Chapter 4The Kite and the String

My friend was drunk unconscious. I downed the last half bottle of wine and scanned the code to pay.

When I stood up, my gaze accidentally swept across the bar entrance, and my pupils dilated instantly.

It was Julian!

He wore a low-key black hoodie and a mask, but I still recognized him at a glance.

He didn't see me and walked straight to a lively booth. Someone cleared the center seat for him to sit.

I saw Julian take off his mask and casually accept a beer handed to him.

A young woman leaned close to Julian with a smile, saying something to him. Julian nodded absently, responding casually.

Before, I never got jealous.

I was too certain. I felt nothing and no one could separate Julian and me. I knew Julian's charm clearly, but was also incredibly confident in his loyalty to me.

When did it start? The fact that Julian didn't love me anymore.

I still remember after Julian said he wanted to break up, he never returned to the rental apartment.

I went to the bar where he worked to find him, called every friend of his, even ran to their homes asking if they knew where Julian went.

I sent him many messages, wanting to ask what went wrong with our relationship, if we could talk properly, and I would change whatever needed changing.

I said I didn't mind him playing with other girls, asked him not to be angry.

Later, I only worried about his safety.

I said he didn't need to reply to me, just reply once to let me know he was safe.

Finally, I really had no choice. At 3 AM at the bar entrance, I sat on the steps cold all over, holding the phone with both hands, typing the message word by word with stiff fingers.

[I agree to break up. Go home, let's deal with the apartment.]

Ten minutes later, Julian appeared beside me.

So he had been there all along.

Standing not too near nor too far, looking at me coldly.

At that moment, I felt as if I had never known him.

Julian rented that apartment. He said he would leave soon and had prepaid three months' rent. I could continue to live there or discuss ending the lease with the landlord.

He left very decisively. When leaving, he just carried a black backpack containing his wallet and ID.

He took nothing else.

I walked him downstairs, still wearing the couple pajamas we bought together at the wholesale market.

I handed him a small kite charm and said with a smile, "I wish you freedom."

Julian, do you feel free enough now?