Done with Your Excuses

Fifteen minutes into the movie, my messages to Liam remained unanswered.

The romantic scene of the lead actors meeting on screen only irritated me.

I was about to call when my phone vibrated.

In the gaming group chat, Olivia was spamming relentlessly.

"Liam, get online now! We need you to carry us!"

His familiar profile picture immediately popped up with a reply.

"Coming. I'll win this round for you."

I stared at the screen for three seconds.

With a light tap, I exited the group chat.

I bought a large bucket of popcorn and lost myself in the movie world.

As the ending credits song played, my phone showed thirty-eight missed calls.

A voice message from Liam popped up, his tone panicked.

"Baby, please let me explain! Olivia can vouch for me, I really had something urgent tonight!"

"I'll make it up to you tomorrow, I swear!"

I didn't reply.

Stepping out of the theater, the night breeze brushed against my face.

I suddenly realized that tomorrows without him seemed much more worth anticipating.

----

Game sound effects filled the living room.

I was curled up on the sofa, fingers flying across the screen.

Liam Winston pushed the door open just as I reached a critical moment.

He tiptoed over and knelt on one knee before me.

"Sophia."

I glanced up at him briefly.

He was holding a bouquet of red roses, his smile ingratiating.

"Can I trade these for a bowl of noodles?"

The crystal exploded right then, the victory symbol popping up.

I set down my phone and accepted the flowers.

"Thanks."

He visibly relaxed, humming as he turned on the TV.

Entertainment news was reporting on a popular young actor's scandal.

I cleaned up the takeout containers on the coffee table and headed toward the kitchen.

Passing the trash can, I tossed the flowers inside.

"What are you doing?"

Liam's voice suddenly turned cold.

I turned on the faucet to wash my hands, glancing back in confusion.

He was staring at the trash can, his expression grim.

"I'm allergic to pollen."

I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth.

How could he not remember?

I'd been hospitalized twice because of pollen.

Last time we fought, he gave me flowers to apologize.

I had accepted them then.

How ridiculous that seemed now.

Liam's face froze before he forced a smile.

"I'll bring something else next time."

He moved closer, his voice softening.

"Honey, I'm hungry."

I yawned and walked toward the bedroom.

"There's instant noodles in the kitchen."

He stood frozen in place.

"You're not going to cook for me?"

He used to complain my noodles were too bland.

Yet every time he specifically requested them, I'd feel secretly pleased.

Now his face was dark enough to drip water.

"I want the egg noodles you make!"

I stopped and looked at him seriously.

"Instant noodles occasionally won't hurt."

After a pause, I added:

"Didn't you say you have an iron stomach?"

He was momentarily speechless.

As a former E-sports player and current coach.

He often skipped proper meals for training.

His stomach had been bad for a long time.

I used to cook for him every day, trying different recipes.

Until that day I impulsively brought soup to the training base.

That's when I discovered the carefully prepared meals I made were ending up in someone else's stomach.