I turned my attention to my textbooks. Thankfully, my grades had always been decent, and now, with all the life experience I had gained, I knew I had a real chance at getting into my dream school this time.

I forced myself to calm down and focus on studying.

My seatmate noticed my change in attitude and widened her eyes. “Wow, you’re starting to work hard so early! Why didn’t you bring breakfast for your little childhood sweetheart today?”

I shook my head. “I’m not bringing him breakfast anymore. He’s got his own hands, doesn’t he?”

“Did you two have a fight?” she asked, looking incredulous.

“No,” I replied, “I’ve just decided to start focusing on myself.”

She didn’t believe me. I couldn’t blame her. For years, I treated Harvey like he was my whole world. Of course, people would doubt me.

But it wasn’t just others – back then, even I wouldn’t have believed that one day, I’d be able to let Harvey go.

That evening after school, I left early by myself for the first time, not bothering to wait for Harvey at the basketball court.

Riding my bike behind a group of classmates, I realized there was a whole world of sights I hadn’t noticed before when my life revolved around him.

As I neared home, I heard a familiar voice calling out, a touch of panic in its tone. It was the younger version of Harvey. “Why didn’t you wait for me after school? I stood by the gate for 20 minutes.

His voice held a hint of frustration. I turned to face him. “I saw you chatting with your friends, so I figured I’d head home. I’m not obligated to stick around just because you’re busy.” My tone was indifferent, something he wasn’t used to.

He paused for a second before explaining, “That’s not what I meant. We’ve always left together. If we suddenly stop, people will think something’s wrong.”

“Who would think that? Everyone’s too busy with their own lives, especially in our final year,” I replied, knowing exactly how to push his buttons after living through 20 years of him.

“I’m home now. I’ll see you later.” Without waiting for a response, I turned and left.

Harvey called after me, but I didn’t bother turning back.

My mom was standing at the door when I arrived. “What’s going on? Did you and Harvey have a fight?”

“Nope. I just don’t see the point in following him around like a lost puppy anymore,” I said casually.