Love That Wasn't Meant to Last

Chapter 3

It wasn't until the car arrived at our destination that I realized this was where

Selena and Zion went on a date yesterday. What a surprise. It appeared I was the only variable in this "simulation" of yesterday's date, and I couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Selena seemingly noticed my downcast mood and insisted on holding my hand and bringing me everywhere she went. For some reason, it was crowded today. I couldn't shake the feeling that I might lose her in the crowd at any moment.

As I watched her expertly buy and collect the movie tickets and drinks, a sudden realization hit me-she and Zion might have come here far more times than I had ever known.

Selena ended up buying a couple's seat for the movie, where two seats were connected. While sitting inside the cinema, I allowed my thoughts to run wild. I was even watching the exact movie they watched yesterday, but she seemed excited and kept commenting on the movie throughout.

Whenever there was a comedy scene, she would hold my hand and laugh heartily. "Hud, the male lead is hilarious, right?"

There was one part in the movie where the male lead betrayed the female lead. Selena wept continuously and murmured, "You better not betray me like he does, Hud, or I'll go insane."

I concealed the sour ache I felt inside my heart, which was now practically empty. "What happens if you betray me first, Selena?" I pondered.

Her reaction throughout the movie almost convinced me this was her first watch. What a performance.

By then, my mind was filled with images of Selena and Zion in the couple's seat, cuddling as she begged him with tears to never betray her.

Had it been exhausting to handle two men simultaneously, Selena? Was it annoying to watch the same movie twice? No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't understand why.

The movie finally ended. When we headed out of the cinema, we were separated by the crowd. For the first time, I refused to hold onto her. She shouted at me from the back, "Wait for me outside, Hud. I'll be there soon."

I waited outside as she asked, but I was too absent-minded to notice the car behind me.

Selena darted behind me, and we were propelled to the

suffered some abrasions on my arm. However, her injuries seemed much more severe than mine. With an anxious look, she questioned, "Hud, are you alright? Did you

and stared dazedly at her. Eventually, a passerby helped

I sat in the hospital corridor, my mind kept flashing back to Selena's panicked state. Until then, I still couldn't understand why she

a major issue, but just a mild twist on the ankle. She'll require a

unhinged thought that maybe it would have been better

days, Selena had to stay home and could only make slow, limited

asked her what was wrong, and she told me she had a nightmare where I was in danger; she couldn't

"Don't be scared. It's just

I supposed Zion would be holding and

when least expected. What truly surprised me

holding a fresh bouquet, at the door, I squeezed out a stiff smile. "You're Selena's

entered calmly and appeared familiar around the place as if he were home. All he said to me

flicker of

voice

as I had never seen her so eager to welcome a guest. When I brought Zion before her, she appeared mildly unsettled but mostly delighted. "Zion, are you

some important details about the

trailed off and suddenly paused to look at

I unwelcome here? Fine, enjoy your private time together,"

was ready to leave. I even saw him out of the door, and before departing, he cast me a meaningful gaze. I didn't understand the meaning initially until I walked back

that an open provocation

her phone again. Humans were a paradox; despite knowing it would hurt, I couldn't stop myself from

almost felt like self-harm... or perhaps this was a crucial step

remained. The latest message was from less