah, you’re about to
graduate. Have you considered working for
me?”
In the past life, I repeatedly called Jake to get
a job at Jason’s company.
But Jake couldn’t help; Jason hated backdoor
dealings.
Even after we became a couple, he never
offered me a job.
But this time, he offered first.
An idea formed, and my heart raced.
LO
Jason enthusiastically described his
company’s prospects.
I interrupted, “No thanks, I’ve found a job.”
In my past life. I staved in the city. ioining a
