It had been a couple of days since I broke up with Stephen. He had been pestering me and begging me to talk to him. A part of me wanted to talk to him and welcome him back to my life, but the rational part of me said that what I'd been through was enough. I should not give him a second chance.

It had been puzzling me and I needed other people's point of view regarding the situation so I invited Kane and Lily for some snacks and advice.

"You remember what we told you when you broke the news to us? About you having a boyfriend?" Lily asked.

"Yeah..." I replied embarrassedly, remembering the exact conversation. "You were right."

"Don't feel so bad," Kane consoled me. "We all make bad choices sometimes. But the good thing is you still have the option to make it right."

"But I miss him. He wants to talk things out and I kind of want to give him a chance."

"What do you think is the right thing to do?" Lily asked. "We don't want to dictate on you because that is your life. But if I were you, I won't talk to him. He's not worthy of time and attention."

"Maybe you can give him the chance to explain only so you can ask him questions that you're dying to ask. But I want to remind you that you have the option to choose again. You can choose to take a risk and give him a second chance," Kane paused. She exchanged glances with Lily before looking at me again. "Or you can choose to start over again without him."

"Whatever happens, we're here for you Bianx," Lily reached for my hand. "If things don't go so well, just give us a call, alright? I'm so ready to punch that jerk in the face."

Kane giggled. "For real? You should leave him a black eye."

"Oh hell yeah, I sure will. I'll just ask permission from Miguel to let me punch first. He wants to teach the guy a lesson."

"And what lesson would he possibly learn from a punch?" I asked.

"That he shouldn't have broken your heart and never mess with our friend."

"I should've known better."

"Bianx, it's alright. You won't learn if you don't make mistakes," Kane murmured, before slurping on her chocolate milk shake. "At least now you can pursue anything you like without thinking of a guy's feelings."

I smiled. Of course, she was right. I could finally join the theatre club next semester, and I wouldn't have to ask for Stephen's permission. I could also hang out with my friends without lying to him. I wouldn't be keeping a secret from my family because I was single again.

"Next time, you'll know how to choose a guy wisely," Lily smiled.

"Yeah, but I don't think I'll be ready anytime soon."

"Oh, take your sweet time."

***

I had been waiting outside of Bianca's department building for ten minutes. She already texted me that her exam for today was over. I didn't know what was taking her so long.

A few students passing by had been eyeing me, probably because I wasn't from this university, and I was still wearing my uniform or maybe because I looked like a patient guy who was waiting for his girlfriend. I smiled at how ridiculous that thought was.

"Wait, I know that guy. I'll just talk to him for a sec," I heard a girl say. I looked up to see that girl approaching me and she looked familiar.

"Hi, I'm not sure if you know me but I'm Jam, Bianca's friend. You're her guy best friend, right?" the girl asked me.

I didn't like the tone of her voice.

"Yeah," I answered. "Where is she?"

"She's still in there talking to Stephen."

"What?" I glanced at the building, panic started to rise within me.

"Don't worry. She's fine. Jade is with her."

I nodded at her. But I still felt uncomfortable thinking that Bianca was with Stephen right now. She didn't tell me that she would talk to him. I was starting to think that she purposely kept it a secret from me.

"Alright. Thanks. I'll just wait for her."

Bianca's friend left with a guy who looked like her boyfriend. I waited a few more minutes and finally, Bianca and Jade emerged from the building.

"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Yeah, no problem," I replied.

"I'll go ahead Bianca. You guys enjoy, okay?" Jade gave her a brief hug and whispered something that made Bianca laugh. She turned to me and said, "Take care of my friend."

"I always do," I replied and smiled at her.

She waved goodbye and walked away.

"Jade seems to like you," Bianca giggled.

"Ugh, I'll pass for now. I don't think I can date anyone right now."

Bianca pouted her lips, and I shook my head.

"So...I talked to Stephen."

"I know."

"What? How did... Was it Jam?"

"You purposely didn't tell me, did you?"

"Well...yes," Bianca replied guiltily.

She explained that she was just scared that I would barge in and start a fight with her ex-boyfriend. Honestly it made me laugh. I knew I told her that I wanted to teach him a lesson but I would never be the one to pick a fight. I was mad at him, but I wasn't stupid. There were other ways in which I could teach him a lesson just like now.

I saw Stephen walked out of the building, and he immediately noticed Bianca and me.

Bianca frantically looked up at me and tugged at my arm.

"Don't worry, I won't do that," I reassured her, never taking my eyes off Stephen.

"Bianca," Stephen called, and he raised his right hand in a semi-wave.

Bianca gave him a tiny smile and nodded at him. He remained standing a few feet away from us, obviously watching us.

"We better get going," I mumbled.

I gently looped a protective arm over her shoulder and urged her to walk away.

That asshole should realize what he had wasted.

We drove off and I asked Bianca if she wants to go somewhere. She said that she just wants to go home because she is really tired. But we stopped over a convenience store to buy some food.

When we arrived at their house, she said she wants us to watch her favourite movie.

"Again? Bianx, we literally watched 50 First Dates like a month ago. I can't watch it again."

"I know. But I'm sad and that movie is something that instantly cheers me up. Besides, we have a lot of time for a movie," she explained.

"Fine. We'll watch it again," I conceded and I made sure that I emphasized the word 'again' enough. "Next time that you want a boyfriend, find someone who is willing to watch this movie."

"Sure, I'll find a guy who will do the things that you do for me so I won't have to bother you ever again," she laughed.

"No. No. No. Find a guy who won't get mad at you for being friends with us."

"Then find a girl who won't get mad at you for being friends with us—with me," Bianca said humorously.

"I always choose you over those girls who don't like you, in case you don't know that yet."

But there was one girl who didn't hate her, and I knew she was thinking of the same person.

"You'll find another Khloe," Bianca reassuredme.

I nodded at her.

But I wasn't looking for another Khloe.