"I even came looking for you during the summer of your junior year..."
I shifted uncomfortably and sat up straighter, feeling like Robert was keeping track of something. It was normal for him to have a bit of a temper, considering he had tried to see me several times but always missed me.
"I saw you with a guy holding flowers, and he even knew your home address. He was a guy with a tan."
Dyed hair and tanned guy... What strange nicknames.
"That was my ex. He came all the way to see me and confess his feelings, which actually touched me a lot..."
I couldn’t tell if it was just my imagination, but Robert seemed to relax noticeably when I mentioned "my ex”.
"I knew he wasn’t good enough for you," Robert said indignantly. "He gave you such ugly flowers!"
I burst out laughing.
My ex’s taste was definitely questionable. The flowers he gave me when he confessed his feelings were probably the best he could do.
"Then you’re now..."
Before Robert could finish, my cell phone rang.
"Sorry, I have to take this."
It was a call from my boyfriend, Wilson, who asked if I had received any gifts.
"Happy New Year, Liana. I’ve ordered a cake for you. Is it okay if it arrives tomorrow morning at ten?"
A few days ago, while talking on the phone, I mentioned I walked past a cake shop that was about to close for the day. He remembered it.
Even a casual comment from me would stick with him for a long time.
Compared to my previous two boyfriends, Wilson was much more gentle and considerate. He took great care of my moods, offered thoughtful advice, and helped me a lot with both my studies and daily life.
Since we started going out, every day has been comfortable and worry-free.
Because of this, my roommate even said that my previous tumultuous relationships were just to highlight how great Wilson was.
When I finished the call and turned around, both Robert and the dog were staring at me with wide, attentive eyes.
"A friend?”
Robert nervously held a cherry in his hand.
"Sort of."
"Boyfriends are friends, too," I thought and nodded, not noticing Robert’s tense and complicated expression.
"Is it an ex-boyfriend? Some couples can still be friends after breaking up..."
"He's my current boyfriend."
I sat back on the sofa and picked up a cherry.
There was a popping sound, and I turned my head to look.
The cherry in Robert's hand was crushed, and the red juice flowed through his fingers.