"Chandler, I don't care what your motive is, and I don't care why, when we were together, you never talked about your family. The fact is, we broke up. Did you get that? Break up means we're done. There's no need to keep dragging this out and disgusting each other. Understand?"

I bumped his shoulder as I passed him, causing him to stagger.

He didn't argue back for once, only muttering hoarsely, "I understand."

For the rest of the day, he didn't come looking for me.

Just as I thought this whole ordeal was over and that I'd finally rid myself of him, Jayvon sent me a message.

[I've got something tonight. Won't be coming home.]

I replied, [Alright. Stay safe out there.]

I added a sticker at the end for good measure.

Though Jayvon hadn't told me what he was doing, I picked up on a few clues from my social media feed.

Jayvon's ex-girlfriend was my college classmate.

Her latest post said.

[Thank goodness for you.]

A picture of a pair of sneakers on a shoe rack was attached.

Those sneakers were a birthday gift from me for Jayvon.

I immediately lost interest. I just casually liked the post and then stared out at the rainy weather with a frown.

I hadn't brought an umbrella, and with the evening rush hour, getting food delivery or a cab would take too long.

I debated whether to just walk home in the rain.

Behind me, Chandler's voice sounded, "Going to leave?"

He held two umbrellas in his hands.

I took a step back, creating some distance silently.

"No need, my boyfriend is coming to pick me up soon."

I told the simplest, yet most truthful lie.

"Then I'll wait with you until he gets here, and leave after."

Chandler was...

He was completely insane.

I felt like I was punching the air, leaving me speechless for a moment.

"Fine, then just wait."

Based on what I knew about him, he wouldn't last more than twenty minutes before losing his patience.

But I underestimated him.

From seven o'clock to nine-thirty, the downpour never let up, and Chandler stood next to me the whole time, saying nothing, gripping the umbrella, stubbornly waiting with me.

Finally, I couldn't hold back anymore.

"Chandler, you really are crazy! Fine, I'll tell you, my boyfriend's not coming tonight, but I'm not going with you either. I don't want to stay with you. Do you understand? I'd rather walk home in the rain and get a raging fever than walk side by side with you. That would make me sick!"

I shouted.