Chapter 114 Chapter 114

Chapter 114 Chapter 114
Vince looked away. "That’s why I told her not to wait for me."

"Vince, you..." Tony let go of Vince’s collar, feeling helpless. He no longer recognized his close friend.

Vince turned to look at Serenity one last time. "Serenity. I never asked you to wait for me. So, even without me, you need to become stronger to face everything. Your happiness shouldn't be placed on the shoulders of a man who breaks his promises like me."

Vince finished speaking and drove away. After those words, perhaps Serenity no longer hoped for any waiting, nor for any warm hands to hold hers. Time would still pass, and she would have to continue her life; everything would just start over from the beginning.

The next afternoon at the basketball court, Tony and Adele sat together, sharing rice balls she had made herself.

"Hey, I know what you’re thinking," Tony spoke up when he saw his girlfriend sitting in silent contemplation.

"Really. Then tell me, what am I thinking?" Adele rested her chin on her hand, waiting.

Tony chewed a rice ball, his face full of enjoyment. "The rice balls you make are getting tastier. Every day I eat the lunch you cook for me, and I feel like time is slowing down. It’s as if the whole world has gone quiet just because I love your care and concern."

"Oh goodness, what are you talking about. It’s just simple rice balls and ordinary food; it’s not as enticing as you say." Adele blushed, but then her gaze drifted downward.

Tony took her hand, his voice dropping an octave. "You’re thinking about why Vince doesn't enjoy this elusive happiness, aren't you?"

Adele sighed, setting down her chopsticks. "I feel it’s so unfair to Serenity, and I’m sad for her. It’s clear Serenity loves Vince so much, but what did she get in the end? Nothing but being abandoned so ruthlessly. Even though Vince is about to leave for Japan, Serenity remains as calm as if nothing were happening. What does that mean? Even though she goes to school regularly, she’s even more diligent about taking notes now. Compared to before, she has completely changed."

"Now that you mention it," Tony added, "it’s the same with the basketball club. Serenity is doing everything so thoroughly, as if she wants to use work to fill every void."

"She even said she’d work with me at the fast-food shop, not leaving any time for herself," Adele said painfully.

Tony looked into the distance. "Because she wants to stay busy to escape the pain Vince left behind. When a heart breaks, people often choose to punish their bodies to forget the feeling of their chest bleeding."

As they were talking, Kelvin and Joan walked by. Being naturally curious, Kelvin quickly snatched a rice ball and ate it happily, much to Tony’s shock.

"Hey, you thief." Tony glared.

Kelvin made a face while chewing. "I’m jealous, really. A love lunch made by a girlfriend, but why does it taste so bad?"

"Kelvin, take back what you just said." Adele stood up and shouted, her anger flaring.

"Did I say something wrong?" Kelvin looked bewildered, not realizing he had just touched a raw nerve among his friends.

"If you don't know, please just shut up." Joan pulled Kelvin back, then turned to Tony and Adele with a serious expression. "There’s a farewell party for Vince tomorrow. Are you two coming?"

"Did you invite Serenity?" Adele asked.

Joan hesitated. "Not yet, because Vince didn't want her invited, so I... Vince said he wants to keep his distance from Serenity, so he wouldn't let me invite her. Besides, parties often make people think of separation. It’s best not to invite her."

Adele gave a cold laugh. "As if he’s the only one who’s heartbroken. You all go to the party. I’ll go comfort Serenity."

Joan nodded, relieved. "Yes, that’s probably for the best."

Vince was choosing the cruelest way to end a romance: intentional forgetting. He wanted to push Serenity away so she wouldn't be burdened, but he didn't know that his cold "kindness" was a poison slowly seeping into her heart. While his friends prepared their goodbyes, Serenity was learning to live with the ghost called "memories."

Serenity walked into the house, her breath catching as her eyes landed on five suitcases of various sizes neatly lined up in the living room. They were like milestones counting down the days until she lost him forever. Vince came downstairs, his face as nonchalant as if he were merely preparing for a short camping trip.

"You’re home."

"I just got back. Are you going out?" She tried to keep her voice steady.

"I want to buy a few things and pick up my visa while I’m at it. There isn't much time left, so I need to get there before my school starts its new semester."

"So the departure date is set."

Vince didn't look at her. "I told my mother I must at least stay for the wedding of my father and Aunt Briona."

"That’s next Saturday."

"Yes. Tomorrow the guys are throwing me a farewell party, so I have to go out."

"Eating out."

"Most likely."

Serenity gave a faint smile and offered some advice. "Remember not to eat pizza or pâté, or you’ll be throwing up all over the place on the way to Japan."

"I know," Vince replied, his heart aching.

"When you get there, check if the moon in Japan is rounder than the moon here. If you have free time, go see the cherry blossoms. They’re the most beautiful flowers in Japan."

Vince looked at the small girl before him, who was trying to act strong with such innocent advice. "You silly girl, are you still worrying about things like that even now?"

"I really am a fool. Anyway, go do what you need to do. I’m going to my room." Serenity turned away quickly so he wouldn't see the tears that were about to spill.

"Mhm." Vince’s curt reply echoed behind her.

Serenity walked away, struggling to keep her tears from falling. She didn't dare look back, walking in silence. Although she knew this was hard to accept, this was the scene she would have to face every day from now on. It was better to start getting used to it now.

Vince turned his head to watch Serenity walk despondently up the stairs. He didn't know when he would ever be able to return to this house. Serenity, do you know, even if the moon over there is beautiful, it won't mean anything to me. Because in my heart, there is only one moon. No matter where I go, I can feel your light around me. But Serenity, I can't tell you that. If I say it, it will only hurt you more.