Part 2The Last Month of Chloe Hart

The walk from the amusement park to my house passed by the school.

It was Saturday, so the campus should have been deserted.

But on a bench near the school gates sat two people I knew all too well.

Sarah was holding a Choco Pie with a single matchstick stuck in it.

"I'm so sorry, Liam..."

"I just found out it was your birthday. I didn't have time to get a real cake."

"This is all I have. I hope you don't mind..."

The boy opposite her had fresh cuts on his cheek.

A bandage was wrapped around his forehead, partially hidden by his messy hair, giving him a rugged, bad-boy look.

He didn't seem to find the Choco Pie ridiculous.

He even took out a lighter and lit the match for her.

"No."

"I think it's great."

Liam's voice was cold as usual, but there was a hint of softness in it now.

I couldn't help but think back to yesterday evening.

In the home ec room, I showed Liam the birthday cake I had perfected after several attempts.

"Does it look good?"

He leaned against the door, arms crossed.

He glanced at the blisters on my hand from the oven and scoffed.

"Looking at your hand is enough to kill my appetite."

I felt awkward and tried to hide my hand in my sleeve.

Liam looked annoyed. He walked over and dragged me to the pharmacy.

"Why hide it?"

"Don't you have a brain? Put some ointment on it."

Even though he looked impatient, his movements were gentle as he applied the medicine.

I gathered my courage and asked again, "Liam, do you like the cake?"

He stared at the blisters on my hand, frowning.

"It's ugly as hell."

At the time, the System comforted me: "Don't listen to him. He's just mad because you hurt yourself making it. He says one thing but means another. He actually cares about you."

My thoughts returned to the present. I stood quietly across the street.

Watching Liam comfort Sarah, telling her he didn't mind the makeshift cake.

I realized something.

Even someone as twisted as Liam, when he truly likes someone, can be gentle. He softens his edges, protects her pride, and can't bear to see her disappointed.

I don't know what Liam feels for me.

But it definitely isn't like.