Just when Nina thought she was completely screwed, she heard shouting and running footsteps in the listance.
The drunks saw people coming and scattered with curses.
A concerned middle–aged man cautiously looked around, then knocked on the car window: “Miss, it’s safe now. Get home quick–don’t stay alone in places like this at night.”
Nina, still shaking from terror, thanked him and practically tumbled out of the car, stumbling toward home as the cold night wind whipped her tear–stained face.
That night, she developed a high fever from the shock and lay delirious in bed for several days.
During those days, Declan only sent a few texts:
Nina, did you get home okay?]
You there?]
Why aren’t you answering?]
Then, radio silence.
Instead, twenty–eight–year–old Declan kept sending videos like some persistent ghost.
In the clips, Declan was carefully changing the bandage on Ruby’s ankle, his movements gentle and focused.
Ruby blushed and whispered thank you, and though he looked a bit uncomfortable and glanced away, he
lidn’t refuse.
Vina stared at the screen, her heart soaking in acid.
she remembered last winter when she’d hurt her leg skiing, and Declan had taken care of her exactly like
his–clumsy but incredibly attentive, changing her bandages and massaging her, feeding her soup.
She’d laughed and praised him then: “Didn’t know our young master Declan was such a good caretaker.”
The teenager had preened proudly, leaning over to kiss her with complete confidence: “Of course! I learned it all just for you, Nina. I’ll only ever take care of you.”
Those words still echoed in her ears, yet now he was using that “exclusive” tenderness on another girl.
16:54
Boyfriend vs. Future Boyfriend–Pick Your Fighter!
20.005
Chapter
Then one day, just as her fever broke, the doorbell rang.
Standing outside was Declan, looking obviously guilty and slightly exhausted.
“Nina, I was wrong to leave you alone to get home last time.” His voice was deliberately soft and coaxing. “Don’t be mad anymore, okay? Let’s go to the amusement park today–I’ll make it up to you. I promise today I’ll spend the WHOLE day with just you, absolutely won’t ditch you again.”
Nina felt dead inside and didn’t want to go, but couldn’t resist Declan’s combination of wheedling and gentle insistence. Eventually he dragged her out.
But the second she got in the car, she froze.
Ruby and twenty–eight–year–old Declan were sitting in the back seat.
Embarrassment flashed across Declan’s face as he quickly explained: “Ruby said… she’s never been to an amusement park before. Seemed pretty sad about it, so… we’re bringing her along. Nina, you’re super understanding–you don’t mind, right?”
Nina stared out the window, not wanting to say another word.
At the amusement park, Declan and twenty–eight–year–old Declan went to buy tickets while Nina followed behind them. She clearly heard twenty–eight–year–old Declan lowering his voice: “Ruby’s first time here. Look out for her more, don’t let her get scared and alone.”
“If you’re worried about her being alone, YOU stay with her. I’m staying with Nina.” Declan brushed him off impatiently, bought the tickets, and immediately ran back to Nina’s side, naturally reaching for her hand.
All morning, Declan did stick close to Nina, buying her balloons, winning her stuffed animals, riding roller coasters with her, gripping her hand tight when she screamed.
Sunlight hit his focused profile, and for a moment Nina felt like they were back in the old days–those sweet, sticky times when it was just the two of them.
f not for those two shadows constantly following behind them…
After several rides, Declan pulled Nina toward the Ferris wheel: “Come on, Nina, let’s ride the big one. Your
avorite!”
3ut twenty–eight–year–old Declan grabbed his arm, voice demanding: “No! Time for the carousel! That’s Ruby’s favorite ride.”
‘I’m staying with Nina!” Declan held his ground.
The two started arguing.
Chapter 5
Just then, terrified screaming came from nearby: “GET BACK! EVERYONE GET BACK! The horse spooked!
MOVE!”
Before Nina could react, she saw a figure rush past her!
Then she watched Ruby burst with surprising strength, shoving Declan–who had his back to the parade float and was still arguing with his older self–hard out of the way!
And then…
“BAM!”
Ruby flew through the air like a broken doll, crashing to the ground several meters away as a shocking poor of blood spread beneath her.
“RUBY!”
Declan’s eyes went wide with horror as he rushed over, trembling hands pressing against her bleeding wounds, his voice completely shattered: “Call an ambulance! NOW! Why were you so stupid?”
Ruby weakly opened her eyes, gasping for air but managing a pale smile: “Because… you’re the guy I like. Declan… I… I don’t need you to feel the same… just… just please don’t hate me…”
Nina, who had been about to step forward, froze in place.
She looked at Declan, waiting for him to reject Ruby’s confession clearly and firmly like he had with all the others, to tell her he already had someone he liked–Nina.
But Declan just held Ruby tighter, eyes red–rimmed.
He didn’t say a word.
In that moment, Nina heard her heart completely shatter.
The sound was so loud, so painful, it drowned out everything else.
23.3
