The Love Triangle I Never Wanted

"Luna, I just called you. Why didn’t you answer?" Ethan looked at me with an innocent expression.

I froze in place, forcing a nervous smile. "Sorry, I didn’t hear you. Is there something you need, Assistant?" I deliberately emphasized the word “Assistant.”

Ethan caught the hint in my tone and released the grip on my bag. "Did you forget about the promise you made to me earlier?" He tilted his head, glancing at my phone.

"Oh, how unlucky! My phone died and turned off," I said with exaggerated nonchalance.

"Really?" He eyed me suspiciously, his voice laced with doubt and distrust.

I ignored his gaze. Just as I was trying to figure out an excuse to escape, Jay walked over.

I quickly grabbed his arm and subtly gave him a look. "Hey, class rep, Mia and I were just about to ask you about the British literature assignment. Since you're here, let's walk together."

I pulled them both toward the door of the classroom.

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me. "British literature assignment? You can ask me, I'm Professor David's teaching assistant. I know all the details, just ask me."

"Ha... ha, no need to trouble you, Assistant. Jay can answer our questions," I said, cutting him off before he could say anything else. I ushered them both toward the cafeteria.

I leaned against the wall, out of breath, gasping for air. "Jay... thanks so much... I’ll... treat you to a meal."

Both of them were panting, faces flushed. After catching their breath, Jay waved his hand. "No problem, it’s nothing."

After we said our goodbyes, we headed to the cafeteria.

At that moment, I had no idea what kind of drama was about to unfold in my life...

At the table, Mia kept staring at me with a knowing look, making me feel uneasy.

"Okay, stop staring at me. Just ask whatever you want," I said, burying my face in my food, deliberately avoiding her burning gaze.

"So... what’s the deal with that guy? What's his name... Ethan... What’s your relationship with him?"

Seeing the smug look on her face, I sighed and decided to tell her the whole truth.

"He’s a high school classmate of mine. He disappeared without a word one day, and we lost contact. As for him being a teaching assistant, I just found out today." I tried to sound indifferent, afraid she'd see through my facade.

I had resented him for his sudden disappearance back then, but now that he's back, should I still hold a grudge?

As I calmed down, I suddenly realized I no longer had a reason to hate him. It was as if everything was resolved the moment he appeared in front of me.

I was startled by my own thoughts, sitting there dazed. When I finally lifted my head, I saw Ethan standing there. Our eyes met, and I knew right away that things were about to go south. I quickly grabbed my plate, ready to make another escape.

I knew running away was pathetic, but it worked!

But it was too late. He’d already seen me and was walking straight toward me.

I could only mentally repeat to myself: He didn’t see me, he didn’t see me, he didn’t see me...

"Can I sit here?" His voice broke through my thoughts, and I knew then I couldn’t escape.

Before I could even answer, Ethan took a seat next to me.

So, why bother asking if he was just going to do it anyway?

"This student," he started, his tone polite but with an undercurrent of something less friendly, "I need to talk to Luna privately. Would it be alright if I...?" His words were formal, yet there was a clear implication he wanted to get rid of anyone else nearby.