Chapter 4
ny times
Tanner had broken his own rules for
Ever since Harper transferred to our school sophomore year, I’d lost count of how many her.
Maybe all guys were drawn to girls like that–pure and pretty in that effortless way]
During those months when I looked like death warmed over, buried in textbooks and test prep, Harper never seemed to have an off day. She’d wake up early for that perfect no makeup makeup look, always polished and stunning
Because of Harper, we’d fought countless times, endured endless cold wars.
I’d even convinced myself he was falling for her and tried to distance myself from him, determined to let go.
But every time, Tanner would find me and promise over and over. “Stop overthinking. Harper’s just a classmate, nothing more. Don’t read into it.”
“I’m just helping her out because she’s got it rough. Her family situation is complicated–people praise her to her face but judge her behind her back.“]
I believed him.[]
Harper’s home life was genuinely messy, so I tried not to mind how close they were getting
Besides, Tanner had never lied to me before. If he said he didn’t like her, I trusted him.]
But gradually, without me realizing it, Tanner and Harper developed a whole world of secrets I knew nothing about
And now, he’d even changed his college application for her sake.]
How pathetic I must look.
My spiraling thoughts were interrupted by a text notification
[Getting bold, aren’t you, Calista? Blocking me? Wait till I get home. (angry]]]
Tanner had borrowed a friend’s phone to message me.
I promptly blocked that number too.
Checking the time, I grabbed my things and headed for school.
It was the final day for application submissions, and our teacher wanted one last meeting
Traffic was heavy, and by the time I arrived, Tanner and Harper were already in the classroom.
Harper sat confidently in my usual seat next to Tanner.
When she saw me approach, she made no move to get up, her eyes gleaming with triumph
Tanner acted like he hadn’t noticed, his expression stone cold as he deliberately turned away to avoid my gaze
He was clearly waiting for me to apologize first
But I wouldn’t
Fine by me—I didn’t want to sit next to him anyway
I scanned the room and settled into an empty seat beside my best friend Joy, as far from them as possible.
“Students, you have half a day left for applications. Please double and triple–check everything carefully.“]
“Anyone still uncertain about their choices can speak with me privately for guidance.”
After a brief announcement, the teacher dismissed us for free period.
I was listening to Joy gossip about some celebrity scandal when someone tapped my head.
“Calista. Come here.”
1 looked up to meet Tanner’s eyes, then immediately looked away, ignoring him
I turned back to Joy to continue our conversation.
Tanner grabbed my shoulder and spun me around to face him.]
“Calista, what’s your problem now?”
“I’m exhausted by this. The fighting, the silent treatment–we’re about to start college. Isn’t this getting a little childish?”
Forced to meet his gaze, I shot back: “You’re right, it is childish and pointless. So stop trying to make up with me.
After a brief staring contest. Tanner’s patience snapped.
“Fine. I’m done dealing with drama queens.” []
“Keep up the act if you want, just don’t come crying to me tonight.“[]
I kept my expression ice–cold and refused to look at him.
I thought he’d finally left, but then Tanner cupped my face in both hands, forcing me to meet his eyes
“Today’s the deadline. Make sure you
ou review your applic
your application one more time. Don’t mess anything up…
Before he could continue, Harper appeared with a laptop in her arms
“Tanner, I’m having a small issue with my application. Could you help me look at 17“]
He nodded, then reached out to pinch my cheek the way he always used to, adding one final reminder
“Why didn’t you bring your laptop? Make sure you g
get to the computer lab later and check your application one last time.“[
“This is too important to be careless about.“]
