“Liam.”
Her tone sounded far more relaxed than before.
“What are you doing? Have you checked the tickets yet?”
“No,” I replied flatly.
The other end went silent, caught by my indifference.
But she quickly adjusted, saying, “Oh…it’s fine, no rush. Um…Jason just heard your ticket was refunded, and he feels bad. He said he’d bring you some local snacks as thanks…”
I stayed quiet, waiting for her real point.
I didn’t believe Jason would be that considerate.
Sure enough, Emily shifted the subject. “Yeah, well, Liam, there’s one more thing…”
“After National Day, it’ll be tough to get a seat in the library. You probably won’t have anything to do at home anyway…”
She hesitated, then added, “How about…you come back a couple of days early and save seats for Jason and me? We’re planning to study together when we return…”
I couldn’t help but sneer.
At the start of the semester, I carried my new notebook, bought milk tea, and ran to Emily’s dorm.
“I heard the windows on the third floor of the library overlook Ginkgo Avenue; it must look amazing in autumn.”
Back then, I looked at her with hope: “How about we go save a seat together tomorrow to study?”
Emily frowned and pushed the milk tea away: “Don’t bother, Liam. The library is so far, a twenty-minute walk. You’d be better off reading in the dorm.”
Now, for Jason, she wanted me—the one whose ticket they refunded, who might stand for hours to get home—to come back early to save seats in the library?
Emily mistook my silence for hesitation or consent. “Look, this way you won’t be bored at home alone, and you’re helping us, killing two birds with one stone, right?”
“Jason will be happy to know. If he’s in a good mood, he’ll definitely do well on his next exam.”
I forced down the nausea rising in my throat.
If I clash with them now, I won’t get to watch their bigger performance later.
I deliberately lowered my voice: “…Okay. I got it. You two…have fun.”
Hearing my obedient reply again, Emily’s tone brightened, as if a huge burden had been lifted.
“That’s right! Liam, you’re really thoughtful.”
“Then it’s settled! I’ll leave the reservation to you! Preferably by the window for better ventilation, Jason likes that.”
“I’ll go with you to the restaurant you want when we’re back.”
She even went so far as to explain her seating preferences.
“Hm.” I gave a dull hum through my nose.
“Alright, that’s it for now. Jason’s calling me. I’ll see what he needs.”