Chapter 10

"Our house is too quiet, mind if we join in for a game?" Jacob's mom joked with a smile.

In previous years, our two families had always spent the Spring Festival together.

This year, because of my relationship with Jacob, my mom had declined his mom's invitation to have New Year's Eve dinner together.

But when guests show up at the door, you can't just turn them away.

Jacob naturally sat down next to me, watching me play mahjong.

My cousins didn't know about the situation between Jacob and me, and kept teasing us.

I laughed it off and clarified each time.

Jacob's expression soured a bit.

When we went out to set off fireworks at midnight, he grabbed my hand, seeming to want to say something.

But my phone suddenly rang.

My face reddened a bit as I pulled my hand away from Jacob's and stepped aside to answer the call.

It was a classmate from Florida named Jack who I had met through a student club.

He was very good-looking too.

Not the cold, aloof type of handsome guy, but more of a funny, goofy boy who loved to laugh.

He talked a lot and was full of jokes. He often made me laugh so hard I couldn't straighten up.

He said he called because he was bored being alone and wanted to count down to the new year together with us.

I didn't think much of it and didn't hang up since it was New Year's. I let him participate in our New Year's countdown ritual remotely.

Just before hanging up, he chuckled.

"Actually, I just wanted to be the first person to wish you Happy New Year after midnight.

"Happy New Year, Emily."

I smiled happily and wished him well too.

We chatted for a while longer, and when he was finally willing to hang up, I turned around to find Jacob standing behind me with an icy expression.

I don't know how long he had been listening.

"Boyfriend?" he asked hoarsely.

"Not quite yet," I replied honestly after thinking for a moment.

"..."

Jacob was silent for a long time.

I thought he had nothing more to say and was about to head back to the living room to continue playing mahjong.

But he suddenly spoke up again, "Out-of-state guys aren't necessarily reliable. It's better to find someone local who you know well."

I nodded.

"You're right, you never truly know someone. I'll keep evaluating him.

"Thanks for the advice, Jacob. You should settle down soon too."

Jacob looked like something had stabbed him in the heart. He didn't say anything else and left the yard directly.

I didn't think much of it. It wasn't the first time he'd thrown a tantrum.

Before, when I had rose-colored glasses on, I thought everything about him was perfect. But now...

After that, I accompanied my grandmother and parents to visit relatives and then went on road trips. I barely stayed at home.

I didn't run into Jacob again either.

The winter break was short, and soon I was back at school.

But the next day, I actually saw Jacob at the university gates.