Part 2Off Script: The Side Character's Guide to Love

The atmosphere in the Honors Block was definitely different. Intense.

At least here, I wasn't a freak. Everyone else was also solving equations during breaks and forming study groups in the hallways.

I stabilized my rank near the top of the grade, attending the same elite prep school as Elena and Julian.

Based on entrance scores, I barely scraped into their class. Elena was #1. I was third from the last.

Julian, however, dropped to a regular class.

Elena’s character setting was the "Genius Ice Queen." Julian’s setting was the "Charming Natural Talent"—the guy who never does homework but somehow pulls a B+ or A-.

The author separated them to let the heroine meet the "Second Male Lead" in her class. The Second Lead falls for her, creating the necessary angst and drama.

But none of that concerned me. I was just grinding XP in real life.

For the first two years, aside from being classmates, Elena and I had zero interaction.

Occasionally, Julian would come to find me, and I’d inevitably be in the same frame as them.

It was a relationship where we’d pass each other outside school and not even wave.

She truly didn't care.

I, on the other hand, was faking it. My heart would pound every time I saw her, but I kept my face as stiff as a board. Flawless poker face.

Good job, me.

Because I was addicted to studying, my fake friendship with Julian faded to almost nothing.

By the time we hit junior year, he had almost forgotten I existed.

But once high school started, he suddenly got enthusiastic again.

He said I was studying myself to death and needed to relax. One time, he invited Elena and dragged me along to hang out.

If you asked if I wanted to go, the answer was hell no. I could have finished three practice exams in that time.

But he wouldn't take no for an answer. I figured I’d just watch them play while mentally reviewing my error log.

When we got to the location, my brain short-circuited.

It was the amusement park. Six Flags.

According to the plot, this is where they share their first kiss.

This is where they break the tension and officially start dating.

My mind was a mess. I don’t remember what I ate or what rides we went on.

Night fell, and the park lit up with neon lights. Julian pulled Elena away to watch the fireworks. I trailed fifty feet behind them, getting jostled by the crowd.

Under the exploding fireworks, they confessed their feelings.

Julian lowered his head and shyly kissed Elena.

The scene was too beautiful. I couldn't watch.

I lowered my head in panic. Tears fell, one by one, soaking the pages of the notebook I was clutching.

I fled.

I texted Julian, lying that I had a strict curfew and had to bounce.

Naturally, no reply. They had already forgotten me.

While they held hands, young and certain, I—the third wheel—ran home wiping my eyes.

Then, in my empty house, I broke down and sobbed.

I’m sorry.

I really couldn't pretend anymore.

But even as I cried until I couldn't breathe, I gritted my teeth, pulled out a workbook, and forced myself to solve problems.

Unrequited love is torture, especially when you have nothing else.

My only "cheat code" was that I had been an adult once.

I knew the importance of education.

I knew not to destroy myself over a love that had no future.