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Short filmTranscript
00:04During the months I had a crush on Lucas Reed, the football captain. I tried everything to lose
00:09weight. One day after volleyball practice, I almost passed out from hunger. Lucas caught
00:14my wrist and pulled me into a quiet corner beside the gym. Can you stop starving yourself?
00:22If anyone makes another joke joke about your body, I'll shut them up.
00:26That was the day I thought Lucas might like me too.
00:30So after our football team won the next game, I walked on to the field.
00:39Lucas, I like you.
00:45What? Lily Taylor, did you just say you like Lucas?
00:49My voice carried across the field. For one second, everyone went silent.
00:57Damn, Lucas really is something. Even the fatty has a crush on him.
01:02Lucas, is that why you keep rejecting girls? You were saving yourself for her?
01:08Are you serious?
01:11My face burned. I could not say another word.
01:16Then a loud thug cut off the field. A football shot past my ear and slammed into the ground
01:22behind me. The boys who had been laughing shut up. Lucas looked down at me.
01:27I just want to know one thing. What made you think you could confess to me?
01:31Did you think my standards were that low?
01:33My whole body went stiff. The heat drained from my face.
01:37Don't you think you're kind of gross?
01:39I left the room and I'm going to lie to you. I could not take it anymore.
01:43I ran into the restaurant and left myself inside a stall.
01:50Suddenly, I left the water.
01:54Next time, look in a mirror before you embarrass Lucas.
01:58I was like, I'm not too late.
02:00I stood there without moving.
02:02Cold water dripped from my hair onto the floor.
02:06I had been knocked from my body for years.
02:09But Lucas was the first boy who ever defended me.
02:12For a while, I thought my life could be different.
02:16But today, Lucas crushed that dream himself.
02:19Well, I finally understood.
02:22Girls like me did not get exceptions.
02:27The next morning, one of Lucas' friends came over to move his desk.
02:31Lucas said he felt sick after yesterday.
02:34He's taking a few days off.
02:35He asked me to move his seat.
02:40After saying that, he seemed to realize how cruel it sounded.
02:44He met my numb eyes and quickly added,
02:46Not because of you. Don't overthink it.
02:50What's the matter, Lily?
02:52Cat got your tongue?
02:55I only ate a little more than they did.
02:58Was that really so disgusting?
03:01Three days later, Lucas came back.
03:04He walked into the classroom with his arm around Bella Hart's waist.
03:09Bella was captain of the cheer squad and every guy's dream goal.
03:13And I was Lily Taylor.
03:16A nobody people only remembered when they needed a joke.
03:19Chase could not help whistling.
03:21Damn, Lucas.
03:23Finally got yourself a girlfriend?
03:24So is it real or just for show?
03:28Bella pouted like she was offended.
03:30What do you mean?
03:31Do I look like the kind of girl who lets random guys put their hands on my waist?
03:36Lucas lifted his brow lazily.
03:38Lucas did not deny it.
03:39People started cheering and teasing me.
03:42I lowered my head and looked at my workbook.
03:45At least no one cared about what happened that day anymore.
03:49No one had time to laugh at me.
03:50That was already good enough.
03:57After that, I buried myself in schoolwork.
04:00On the next AP calculus test, I beat Ethan Miller, the top student, for the first time.
04:05The moment class ended, Ethan moved his desk beside mine.
04:10Miss Carter said I keep messing up the written explanations.
04:14She told me to learn from you.
04:15Then he smiled at me.
04:17New seatmate. Help me out.
04:19It took me a few seconds to realize I had a seatmate again.
04:23I was a little happy, so I quickly pulled out my notebook.
04:27Here. This is what I use.
04:29Thanks.
04:30When I looked up by accident, I met Lucas' eyes across the room.
04:35He had been watching us for a while.
04:37A second later, he looked away first.
04:40I did not know my confession had disgusted him that much.
04:43So much so that he could not even stand to see me doing okay.
04:47The next morning, Ethan brought me two sausage rolls.
04:50I had just taken them when Lucas walked over with a low laugh.
04:55Didn't know you had such specific taste, man.
04:59Ethan's face changed.
05:01What do you mean?
05:06Lucas dropped a stack of printed pictures on my desk.
05:10For you.
05:12You like this type, right?
05:15Want me to bring you more tomorrow?
05:20Who the hell said I liked fat girls?
05:24Oh, I saw you move seats.
05:26I thought you were into her.
05:29Was I wrong?
05:30Lucas' friends laughed with him.
05:35Ethan cursed under his breath.
05:38Then he moved back to his old seat without another word.
05:42From beginning to end, neither of them looked at me.
05:45But every word was about me.
05:48My eyes fell on the pictures scattered across the desk.
05:52The sausage rolls in my hands went cold.
05:55Before Lucas walked away...
05:57Why would you do this?
06:01What?
06:05Are you that desperate for attention?
06:07Every guy who sits beside you gets the full treatment.
06:13After what Lucas did, everything got worse.
06:17One morning, I found my desk covered in graffiti.
06:21I kept my head down and walked to my locker.
06:24The moment I opened it, a stack of printed pictures slipped out and scattered across the floor.
06:30Students slowed down as they passed and started laughing.
06:33I crouched down and picked up the pictures one by one.
06:37After that, no one wanted to hang out with me anymore.
06:41They were afraid they would become the next target.
06:44During lunch, I sat alone under a tree and took big bites of my food.
06:48Even though I never thought about dieting again.
06:52The only time I had tried to lose weight was because I liked Lucas more than food.
06:57Now, I did not like him anymore.
06:59That Friday, we had volleyball class.
07:03Halfway through class, it started pouring.
07:06Everyone ran toward the gym entrance.
07:08They laughed and screamed while covering their heads.
07:11I followed behind them.
07:12Before I could reach the door, several girls started knocking me back and forth between them.
07:17I lost my balance and fell hard onto the wet court.
07:21My kneecap slid out of place.
07:23The pain was so sharp that I could not sit up.
07:26Then a person stopped beside me.
07:29I grabbed one pant leg without thinking.
07:32I can't stand.
07:34Can you help me?
07:35It was Lucas.
07:38No.
07:40Bella laughed beside him.
07:42Maybe if you lost weight, you wouldn't fall so hard.
07:46I was soaked through.
07:48Lucas did not look at me.
07:49He walked past me.
07:51I can't help you.
07:53Rain kept running into my mouth, but my throat still felt dry.
07:58I could only try to push myself up.
08:00Near the gym entrance, I heard people talking.
08:03She doesn't look like she's faking it.
08:04This is too much.
08:06Should we help her?
08:07You like her?
08:08You go.
08:09Who the hell said I liked fat girls?
08:12It took me almost ten minutes to sit up.
08:15I still could not stand.
08:17So I sat quietly in the rain.
08:20I forced myself to think about what Grandma might make for dinner.
08:24Otherwise, the pain in my knee and the eyes behind me would break me.
08:28In the end, I got up by myself.
08:31The voices at the gym entrance never stopped.
08:34I did not dare look back.
08:37I limped to the security office and called Grandma.
08:40After hearing what happened, Grandma decided I needed to get stronger.
08:45From that day on, she planned my meals and made me exercise with her.
08:49If they try to knock you down again, hit back.
08:57I stayed home for two days before going back to school.
09:00That morning, Grandma only let me eat one whole wheat egg sandwich.
09:03I felt miserable, but soon, Ms. Carter walked into the classroom.
09:08Behind her stood a strange transfer student.
09:11Ms. Carter looked around the room.
09:13Her eyes finally stopped at me.
09:15Sebastian Cole, sit beside Lily.
09:17After that, she hurried back to the office.
09:19Sebastian sat in the empty spot beside me.
09:22Neither of us seemed interested in talking,
09:25but Blake could never keep his voice down.
09:27Lucas, look.
09:28This guy is weird.
09:30His whole face is covered.
09:32What, is he disfigured?
09:34Probably.
09:36If he looked good, why would he hide his face?
09:40Ghost boy and chubby Lily.
09:42New couple alert.
09:44Lucas did not react.
09:45He only spun his pen lazily and said nothing.
09:48For almost a month, Sebastian and I barely spoke.
09:53I did not want to talk.
09:54I was afraid the same thing that happened with Ethan would happen again.
09:58Then one afternoon after class, I noticed Sebastian lying across his desk.
10:03After hesitating for a moment, I walked over.
10:06Do you have a stomach ache?
10:10Yeah.
10:15I'll take you to the nurse's office.
10:17Luckily, he did not pull away when I touched him.
10:19He was almost six feet two.
10:21Most of his weight leaned against me.
10:24Good thing I was sturdy.
10:25Otherwise, I would not have been able to hold him up.
10:29The nurse gave him medicine.
10:31Then she asked me to get him some water.
10:33I ran to buy it, then hurried back.
10:36By then, Sebastian was the only one left in the nurse's office.
10:39You dislike me that much and still help me?
10:42That's pretty kind of you, Lily.
10:43I don't dislike you.
10:44I thought you hated me, so I didn't talk to you.
10:46Why would I hate you?
10:49Because I'm fat.
10:51I suddenly felt he was probably not disfigured at all.
10:57After that day, Sebastian and I slowly got closer, but he was still strange.
11:01He never took off his mask.
11:03He barely talked to anyone else, but he always ran with me after school.
11:08My body changed, too.
11:10Without noticing it, I had gotten stronger.
11:13Grandma was pleased.
11:14She said I looked healthier now.
11:16I never expected Lucas to be the first person at school to notice.
11:21That afternoon, I sat on the lawn, finishing the low-fat turkey bowl Grandma had packed for me.
11:27I had just picked up my lunchbox when Lucas suddenly grabbed my wrist.
11:31You're dieting again?
11:33That's none of your business.
11:35Lucas, let go.
11:36Lucas pulled me toward the cafeteria.
11:38You get dizzy when you starve yourself.
11:40Did you forget?
11:41Planning to pass out again?
11:44If you don't let go, I'll bite you.
11:46You really don't know who is good to you?
11:50Drop the act.
11:51After that, I turned and walked back to the classroom.
11:55Sebastian was lying across his desk, alone.
11:59Is your stomach hurting again?
12:01Sebastian slowly lifted his head.
12:05Yeah.
12:06I wanted to buy medicine, but I forgot where the nurse's office was.
12:12I saw you downstairs just now, but you were talking to some guy, so I didn't want to interrupt.
12:22Lily, it hurts.
12:24I'll go buy it for you right now.
12:25Wait here.
12:27I'll go with you.
12:28That way I can remember the route.
12:36I held his arm and hugged him toward the nurse's office.
12:39When we went downstairs, we ran into Lucas.
12:45Sebastian suddenly lost his balance.
12:47I hurt too much to walk.
12:49Let me rest for a second, okay?
12:50I opened my mouth.
12:51But when he made another soft sound of pain, I could not refuse.
12:57Lucas' eyes turned cold at once.
12:59He had just taken one step toward us when Blake and Bella caught up from behind.
13:04Whoa!
13:05Fatty and Ghost Boy, what are you two doing?
13:09What did you call her?
13:10Fatty.
13:12Am I wrong?
13:13Sebastian punched him and he could react.
13:16I rushed between them and shrugged Tyler hard.
13:22Only when we reached the nurse's office did I let out a breath.
13:26Thank you, Sebastian.
13:28But next time, just ignore him.
13:31He won a taekwondo tournament before.
13:33We can't beat him.
13:39But he was bullying you.
13:43Lily, I can't let anyone bully you.
13:51The next day, Blake came to school with bruises all over his face.
13:56If I find out who beat me, I'll kill him.
13:59Forget your face for a second.
14:01I heard some billionaire's kid just transferred to our school from overseas.
14:04Who do you think it is?
14:06I looked up and met Sebastian's clean, calm eyes.
14:10He pointed at a problem on his worksheet.
14:12Then he smiled sincerely.
14:14Lily, can you explain this one to me?
14:18By late spring, graduation was only a month away.
14:21For the graduation showcase, Bella was in charge of costume sizes.
14:26She stood at the front of the classroom with a clipboard and asked everyone.
14:31When she got to me, she looked down at the form.
14:34Lily, should I put you down for XL or XXL?
14:37I looked up for my corrections.
14:40For some reason, I felt embarrassed saying it.
14:44I wear a small.
14:48The classroom went quiet.
14:59Everyone turned to look at me.
15:01Their shock told me no one had really noticed the change except Sebastian and Lucas.
15:05After months of eating healthy and walking laps, I had lost a lot of weight.
15:09Holy shit.
15:10Is that Lily?
15:11I told you.
15:12Her face was always pretty.
15:14Just had to lose the weight.
15:15Bella's face turned ugly.
15:17Ethan, who had not spoken to me in a long time, looked stunned too.
15:22That look made me even more uncomfortable.
15:24I was used to people staring at how much I ate, not at my face.
15:29Ethan coughed and turned to Bella.
15:31Isn't the lead singer spot still open?
15:33Maybe Lily should do it this year.
15:35Bella had always been the default lead for school performances.
15:38Bella's smile almost cracks.
15:41Lily's not as tall as me.
15:42I'm not sure she can pull off the dress.
15:45She's prettier than you.
15:47We can buy a different dress.
15:49Blake shot up from his seat.
15:51What the hell is that supposed to mean?
15:53You're defending fat girl now?
15:55She lost some weight and suddenly you like her?
15:59Ethan glanced at me.
16:01His voice dropped.
16:03Why not?
16:05Besides, she might not even look at me now.
16:08Something in that sentence must have hit Lucas.
16:10He suddenly threw the cup in his hand.
16:12The cup shatters against the wall.
16:16The whole room went silent.
16:18Lucas leaned back like nothing had happened.
16:21Sorry.
16:21My hand slipped.
16:23The interruption killed Ethan's mood to keep talking.
16:25When Lucas bent down to pick up the glass, a shard cut into his palm.
16:29He acted like he did not feel it.
16:31By the time he stopped in front of my desk, blood was already dripping from his fingers.
16:36His eyes landed on the box of bandages on my desk.
16:39His voice was low.
16:41Can I borrow one?
16:42It won't stop bleeding.
16:44Sebastian gave a soft laugh.
16:46Wow.
16:48You really know how to put on a show.
16:50I looked away from Sebastian.
16:52Then I shook my head at Lucas.
16:57No.
16:58Whether Lucas bled or not had nothing to do with me.
17:01I did not know why he had to come to me for this.
17:04Lucas did not look surprised.
17:06The color slowly drains from Lucas' face.
17:08When he spoke again, his voice was even softer.
17:11I get it.
17:14In the end, I became the lead singer for the graduation showcase.
17:17After that day, I experienced a lot of firsts.
17:21The first time someone called me pretty on the school subreddit.
17:24The first time a boy asked me out.
17:27The first time so many people were nice to me for no reason.
17:30Boys from other classes even came to our room between periods.
17:34Lily, I accidentally got an extra coffee.
17:36You want it?
17:37I refused out of habit.
17:38But Sebastian stopped the boy before he could leave.
17:41Lily, I think my blood sugar is low.
17:43I want the coffee.
17:45But I forgot my wallet.
17:47His calm voice did not sound convincing at all.
17:49It sounded like he was teasing me.
17:50It's okay.
17:51I have cash.
17:53I took out my little wallet and counted out $15 for the boy.
17:58Can I buy it?
17:59My friend wants it.
18:00The boy's face twisted.
18:05Being around Sebastian was easy.
18:07Even when more people started showing interest in me, I still only stayed close to him.
18:13Because of that, rumors about us slowly spread through the school.
18:17Did you hear?
18:18Lily Taylor, the new pretty girl from senior class, has weird taste.
18:21She likes Ghost Boy.
18:22I saw his face once.
18:23He's disfigured.
18:24It's disgusting.
18:25Yeah, I heard his face is covered in burn scorers.
18:29Sebastian had never taken off his mask or cap in front of anyone.
18:32Even at lunch, he always ate alone.
18:35If not for me, he would not have been dragged into these rumors.
18:39So I started keeping my distance.
18:42Sebastian noticed.
18:43One morning before class, he stayed quiet for a long time.
18:47Then he suddenly said in a low voice,
18:49Lily, you can move your desk away.
18:51I froze and turned to him.
18:55What?
18:58He leaned back in his chair.
19:00His voice sounded tired.
19:01I'm used to being alone.
19:04You don't have to get tied to someone with a bad reputation.
19:08They all say someone ugly and disgusting like me doesn't deserve to be close to you.
19:13So maybe you should sit somewhere.
19:14Who said that?
19:15He said lightly.
19:16It doesn't matter.
19:18At first, Sebastian refused to tell me.
19:21After I asked several times, he finally gave me a few names.
19:25I remembered them.
19:26They were all boys who asked me to come out.
19:30Before, Sebastian had spoken up for me whenever people called me fat.
19:33Now it was my turn to do something for him.
19:36I found those boys and rejected them again.
19:39This time, I warned them.
19:41If they kept spreading rumors, I would report them for harassment.
19:47When Sebastian found out, he covered his eyes with one hand.
19:50Sebastian's shoulders shake silently.
19:52I guessed he was crying because he was touched.
19:55So I patted his shoulder gently.
19:57No one will say bad things about you anymore.
19:59Don't be scared.
20:00I made a reasonable conclusion.
20:02Sebastian was deeply moved.
20:06Nothing bad happened again before graduation.
20:09The only thing people gossiped about was Lucas and Bella breaking up.
20:13At lunch, Sebastian and I walked ahead.
20:16Behind us, Blake was trying to comfort Lucas.
20:18Don't take it too hard, man.
20:20There'll be someone better.
20:22Lucas walked past me without slowing down.
20:24His shoulder brushed mine.
20:26He looked straight ahead and said casually,
20:28Why would I be upset?
20:31I never liked her anyway.
20:34Sebastian glanced ahead.
20:36Then he smiled faintly.
20:37Lily, sounds like there's a dog barking somewhere.
20:43By the time finals ended, I already knew I had done better than usual.
20:48The day after results came out,
20:50Ms. Carter asked Rachel to organize one last senior dinner.
20:54When I arrived, I saw Lucas outside the restaurant.
20:57The red spark flickered in the dark.
20:59His eyes stayed on me.
21:01I looked away as if I had not seen him.
21:03I tried to walk around him.
21:05Lucas grabbed my wrist.
21:07He pulled me back until my back hit his chest.
21:14Are you insane?
21:16He caught my other wrist without even looking.
21:19Lucas looked down at me.
21:20No matter how I beg now, you won't give me another chance, right?
21:23I avoided his eyes.
21:25I don't know what you're talking about.
21:27Don't lie.
21:28Lucas smiled faintly.
21:29You know exactly what I mean.
21:32He pinched my chin and made me face him.
21:36You know, I said I never liked Bella because I wanted you to hear it.
21:39I went quiet.
21:39I stopped struggling.
21:41After a long moment, I looked back at him calmly.
21:43Yes, I know.
21:45I also know you liked me a long time ago.
21:48Otherwise, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to confess to you.
21:54The first time I tried to lose weight, I hid it from everyone.
21:58I ate almost nothing.
22:00I walked home every day instead of taking the bus.
22:02I wanted to lose weight as fast as possible.
22:05I wanted to wear the dress I had loved for months.
22:08Then I wanted to confess to Lucas.
22:10But Lucas noticed my pale face.
22:13He also noticed my hand pressed against my stomach.
22:16He had been about to leave for basketball with Blake and the others.
22:18Period cramps?
22:19I'm fine.
22:21Lucas did not believe me.
22:22He kept insisting on taking me to the hospital.
22:25I had no choice but to tell him I had been dieting.
22:28His frown deepened.
22:29He used the clinic as an excuse and signed us both out of school.
22:34Then he dragged me to lunch.
22:36He walked ahead, holding my hand.
22:41His voice was cold.
22:42I care that much about what people think.
22:45Even starving yourself is fine.
22:46I was so hungry, my head felt light.
22:48I barely heard him.
22:50I just nodded without thinking.
22:53Yeah.
22:54Lucas was furious.
22:56His grip on my hand tightened.
22:57But after a long silence, he still gave in.
23:00He held back his anger and said,
23:02Can you stop starving yourself?
23:05If anyone makes another joke about your body, I'll shut them up.
23:08Is that enough?
23:10I smiled a little.
23:11Then I asked quietly,
23:13Don't you think I'm fat?
23:14Like this, I'm kind of ugly, right?
23:17Lucas stopped walking.
23:19He did not let go of my hand.
23:21He turned back and bent slightly.
23:22His eyes were focused.
23:24I looked.
23:25His voice was serious.
23:27You're cute.
23:29Everywhere.
23:30Lucas said it like he was giving an answer in class.
23:33That was the moment my crush on him grew out of control.
23:37I squeezed his hand back.
23:39For the first time, I tried to climb out of my own insecurity.
23:43Then, in the next second, he pushed me right back in.
23:47For a long time after that, I could not get up again.
23:54Lucas's lashes trembled.
23:55His grip on my wrists loosened.
23:58Yes.
23:58He lowered his eyes and gave a bitter smile.
24:01I liked you a long time ago.
24:04But being with you meant everyone would stare, joke, and laugh behind my back.
24:08So you don't get to ask me for another chance now?
24:12His confession came too late.
24:15I turned and walked away.
24:19After a few steps, I heard his voice behind me.
24:23It was low, almost like he was talking to himself.
24:26But I liked you.
24:28More than any of them ever did.
24:31I did not stop.
24:32I took a breath.
24:34Then I pushed open the restaurant door.
24:36Inside, most of our class was already there.
24:40Sebastian had not arrived yet.
24:42Ms. Carter smiled when she saw me.
24:44Lily, you did well.
24:46Come sit.
24:48Bella's face darkened the moment I walked in.
24:51Then she suddenly smiled.
24:54Ms. Carter, don't let Lily's grades fool you.
24:57She's not as innocent as she looks.
24:59I looked at her.
25:02What are you talking about?
25:04Come on, Lily.
25:06We've already graduated.
25:08It doesn't matter now.
25:09She was secretly dating someone before finals.
25:13I almost laughed.
25:14Before I could explain, Ms. Carter cut in.
25:17Who?
25:18Who is Lily's boyfriend?
25:20Bella smiled wider.
25:23Sebastian Cole.
25:26Bella continued her words.
25:28I mean, Lily acts like such a good girl.
25:31Who knew she had a thing for the weirdest guy in school?
25:34Ms. Carter's eyes widened behind her glasses.
25:37Bella looked even more pleased.
25:40He never takes off that mask.
25:43Maybe there is something ugly hiding underneath.
25:47But Lily, you don't have to deny him just because your boyfriend is ugly.
25:51When he gets here, why don't you ask him to take off that mask?
25:57Let everyone see those burn scars.
25:59Compared to her rumor about me dating Sebastian.
26:03I hated her insulting him more.
26:06Bella, have you ever seen scars on Sebastian's face?
26:09She choked.
26:10No, but then you made it up?
26:13Everyone says it.
26:16Everyone also says you only made cheer, Captain, because your mom paid off the coach.
26:21So according to you, that must be true too, right?
26:24Bella panicked at once.
26:26Who the hell said that?
26:28Bella looked around the room.
26:30The restaurant got noisy.
26:32Another group of students crowded around Ms. Carter.
26:35Ms. Carter, I heard the principal say some billionaire's son was in our class.
26:39Who is it?
26:39Is he hot?
26:40He has to be hot, right?
26:42He's rich.
26:46Miss Carter was pulled in two directions.
26:48The room grew louder and louder.
26:50Then the door opened again.
26:52Everything went quiet.
26:54Everyone looked toward the entrance.
27:08For a second, the whole room forgot how to breathe.
27:11His features were sharp and clean.
27:13The man was almost too good looking to be real.
27:16The girl closest to the door blushed first.
27:19Um, are you looking for someone?
27:22Ms. Carter finally let out a breath.
27:24Then she smiled.
27:26You don't recognize him?
27:27The person you were all talking about is standing right in front of you.
27:31Bella's voice cracked.
27:34Sebastian Cole?
27:35The billionaire's son?
27:37What the hell?
27:38Oh, so this gorgeous guy is Sebastian?
27:40The same Sebastian who transferred back from overseas?
27:42Oh, my God.
27:44Oh, my God.
27:45And apparently, Lily's boyfriend.
27:50I felt like lightning had struck me on the spot.
27:54Sebastian looked a little unfamiliar without the mask.
27:57Then he raised one brow and looked at me.
28:01Fine.
28:02I accept.
28:04I stared at him.
28:05Except he.
28:06The restaurant exploded.
28:10No way.
28:12That's Ghost Boy.
28:13I knew his eyes were too pretty for him to be ugly.
28:16I thought that mask was hiding scars.
28:18Are we sure he's not some actor?
28:20The dinner ended in scattered gasps and whispers.
28:23On the way home, Sebastian answered every question I had.
28:27At first, he wore the mask because he had gotten into a fight before transferring.
28:32The bruises on his face had not healed yet.
28:36Later, he just got used to wearing it.
28:38As for why he still took finals after being accepted early,
28:42Sebastian looked at me calmly.
28:45To go to the same university as you, girlfriend?
28:48Only then did I remember what Ms. Carter had said at dinner.
28:52You misunderstood.
28:54Bella was just-
28:54This is my first relationship.
28:56Sebastian's eyes softened.
28:59My parents were always working.
29:00I grew up with nannies.
29:03Once, they both missed my birthday.
29:06So I ran away from home.
29:08I thought someone would notice.
29:11No one did.
29:14After that, I got used to it.
29:15He said it like it was nothing.
29:17But I still saw the shadow in his eyes.
29:20My nose stung.
29:22So even rich families could be this cruel.
29:25Sebastian noticed my eyes turning red.
29:27Don't feel bad for me.
29:29This is the first time someone chose me and didn't give me up.
29:35That's enough.
29:40He sounded too used to begging for scraps of love.
29:44That made it worse.
29:46I pressed my lips together.
29:49But the tears still fell.
29:51Don't cry, Lily.
29:55Then he suddenly returned to the earlier topic.
29:58By the way, what were you saying I misunderstood?
30:02I froze.
30:03The tears hung in my eyes.
30:05I blinked fast.
30:08After choking on my words twice, I finally said stiffly,
30:13Nothing, boyfriend.
30:16If I denied it now, Sebastian might actually jump into the river.
30:20He needed love too much.
30:22And I could tell what I felt for him was different.
30:25Trying it would not hurt.
30:30Sebastian had already been accepted somewhere good.
30:32But after I chose my university, he gave up his spot and enrolled with me.
30:37His cold, work-obsessed family barely reacted.
30:40By the end of summer, I had fully accepted that Sebastian Cole was my boyfriend.
30:45He never pushed too far.
30:47The most he did was kiss my forehead when he walked me home.
30:50Other than being clingy, he had almost no flaws.
30:54On the first day of college, reality hit me fast.
30:58Out of my three roommates, two ignored me when I said hello.
31:01The last one was Bella Hart.
31:03Her cheer record had helped her get into the school.
31:07Compared to my bad mood, Bella looked almost pleased when she saw me.
31:12What a coincidence.
31:14Not really.
31:16Most students from our high school had stayed in state for college.
31:20Running into old classmates on campus was normal.
31:23But some coincidences were still annoying.
31:29Like that evening, when Sebastian and I were eating dinner.
31:33He told me Lucas was in his major.
31:35I felt depressed for a few seconds.
31:37Then I remembered Lucas was good at fighting.
31:40I quickly warned Sebastian.
31:42Don't get into it with Lucas when you're alone.
31:44You can't beat him.
31:47If he gives you trouble, call campus security.
31:50Sebastian was picking the carrots out of my food.
31:52Without looking up, he asked slowly.
31:55How do you know I can't beat him?
31:57He had no idea how dangerous Lucas was.
32:00This concerned his personal safety.
32:02So I put down my fork and said seriously.
32:05Don't act tough.
32:07He's really good at fighting.
32:12I've seen Lucas fight a few times.
32:14He barely lost.
32:15Maybe I sounded too serious.
32:17Sebastian seemed hurt.
32:19After a long pause, he pushed the food he had picked clean back to me.
32:22Then he nodded.
32:24Got it.
32:25I'm useless.
32:26I won't mess with him.
32:27I forgot Sebastian was sensitive.
32:29My words had hurt him.
32:30For the rest of dinner, he barely spoke.
32:32Even though he was upset, he still quietly peeled shrimp for me.
32:36I bit my fork and looked at him carefully.
32:38The guilt got worse.
32:42After dinner, we did what college couples were supposed to do.
32:45We went for a walk.
32:46From the track to the quiet path by the campus lake,
32:50I apologized to Sebastian the whole way.
32:53After a long time, he finally softened a little.
32:58Lily, comfort me.
33:01I am comforting you.
33:03Not enough.
33:05His breath brushed hot against my ear.
33:08Kiss me.
33:09Please.
33:11His voice was so close that I shivered.
33:13My breath hitched.
33:16Where?
33:17Both our voices had gone quiet.
33:19Sebastian tugged down the collar of his hoodie.
33:22Here.
33:23I stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
33:26Sebastian held the back of my head.
33:29Leave a mark.
33:33Let everyone know I'm yours.
33:35I followed what he told me to do.
33:37I pressed my lips there.
33:39Then I bit down lightly.
33:43My face burned red.
33:45I pushed him away and lowered my head.
33:48Done.
33:50It felt nice.
33:54Next time, leave a few more, okay?
33:57Wasn't it supposed to go both ways?
33:59Why didn't he kiss me?
34:01I could not bring myself to ask.
34:03So I stared at him for a few seconds.
34:06Then I shook my head.
34:07No.
34:08Hopefully, he would understand what he had done wrong.
34:11And next time, he would offer to kiss me too.
34:17After college started, I joined the volleyball club.
34:20At first, everything seemed normal.
34:22Then I realized Coach was strange.
34:24Whenever he corrected my posture, he stood too close.
34:28Lily, raise your arms.
34:29He came up behind me.
34:31I could almost feel his breath near the back of my neck.
34:34I stepped away quietly.
34:38You can just tell me what to fix.
34:40He did not take the hint.
34:42He smiled.
34:43But you're too stiff, freshman.
34:45Then he suddenly flicked my forehead.
34:47Other girls wish I'd helped them myself.
34:50During break, Bella sat beside him with her water bottle.
34:53She raised her voice just enough for me to hear.
34:58Wow, Lily.
34:59Coach is so nice to you.
35:01If you didn't already had a boyfriend,
35:03you could totally consider him.
35:06Coach's face changed.
35:08Boyfriend.
35:09You have a boyfriend?
35:12I looked away from Bella and nodded.
35:15Coach stared at me for a few seconds.
35:18You have a boyfriend and didn't say anything?
35:23What, were you leading me on?
35:27Did you ask?
35:28And honestly, you're not exactly worth leading on.
35:31Before he could answer, Bella slammed her bottle down and stood up.
35:36Who do you think you're talking to?
35:38Your boyfriend isn't even on his level.
35:41He's useless and creepy.
35:43Anger shot straight to my head.
35:46Before I could think, I walked up to Bella.
35:48Then I slapped her hard across the face.
35:52I warned you not to insult Sebastian again.
35:55Bella froze with one hand on her cheek.
35:57You hit me?
35:58The next second, she lunged at me.
36:01We crashed into each other.
36:02All the anger I had swallowed for years finally came out.
36:06Three girls finally pulled me away.
36:09Coach looked at me coldly.
36:10Then he made his decision on the spot.
36:15You started it!
36:17Stay after practice!
36:19Run drills until I say you're done.
36:24Bella dusts herself off and smiles like she has won.
36:30Under the evening heat, I stayed on the court and ran drills alone.
36:35By the time Coach finally let me go, everyone else had already left.
36:39I dragged myself back to the dorm.
36:42After I showered, I was too tired to move.
36:46I was also starving.
36:49Then Sebastian called and made me come downstairs.
36:52The moment I saw him, I fell into his arms and started complaining.
36:57Halfway through, I felt so longed that I cried.
37:00Sebastian, I'm so hungry.
37:02I barely ate anything today.
37:05I really want sausage rolls.
37:08Sebastian went quiet.
37:10Too quiet.
37:11He helped me sit on the bench nearby.
37:14Then he went to buy food for me.
37:17After I finished eating, he checked his phone.
37:20His face showed nothing.
37:22Go back and rest, Lily.
37:24I have something to do.
37:25I'll come find you later.
37:26I looked at him for two seconds.
37:28Then I lowered my eyes.
37:29Okay.
37:30I'll head back.
37:33Then he turned away.
37:35But I remembered the message I had accidentally seen on his phone.
37:40Sebastian, that asshole from volleyball is at the pool hall.
37:43Come over.
37:46I quietly followed him.
37:49For some reason, I suddenly thought of Blake showing up with bruises back in senior year.
37:54Pieces of old memories came together in my head.
37:56And they all pointed to one fact.
37:59Sebastian had been pretending to be weak this whole time.
38:02That guess was confirmed when I stood outside the pool hall.
38:06I looked through the glass.
38:08Sebastian stood beside a pool table.
38:10Coach and three other guys lay scattered across the floor.
38:14Sebastian did not have a scratch on him.
38:17Sebastian holds a broken pool cue in his hand.
38:21The sharp wooden end hovered less than an inch from Coach's eye.
38:26Coach.
38:29You were interested in my girlfriend?
38:32Coach shook his head hard.
38:33No, no.
38:35I wasn't.
38:37I swear.
38:39Sebastian turned the broken pool cue lazily between his fingers.
38:43My girlfriend had a rough day.
38:46How are you planning to make it up to her?
38:49Coach trembled.
38:51What do you want me to do?
38:55Sebastian seemed too bored to answer.
38:57He shifted the broken key.
39:00The sharp wooden end announced while Coach is calm.
39:03Before it could go down, I spoke.
39:08Sebastian.
39:09My voice was calm.
39:10His whole body froze.
39:15Until Coach and the others ran out in a panic, Sebastian still did not turn around.
39:20I walked over and crouched in front of him.
39:22Then I took the broken pool cue out of his hand.
39:26Sebastian lowered his hand.
39:28His throat moved a few times before he spoke.
39:31His voice was hoarse.
39:32I'm sorry.
39:34I stayed quiet.
39:36I stayed quiet.
39:36After a long moment, he asked again.
39:39Are you going to break up with me?
39:41I looked up at once.
39:43His eyes were red.
39:44Something dark and restless moves in Sebastian's eyes.
39:48He looked nothing like the harmless Sebastian who leaned on me and said his stomach hurt.
39:53I sighed and curled my fingers into his palm.
39:56Only then did he calm down a little.
39:59Of course I'm not breaking up with you over this.
40:02I just don't understand why you lied to me.
40:05Sebastian wrapped his hand tightly around mine.
40:08His smile looked pale and bitter.
40:12Because I knew you didn't like me.
40:16You only agreed to date me because you felt sorry for me.
40:21If I didn't look pitiful enough, you would leave.
40:23Then I held his face in both hands.
40:27Sebastian looked at me.
40:30I feel sorry for a lot of people.
40:32But I don't date them just because they're pitiful.
40:36Liking someone isn't charity.
40:38It's not something I hand out because someone looks sad.
40:41He gripped my hand.
40:43His eyes were almost stubborn.
40:46You can't lie to me.
40:51Sebastian was wound too tight.
40:53So I leaned in and kissed him lightly.
40:56Fine.
40:56If he would not kiss me first, I could do it.
41:00If I'm lying, I'll never get to eat sausage rolls again.
41:04Sebastian finally relaxed.
41:05That night, we walked through the quiet street outside campus.
41:09I swung his hand as I walked.
41:13Listen, we're actually perfect for each other.
41:16You're really good fighting.
41:17And I'm pretty good too.
41:19Today, I basically pinned Bella to the ground.
41:22She barely touched me.
41:23Her face is going to be swollen for at least a week.
41:28Sebastian squeezed my hand.
41:30Next time, you don't have to do it.
41:33I'll handle them.
41:35But Bella is a girl.
41:39Sebastian answered without much thought.
41:42I'll use a pink bat.
41:44I burst at home.
41:45Then I stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek loudly.
41:51I like you so much, Sebastian Cole.
41:55Sebastian was not the kind of guy Lucas said he was.
41:59He did not only solve problems with violence.
42:02Before going after Coach, he had already collected screenshots, messages, statements from other girls,
42:08and proof that Bella had cheated her way into her cheer scholarship.
42:13Then he submitted everything to the school.
42:16The next day, Coach was suspended from the club team.
42:19Bella lost her scholarship.
42:21She was removed from the cheer program.
42:24Everything happened so fast that I could barely believe it.
42:27Sebastian met my suspicious eyes.
42:29Then he lazily touched my lashes with one finger.
42:32My mom graduated from this school.
42:34She donated a library three years ago.
42:36Right now, she's talking to the school about funding two new dorm buildings.
42:41Later, I met Sebastian's mother once on campus.
42:44Remembering his lonely childhood, I carefully told her to be nicer to him.
42:49That little brat told you we abandoned him?
42:51I nodded sadly.
42:53That year, he was only seven years old.
42:56We missed one birthday dinner because of work.
42:59So he took his father's phone and texted our assistant.
43:03Told him to prepare the private repped.
43:05He wanted to fly to Melbourne alone.
43:07When we caught him, he was afraid his father would punish him.
43:12So he hid in the hotel for two days and told everyone he had run away from home.
43:17If the housekeeper hadn't found him eating cake in there,
43:20your boyfriend would still be telling people he survived in the wild.
43:24I stared at her.
43:25So that was the tragic childhood he told me about.
43:30A sudden laugh came from not far away.
43:33The mood went cold.
43:34Lucas stood under a streetlight, watching me.
43:37So now you're into violence?
43:43Just because he beat up a few guys for you, you're obsessed?
43:45Sebastian was still upset about me saying he could not beat Lucas.
43:50The second Lucas opened his mouth, Sebastian's face went dark.
43:53He started walking toward him.
43:55I grabbed his arm in time.
43:59Is he even worth fighting?
44:01Lucas is obviously weaker than you.
44:03If you fight him, that's basically bullying.
44:07You could make him cry without even trying.
44:14What if he breaks down and calls the police?
44:17Coward.
44:19You couldn't even like someone in public.
44:22What makes you think you can compete with me?
44:25Lucas' face darkened.
44:27He gave a cold smile and stepped forward.
44:29I had no patience left.
44:30I pulled the pepper spray from my bag.
44:32Then I sprayed him straight in the face.
44:37No one helped him.
44:39He would probably need a while before he could open his eyes again.
44:42For a second, the way he stood there in pain reminded me of myself in the rain.
44:46Back then, I had sat alone on the court.
44:49No one was willing to help me.
44:50Now Lucas looked just as helpless.
44:54Lucas, seeing you like this makes me feel like I finally walked out of that rain.
44:58I would not choke on that humiliation anymore.
45:01I did not need him to suffer exactly the way I had suffered.
45:05This was enough.
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