Seven Years Was Enough: I’m Done Chasing Her. After seven years of being a pathetic admirer to the campus queen, I finally decided I was done chasing. I blocked her number, left her city, and made up some lame excuse to break up with her. “Eleanor Vance, you only eat medium-rare steak, I like well-done. We’re just not compatible, so let’s break up.” Seven years of chasing, I was so damn tired. Later, I heard the most sought-after girl at Harvard had a complete change of heart. She started eating only well-done steak. Training finished. I put away my racket, sat on the locker room bench, and held my phone, praying with my eyes closed for three seconds. Good. Eleanor still hadn’t replied to my messages. “Eleanor, breakfast’s warm in the kitchen, don’t forget to eat. I’m heading out.” “Eleanor, I won first place in the league this morning. Want to celebrate tonight?” “Eleanor, what time are you off work today? The forecast says rain, did you bring an umbrella?” My chat log was just a long stream of my messages, not a single reply. I took a deep breath and put down my phone. I told myself she must be too busy to have seen them. But they say in psychology: if someone truly cares about you, they’ll find a minute to reply, no matter how busy they are, because they know you’re thinking of them. I showered and changed. Then I headed to Eleanor Vance’s office building to wait for her. Afraid she’d mind, I deliberately stood a little far from the entrance. I remembered one time I picked her up and called her name loudly in the lobby in front of her colleagues. She got angry. So I learned my lesson. I’d just wait at the street corner until she appeared. As the lights in the building flickered on one by one, I finally spotted her. Her radiant beauty made her stand out, even in the biggest crowd. Beside her was a man in a suit, eagerly opening doors and holding an umbrella for her. It looked like Derek Miller, her boss, who’d been relentlessly pursuing her for a while. Eleanor Vance never lacked men around her, and always the high-quality kind. “Eleanor.” I jogged over, unceremoniously brushing past him, stepping in between them. I held up my umbrella. “We have an umbrella, thanks, Mr. Miller.” Derek looked a bit awkward, his hand tightening around the umbrella handle. Eleanor’s gaze fell on me, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. “What are you doing here?” Her tone was sharp, almost accusatory. I felt like I’d annoyed her again. A hundred questions were swirling in my head. Why didn’t she reply to my messages? Why couldn’t she keep other men at a distance? Why had she forgotten our plans again? But what came out instead was: “You’ve been working all day, Eleanor, are you hungry?” Her eyes were indifferent. After a long moment, she spoke softly: “Let’s go.” I smiled, extending the umbrella towards Eleanor. Rain chilled my shoulder, but I didn’t feel it. Everyone has that one person they fall for the moment they see them. Eleanor Vance was that person for me. At the high school sports day, I was a tennis player, and Eleanor was the cheerleading captain. “Here, have some water.” She smiled sweetly, handing me a bottle of water. Her eyes were clear, impossibly beautiful. She just smiled at me like that, and my heart did a little flip. She probably had no idea then that a single bottle of water would be enough for me to get so completely wrapped around her finger. Eleanor eventually agreed to celebrate my league victory with me. But the restaurant was packed, with a line stretching out the door and every waiting spot taken. I knew how impatient she could get, so before she could even say anything, I grabbed her hand, ready to leave. “It’s too crowded. Let’s go somewhere else.” But to my surprise, Eleanor was unusually patient. “Haven’t you been wanting to try this place for ages? It’s fine, we can wait.” So she *did* know. Just one small gesture of kindness from her, and I’d be ecstatic. She had dark hair, a simple dress. I watched her, she watched her phone. For me, that was enough. The world felt perfect. But I’d celebrated too soon. I just stepped away to the restroom, and when I came back, she was gone.
I called, she didn’t answer. I messaged, she didn’t reply. I looked at my phone and let out a self-deprecating laugh. In three years, this was the seventy-eighth time she’d left me behind. It wasn’t as crushing as it should have been. I chose this, so I had to live with the disappointment. Who told me to be so helplessly, hopelessly in love with her? In my senior year of high school, Eleanor got a direct scholarship to Harvard, while my grades were okay, but my future felt vague. I stopped her by the school building and confessed for the first time: “Eleanor Vance, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?” She glanced at me, her voice cold. “I don’t like guys with bad grades. Can you get into Harvard?” I stood in silence for a long moment, then clenched my jaw and replied: “Yes.” So I studied day and night, trained day and night, and finally got into Harvard on an athletic scholarship. I saw her at the campus gates and confessed for the second time: “Eleanor Vance, I did it. Will you date me now?” She just frowned, and simply, decisively, threw five words at me: “I don’t like you.” I guess, even after three years of us being together, she still didn’t like me that much. I finished three huge well-done steaks, just how I liked them. I touched my eye, and tears were streaming down, tasting oddly sweet and bitter as I ate. I wiped them away with a bitter laugh. Why should I be sad? It wasn’t the first time she’d abandoned me. If I had to be upset every time, life would be unbearable. I curled up on the couch and waited until past midnight for the doorbell to ring. My heart leaped with a desperate hope. I opened the door, only to see Derek Miller supporting Eleanor, standing at my doorstep. “Liam, uh…” “The company had a last-minute business meeting, I called Eleanor myself. She seemed pretty drunk, so I just brought her home. You don’t mind, do you?” Derek’s apology seemed sincere, but there was a smug, mocking glint in his eyes. I ignored him, took Eleanor from him, and swallowed my irritation. “Thank you, Mr. Miller.” Eleanor was indeed quite drunk. As I helped her to the couch, she still clung tightly to my arm. “Eleanor, we’re home.” I leaned in to brush a strand of hair from her cheek. Her face was flushed, her skin warm to the touch. Her clear eyes stared straight at me. As I started to stand up, she suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck, showering my face with fervent kisses. The scent of red wine and her delicate perfume flooded my senses. “Eleanor Vance, do you remember what day today is?” I gently pushed her away and straightened my collar. She frowned, looking at me. “It’s just your league day. Congratulations on winning first place.” My heart plummeted. Fine, she forgot. What would blaming her change? I pulled out the takeout container of lobster from the restaurant. “Today is our three-year anniversary. This is your favorite lobster.” “You promised me we’d celebrate together. Why did you disappear just because Derek called?” I remembered everything about her. Why couldn’t she care about me, even just a little? Eleanor rubbed her temples, then opened the takeout box. “Well, we can celebrate now, can’t we?” “It’s not the same.” “Liam, why are you being so dramatic?” She frowned at me, a hint of impatience in her voice. I froze for a second. If only I could fly into Rose’s heart like Jack did, and make her love me. Why was she always so reasonable, and I was the one making a scene? Maybe my biggest flaw was simply being unloved by her. I sighed. “I’ll shell the lobster for you.” She wouldn’t know how utterly defeated I felt. I’d pushed myself so hard in training, all to lay this medal at her feet today. I held out the lobster meat to her, then suddenly smiled. “Eleanor Vance, do you think I’ll never leave you?”
She didn’t answer, and I didn’t want to ask. At least for now, I didn’t have the answer myself. Eleanor was like an alluring viper, drawing me closer, leaving me scarred but unwilling to give up. Maybe one day I’d just snap out of it, turn my back, and never look back. No matter how she called out, I wouldn’t look back. When I woke up the next morning, breakfast was set on the table. It took me a moment to realize it must have been Eleanor’s belated peace offering. Heart-shaped fried eggs, and warm milk. So, did Eleanor care about me, or not? Chances are, she didn’t care at all. Even if I left, she’d probably just feel relieved. When I arrived at the court, my coach, Coach Thompson, pulled me aside. “Liam, have you thought about that advanced training opportunity in Australia?” “You’re our best player here. If you go, your skills will definitely hit the next level.” “This is a rare chance. Chloe and I are both really rooting for you.” Chloe Davis was our professional manager. She always wanted to expand the gym’s reputation, and I was her chosen star athlete. Going for advanced training would be all gain, no downside for my career, but… If I agreed, it meant crossing oceans, and I wouldn’t see Eleanor for a long time. Leaving might not hurt her at all, but for me, it would be a tough hurdle to overcome. Thinking about it, I was pretty pathetic, actually. “Coach, I might have to let you down…” I squeezed the racket in my hand, feeling defeated. Coach Thompson patted my shoulder. “I get it. Great men have always fallen for beautiful women.” “I had a player almost jump off a building for a girl once. This is nothing.” I blinked. “…” “Just focus on your training. Chloe will be here later. Think about what you’ll tell her.” My mind was a mess, and my game was off during training. I put away my racket and started picking up balls for my teammates instead. I looked up and saw Eleanor. She wasn’t there for me, of course, because Derek Miller was with her, along with a well-dressed, distinguished-looking middle-aged couple. Derek was practically their personal assistant, diligently setting everything up for their game. As he walked past me, he frowned. “Liam, what are you doing here?” “Didn’t realize you were working as a ball boy here. Perfect, come pick up balls for us.” I didn’t say anything, just looked at Eleanor. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to stand up for me. Over the years, she was most accustomed to ignoring me. Sure enough, this time was no exception. “Liam, what are you waiting for? Don’t worry, you’ll get your tip.” Derek pulled a few bills from his wallet and handed them to me, urging. “Hurry up.” There was no way I was agreeing to that. I pushed his hand away. “I’m busy. Find someone else.” My refusal clearly left Derek a bit embarrassed. After seeing the couple off, Derek came back to find me. He probably wanted to show off his game and humiliate me a bit to regain his pride. He walked up to me. “Liam, if you’re working as a ball boy, you probably play, right? Care to challenge me?” I admitted he played well enough, but compared to a pro player, he was lacking. Let alone a *good* pro player. Unfortunately, he was too arrogant. “I’m not afraid of anything. What’s the stakes?” But he was even more shameless than I thought. He pulled Eleanor closer. “Mixed doubles. Eleanor and I against you and… well, whoever you can find. The loser has to shout ‘I’m a loser’ in front of everyone.” The bet was ridiculous, even pathetic. Derek was clearly trying to humiliate me. I stared at Eleanor, wanting to see her reaction. But she just said, flatly and coldly: “Liam, stop playing games.” A subtle chill crept into my heart. Derek was the one who challenged me, not I. Seeing my silence, Derek put on a victorious air. “Liam, you can’t find a partner, can you? So are we playing or not? If not, I’ll take it as you surrendering.” His nerve was astounding. Just as I clenched my fist, about to retort, a clear voice spoke up. “We’ll play.” A soft, slender hand gently rested on my shoulder. “Liam, I’ll be your partner. You don’t mind, do you?”
Chloe Davis smiled at me, holding out a racket. “It would be my honor.” I took the racket and turned to Derek. “Let’s start then.” I quickly glanced at Eleanor beside him. Her gaze lingered on Chloe’s hand on my shoulder. For a moment, I actually thought she looked angry. Derek must have been kicking himself. After a few rounds, he was like a mouse being toyed with by a cat, finding no opportunity to catch his breath. Finally, exhausted, he yelled, “Liam, you’re messing with me!” “You asked for it.” I wasn’t going to humor him. I delivered a brutal smash, the ball whistling past his shoulder. He fell flat on his backside, utterly humiliated. I walked up to them, racket in hand. “Mr. Miller, you lost.” “Time to honor your bet.” He glared at me, unwilling, but couldn’t utter a single word. Eleanor glared at me, a hint of anger in her eyes. “Liam, are you done playing games?!” She hadn’t said anything when Derek provoked me, but now she was questioning me for his sake. It hurt, even though I denied it. I was her boyfriend, for crying out loud. I felt like I had nothing left to lose. “Eleanor, can’t you just once stand by me? Just once?” I looked at her, pleading, hoping for an affirmative answer. But there was none. “Mr. Miller was just joking, why are you taking it so seriously?” She frowned, impatience etching itself onto her features. I clenched my fist. This time, I refused to back down. “A bet is a bet. Derek, are you really that sore a loser?” I didn’t get a reply from Derek, but Eleanor pushed me. “Liam, what is the point of this?!” She was always so proud and cold, rarely raising her voice, let alone laying a hand on me. But now, for Derek… A dull ache throbbed in my chest. I took a deep breath. Just endure it, and the pain would fade. I bit my lip, tears stinging my eyes: “No, it’s not worth it…” I didn’t know if she heard me as she walked away, but even if she did, what difference would it make? She never saw how pathetic I was. “Is she the reason you wouldn’t go to Australia?” Chloe looked at me with a complex expression. “Is she worth it?” I had no answer. Falling for Eleanor had always been my choice. Chloe didn’t press. She just reminded me that tomorrow was the deadline, and to give her my answer after I’d thought it through. Eleanor came home very late. I stopped her at the entrance and asked the question that gnawed at me. “Do you like Derek Miller?” She glanced up, answering casually. “No.” “Then why?” “Why what?” She frowned at me, then after a long moment, said: “He’s my boss.” “So, you protected him, not me?” “Did I?” Her tone was cold, dismissive. She didn’t understand, and I was used to it, but I didn’t want to be anymore. I stubbornly held onto her. “Eleanor Vance, did you ever really like me?” All these years, I hadn’t dared to ask, afraid of an answer I didn’t want. So I never truly knew how she viewed our relationship. She agreed to be my girlfriend after my seventeenth confession. I held a bouquet of red roses. “Eleanor Vance, let’s be together.” This time, she didn’t directly refuse. After three seconds of thought, she took the flowers from my hand. “Okay.” I couldn’t believe it, pinching my thigh three times to confirm I wasn’t dreaming. Later, I found out. At the time, a rich kid at school was pursuing her, and she found him annoying, so she put me forward. Said she had a boyfriend. Now we’d been together for three years, I deserved an answer. Eleanor stiffened for a second. “Does it matter?” “Yes, it matters.” “I’m tired. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.” Eleanor walked past me towards the bathroom. She chose to ignore me again. No answer was probably the best answer. Watching her retreating back, I shook my head in disappointment, feeling ridiculous and pathetic. Everyone hits a wall eventually, learning the hard way when to turn back. Eleanor was that wall for me. I’d smashed into her, bleeding and broken, only to never get a second glance. I sat alone in the living room for a long, long time, until the first hint of dawn crept through the window. Only then did I pull out my phone and send a message. “Chloe, I agree to the advanced training in Australia.” I packed my bags, erasing every trace of my life there, and left Eleanor without a word. As I passed our favorite restaurant, I sent her a message. “Eleanor Vance, you only eat medium-rare steak, I like well-done. We’re not compatible, so let’s break up.” The weather in Australia was dry, and it took me three years to finally get used to it. I held my coffee, looking at Chloe Davis across from me. “What brings you here?” Chloe leaned back, arms crossed, smiling. “To bring our champion home, of course.” “You’ve been winning awards non-stop these past few years. Once you’re back in the States, everyone will be scrambling for you. Don’t forget about us old folks then.” “Stop teasing me. Without you, Chloe, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Besides…” “We have a contract, I can’t afford to break it.” “Haha.” Chloe laughed heartily. “Why choose to come back now?” I took a sip of coffee. “All my competitions here are done, and my alma mater sent an invitation for their 70th anniversary. My old college professor has called me a dozen times. Can’t really turn down my mentor, can I?” Chloe looked understanding. “Right, you’re a big name now, a truly accomplished alumni. Gotta show up and bring some prestige to your old school.” I chuckled awkwardly. “All thanks to you, Chloe, for giving me the chance back then.” “So… Eleanor Vance? Have you thought about going back to find her?” Hearing that name again, I felt a strange sense of unreality. Time had flown by. Three years, just like that. And time was so amazing. The person I once couldn’t stop thinking about now felt… optional. I smiled. “Never thought about it. A career-focused brain is much more appealing than romance.” That was the honest truth. From the moment I left her, I decided to let go, and that’s how I achieved what I have today. Chloe nodded in agreement, raising her cup to mine. “To careers.” Eleanor Vance was also invited to the Harvard anniversary celebration. Of course. She had always been exceptional, and now she had worked her way up to become a successful CEO. From a distance, she was still stunning, a goddess who caused a stir the moment she appeared. I had mentally prepared myself to see her again when I returned home, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I wondered if she felt even a ripple of emotion seeing me. Probably not. After the ceremony, I wandered alone through the familiar track and field stadium. Every now and then, some younger students would come up to ask for my autograph. I happily obliged each one. As I handed their pen back, I looked up and saw Eleanor standing in front of me. She was dressed simply but sharply, her outstanding aura unmistakable. It was a striking, almost aggressive kind of beauty. I was surprised she initiated contact. “Liam Hayes, long time no see.” I smiled. “Long time no see.” Not that long, really. Only three years. I started to walk away. I wasn’t sure why, but seeing her made me feel a little uneasy. But she reached out and stopped me. “Don’t you have anything to say to me?” I thought seriously for a few seconds, then shook my head. “No.” Eleanor seemed disbelieving. Her face, usually so composed, showed a flicker of something I couldn’t quite decipher. My immediate thought was that she couldn’t possibly be looking for an explanation for our breakup three years ago. With her personality, how could she bring that up herself? But I underestimated the power of time. It could erase some things and change others. Even someone as proud and cold as Eleanor Vance. Her eyes were slightly red. “Why did you leave without a word three years ago?” I thought I heard a tremor in her voice. I frowned. “I sent you a message.” “I didn’t agree to it.” “I asked everyone around me, they said you went to Australia. Everyone knew, why didn’t you tell me?” “What would telling you change? Would you have tried to stop me?” I took her hand off me, ready to leave, but she held on even tighter. “Why did you break up with me back then?”
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