Chapter 6

When Saoirse woke up again, she was surprised to see Julian sitting on the couch. Seeing her awake, he quickly put down his book and stood up. "I promised to take you to watch the sunset, didn't I? The weather hasn't been good these days, so I'll take you to Global Studio first. When the weather clears up, I'll take you to Luna Hill." Faced with his orderly invitation, Saoirse looked at him for a while without showing much emotion, then gave a slight nod. During their three years of dating, she was always the one who planned the dates with him. He had never taken the initiative to go out with her. That was why it surprised her to hear him say this today. Did he perhaps notice something unusual? As Saoirse had already decided to let him go, she no longer felt the excitement she once felt about going out with him. They spent the afternoon trying out a few attractions. Seeing her still indifferent demeanor, Julian couldn't help but ask her, "Are you not enjoying yourself?" Saoirse gave a faint smile and shook her head lightly. "No, I'm having a great time." A photographer nearby who saw the attractive couple walking by quickly approached them. "Would you like to have your photo taken?" Julian paused for a second. Suddenly, he realized that they had never taken a photo together throughout the three years they dated. He was about to speak when his phone rang. Seeing the number, he made a gesture with his hand and answered the call. His expression changed slightly after the other end said something. Saoirse watched him quietly. When he suddenly turned around, she also turned away. Georgina, wearing a bunny headband, suddenly appeared then. Upon seeing her, Julian immediately walked over, his face full of joy as he asked her what she was doing there. He seemed to forget everything else as soon as Georgina appeared. With her gaze lowered, Saoirse politely declined the photographer's offer and slowly walked to Georgina. It seemed that she wouldn't be getting a photo with Julian before her departure after all. Georgina smiled brightly. "I came here to hang out with a senior, but he had to leave early. I was roaming around aimlessly when I saw someone whose back looked just like yours. I didn't expect it to really be you. What a coincidence, Julian!" Julian's expression of delight immediately turned cold at those words. "Senior? Who is it? What's his name? Do I know him? What is your relationship with him? Why did you meet him right after returning to the country?" Seeing his urgent and probing questions, Saoirse paused in place, her fingers clenching unconsciously. "You know him. It's Yerick Lynch from senior year. He was also planning to study abroad two years ago. I helped him contact a mentor; he just wanted to thank me." Although Georgina explained the situation, Julian's expression remained sour. "From now on, let me know if you want to go out. Don't go out with these dubious people. I'll worry about your safety otherwise." After knowing him for so long, it was the first time Saoirse saw him show such a strong possessiveness toward someone. A trace of self-deprecation crossed her eyes. In their three years together, he had never said something like this to her. He likely wouldn't even notice if she stayed out all night with another man. Concerned about Georgina being alone, Julian suggested they all have fun together. Georgina agreed without hesitation. Saoirse, too, silently nodded as she followed them into the haunted house. The maze-like rooms were pitch black and occasionally filled with terrifying apparitions. Georgina screamed continuously from the moment they entered, cowering against the wall, while Julian carefully stayed by her side to protect her. Watching the two of them draw closer and closer together, Saoirse said nothing and pushed open a side door marked with a task. This haunted house was designed specifically for couples. The moment they entered the room, they saw the task list that read, "The couple must kiss to obtain the key." Georgina looked troubled upon seeing this. She glanced around at the couples holding hands and found herself alone. Surrounded by eerie, shadowy figures, the terrified woman wanted to get out quickly. She grabbed a man who had just entered by himself. "Um, can you help me complete this—" Before she could finish her sentence, Julian pulled her hand, drew her into his arms, and leaned down to lightly kiss her lips. Georgina's lips were still moist as she stared at him wide-eyed. Julian, however, did not look up; he simply handed her the key that had popped out and whispered, "You're scared; you should go out first." He then turned his head. His face fell slightly when he saw Saoirse and remembered that she was with them. He seemed to be considering how to explain away this absurd situation of kissing another woman in front of her. "Gina's timid. I was worried she'd—" Before he could finish, Georgina screamed and dashed out. Seeing her being followed by a crowd of scare actors, Julian, fearing for her safety, quickly scooped her up and ran toward the exit. The narrow passage became a chaotic mess. Held back by the crowd, Saoirse watched the two disappear from sight. In the end, she was the one who was abandoned…