Ashley began coming to school again.
She was already in her second year, but she rarely showed up unless something caught her interest. This time, it was Hazel.
The moment Ashley heard the rumor that James and Hazel were dating, she inserted herself into everything walking beside him, holding his hand, laughing louder than usual. By the next day, Hazel didn't come to school at all. Ashley did. And she stayed close to James, close enough for everyone to see.
Soon, everyone knew it was over.
James and Hazel were no longer together.
Days passed like that.
A week slipped by.
One afternoon, Ashley and James were walking hand in hand when two girls nearby whispered softly.
"I heard Hazel withdrew from school."
"They said she's traveling out of Korea."
Ashley stopped walking.
Her fingers tightened around James's hand.
James noticed. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Then he frowned slightly. "I thought you two were close enough to know she was leaving."
Ashley let go of his hand abruptly.
"Let's go," she said coldly.
They ended up at a restaurant. James barely touched his food, his eyes constantly drifting to his phone. Ashley was quiet too, lost somewhere far away.
Edward suddenly slid into the seat between them.
"Hey," he said lightly. "Why do you both look like you lost something?"
James snapped out of it. "Ah….nothing. When did you get here?"
"Just now." Edward leaned back. "By the way, I heard Hazel is leaving school."
James didn't respond.
Edward continued, smirking. "I kind of get it. It's weird though. She's not chasing after you after the breakup. I thought she'd be begging by now."
James shrugged. "Not everyone does what you expect. Anyway, it's for the best."
Ashley stood up suddenly.
"I'll be going now. I need to be somewhere."
James looked up. "What's wrong?"
"I'll call you later."
She didn't wait for a reply.
After she left, Edward sighed.
"I don't see why you're into her. I prefer Hazel. I get it she was your first love but at least have some conscience."
James slammed his hand on the table.
"Shut the fuck up."
Edward raised an eyebrow. "I heard Hazel is her stepsister."
James's phone vibrated.
He glanced down and smirked.
"Oh," he said quietly. "Would you look at that."
Edward leaned closer. "What?"
James turned the screen toward him.
Message:
Hi, it's me. I know we broke up, but I can't seem to forget you just like that. Can we meet at my house? We can have a good time one last time. I still love you. I'll send my address. I'll be waiting.
Edward's face stiffened.
"She wants you to come to her house?"
James stood up, sliding his phone into his pocket, his smile dark and amused.
"This is going to be fun."
The address led James to a towering white mansion tucked behind tall iron gates. He slowed his car, eyes narrowing as he stared at the place.
"Where the hell is this?" he muttered. "Did she rent a mansion… or did I just walk into the wrong house?"
He stepped out and dialed Hazel's number. No answer.
Before he could try again, the front door opened. A maid stepped out, bowing politely.
"You must be Mr. James," she said. "Please come in."
James hesitated, then followed her inside.
The moment he crossed the threshold, his steps slowed. The interior was elegant high ceilings, marble floors, soft golden lighting. Tasteful. Expensive. Not flashy like his own house, but refined in a way that spoke of old money.
"This place…" he thought.
It didn't make sense.
His house was bigger. Better. Yet somehow, this surprised him more.
It must be one of Ashley's father's houses, he concluded.
He sat down, pulled out his phone, and called Ashley.
No answer.
As he lowered the phone, footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Hazel appeared.
She descended slowly, wearing a simple but classy dress that fit her perfectly. No heavy makeup. No forced confidence. Just calm, quiet beauty. For a split second, James forgot to breathe.
Then he snapped out of it.
Hazel stopped in front of him. "You really came."
James leaned back. "I didn't have anywhere else to be." His gaze hardened. "So why did you call me?"
Hazel clasped her hands together. "Because I still have feelings for you, oppa. I couldn't sleep. I kept hoping… maybe we still had a chance."
James laughed softly, without humor.
"Let me make this clear. Feelings? I don't do feelings. You might even say I was using you. I know you've heard things about me."
Hazel nodded slowly. "So… were you also playing Luna?"
James's expression shifted. "Ashley was my first love. And now she's back."
Hazel's brows furrowed. "Then how did you two know each other?"
"Our fathers were friends," he said casually. "We grew up around each other. We were practically siblings." His eyes darkened. "I didn't even know you two were related."
Hazel stiffened.
"They really tried to take you in," James continued. "Even gave you this house." He scoffed. "You don't deserve them."
Hazel's voice dropped. "Why?"
James shrugged. "Honestly? If it were me, I would've given up. Why waste money on a kid that isn't even mine?" He smirked. "Your sister has such a lovely family. Lucky her."
Hazel's breath hitched.
"Then…" she whispered, "…your father's name is Josh Carter Right?
James raised an eyebrow. "So you finally figured it out."
"You're his son…"
"Guess you didn't know," he said coldly. "They never really considered you family anyway." A pause. "Sorry."
Hazel swallowed.
"James… one last question."
He looked at her, bored.
"Since we were dating," she said softly, "did you ever feel anything for me? Even a tiny bit?"
James answered without hesitation.
"Never. Not even once."
Something in Hazel's eyes changed not anger, not pain. Calm.
The maid returned, placing a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table.
Hazel picked one up. "Then let's toast," she said evenly. "To us. Since we won't be seeing each other again."
James smirked.
"Guess you're really leaving for good."
He raised his glass and drank it down in one go.
The wine burned as it slid down his throat. that night, James didn't notice the strange smile forming on Hazel's lips.