Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 68

At the movie theater, Darren scratched his head awkwardly as he gazed at the love seats in front of us, muttering “Sorry. I had no idea.”

Our seats were smack in the middle, surrounded by couples on every side.

Putting on a cool front, I said, “The movie’s about to start, let’s just sit down.”

Darren plopped down on the edge of his seat, careful not to cross any lines, as if he was on thin

ice.

I couldn’t help but notice and felt a pang in my chest, as if it were being filled with seawater. both bitter and salty.

Truth be told, I’ve pulled this kind of “dumb stunt” myself before.

The difference was, Darren did it unknowingly, while I, years ago, did it on purpose.

I had deliberately chosen a horror movie and, at the scariest moment, threw myself into Hogan’s arms.

All I wanted was for that unflappable man to secretly develop a soft spot for me.

But even after the movie ended, Hogan didn’t make a move, remaining as aloof and noble as

ever.

a case

in thought, I felt a warmth on my fingertips and looked down to realize I had

for a moment, his

of my phone in my

chance, I stepped out

ID, I zoned

Hogan calling, probably another

I answered with a polite, “Mr. Zade, what’s up?

really late;

came through the receiver, followed by a scoff, “Ms. March, aren’t you the model worker who always catches the last

“What do you need, Mr. Zade?”

much a request as a favor, I need you to set up a plugin

it was work talk.

Chapter 58

asking,

couples, where two can share photos and

as if it

I suddenly found

one of the hundred coupley things I had

I complained about some platform being too rigid and many features being behind a paywall, swearing I’d create a unique space just for us.

wanted to use

emotions split in

whether to praise Hogan for being such an attentive boyfriend