"Just go, Brandon. I don''t want to argue with you here," Vrie said.


    Upon seeing her cold expression, a sharp pain stabbed at Brandon''s chest. Without a word, he turned and walked away.


    Only when his figure disappeared through the restaurant''s doors did the young man finally release Vrie''s hand.


    "Are you okay, Veevee?" he asked softly.


    Vrie exhaled, offering a small smile. "I''m fine. Let''s finish eating."


    But throughout the rest of the meal, she was clearly distracted.


    The young man noticed and did his best to make herugh, but her mood remained subdued.


    After dinner, Vrie offered to drive him back to his university.


    The drive was quiet, her energy subdued-nothing like the lively spirit she''d had when they first met up.


    When they reached the campus gate, he turned to her. "Veevee, do you... still have feelings for that guy from earlier?"


    Vrie hesitated before answering, "No, I''m just tired. Don''t overthink it. Get some rest."


    "When can I see you again? I''ll treat you to dinner next time," the young man said. "We''ll see. Work''s been busytely," Vrie dismissed.


    "Oh... okay." His disappointment was clear, his eyes drooping like a puppy left behind.


    Vrie sighed, her heart softening slightly. "I have a big projecting up, so I''ll be workingte all week. Once it''s done, I''ll reach out."


    His face lit up immediately. "Okay! I''ll wait for your message."


    "Alright," Vrie replied.


    After he left, she drove home.


    ...


    As soon as Vrie pulled into her driveway, she saw a familiar car parked outside


    and sighed. Brandon was waiting for her.


    Ignoring him, she got out of the car and walked straight toward her door.


    "Vrie!" Brandon hurried after her, blocking her path.


    "Move," she said, her voice sharp.


    He looked down at her, hurt in his eyes. "Are you mad at me? Is it because of that guy?"


    "Brandon, I''m exhausted. I don''t want to deal with you right now. I don''t want to see you. So, please leave," Vrie said.


    "I won''t! You''re abandoning me for someone else. I won''t allow it!" Brandon cried out.


    The memory of that young man calling himself a ''backup'' gnawed at Brandon, fueling his frustration.


    Vrie met his gaze with steady


    eyes. "Brandon, you were the one et


    who abandoned me first. And just so you''re clear were broken up you don''t get to control who I see


    "But... you promised that if I stayed away from Michelle for a month, you''d forgive me," Brandon reminded her.


    "Thene find me when you''ve actually done it," Vrie said.


    With that, she moved to step past him, reaching for the door.


    Before she could open it, an arm wrapped around her waist.


    In one swift motion, Brandon pulled her into his embrace. As he felt her in his arms, the panic in his chest finally began to ease.


    Back at the restaurant, seeing her with another man had filled him with an overwhelming fear—the kind that came with truly believing he was about to lose her.


    "Let go of me!" Vrie struggled, pushing against his chest. Her eyes burned with resistance.


    Brandon tightened his hold, lowering his voice. "Vrie, I won''t interfere with whoever you see this month.


    But when it''s over, Lexpect you to


    keep your word and take me back."


    Vrie froze for a moment, then let out a coldugh. "Wow. How generous of you."


    Brandon fell silent.


    After a long pause, he murmured, "I''m not being generous. Today, when I saw you with him... I finally understood how


    delt every time


    you saw me with Michelle. Consider this month my punishment."