The Girl I Hate

Chapter 4

After some hesitation, I lift my head to look at her, and I saw a horrified expression on her face. She was scared of me, and I didn't know what to say. I didn't have any excuse, and it's not like I can tell her I love her in front of that arrogant prick.

Then, it suddenly hit me.

"I-I-I wanted to buy you a new phone, to replace the one I broke, so I came here to know what you would like since I don't exactly know your taste..." I said like some idiot while looking at the ground.

She was taken aback, then she rummaged through the many shopping bags she held (bastard lets her carry them around, if I were him, I wouldn't even let her carry her own handbag. Hmph...) and took out a small box that was in the shape of a phone.

"Well, I know you're not financially well-off and I didn't want to burden you, so I asked my boyfriend to buy me one, just like you said..." She awkwardly said.

I raised my head to look at her boyfriend, who smirked at me, before looking her in the eye.

"B-But I-I can save some money or t-take a loan from the bank to buy you one, it's not like it's impossible..." I said with a heartbroken tone, "You were also standing in front of the electronics store..."

"Just look at you," that annoying husky voice said, "look at how old and outdated your clothes are, look at those disgusting eye-bags of yours, this doesn't justify the fact that you stalked my girlfriend! I can put you in prison if I set my mind to it!" He shouted at me, and I flinched.

"Honey..." She said as she grabbed him to calm him down.

"I-I just wanted to... say sorry for breaking your phone." I said as I realised tears were streaming down my face. I was too embarrassed to look at her any longer, so I just turned around and ran away.

"This pathetic-!"

"Honey!"

I heard her scold him as I ran away.

I left the mall feeling disgusted with myself. The worst part is, he isn't wrong. I didn't change my wardrobe for almost 2 years; I'm a broke and penniless man, my face and skin condition are haggard compared to his clean and smooth face; I am a pale and skinny guy while he is a shining and muscular man. She wasn't wrong when she said I couldn't afford to buy her a new phone, but it still hurts knowing I'm such a loser.

I walked away from the mall for a good 20 minutes, before stopping at a small stand. There was an old lady selling different types of cheap accessories. I took a look at the collection, and to my surprise, they looked beautiful despite being cheap.

She wasn't wearing any necklace.

I picked up a fern-coloured necklace with a deer and forest engravings.

"You have a good eye, young man." The old lady said, "Do you plan on gifting it to your girlfriend?"

I didn't say anything, for she isn't my girlfriend.

"Ah..." The lady said in realisation, "Unrequited love?"

I looked at her, still silent.

"Poor boy, even your eyes are puffy." The lady said with a sympathetic voice.

My eyes widened and I turned away ashamed.

Jeez, did I cry that much?

"It's beautiful, just like her." I said while looking at the necklace.

"Don't just cry about it, young man, do something!" The lady encouraged me.

"Here," she said after taking out a plastic rose from under the stand, "give this to her alongside the necklace."

I hesitated for a bit, before finally buying the necklace for like, 3 dollars.

I walked around a bit more before heading back to my apartment. I decided to give this to her as a gift and apologise for my behaviour thus far. I know it may not mean much, and I'm fully aware she's already dating someone, but I want to at least do this much.

I was walking up the stairs to the second floor, when I saw her crying. I was baffled and shocked.

Why was she lying on the stairs while crying?

...Did he make her cry? I grit my teeth before walking up to her.

"Umm..." I said as I approached her, "Are you... okay?"

She was shocked to see me, before quickly standing up and taking a step back, "Did you follow me here?"

"N-No! I live here!" I immediately responded.

We were silent for a while, before I invited her to my apartment.

"Do you... want to come in and talk about it?" I said awkwardly, as I hid the rose and necklace behind me.

"I don't want to throw my problems at you..." She said as she wiped her face.

"It's the least I can do after... you know." I said embarrassed, I couldn't even look her in the eyes.

"I apologise for inconveniencing you..." She said as she entered my small apartment.

"No worries... in fact, I should be the one who's sorry..." I said as I turned my back and walked towards the kitchen counter.

"Well, my boyfriend and I fought." She said as she sat on the couch and looked at the floor.

How could he...!

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay, it happens, and things will be fine tomorrow."

I hope they won't.

I hid the cheap trinket I bought in the kitchen cabinet as I thought the timing wasn't appropriate, then sat down in the chair in front of her.

That's when I realised, she's wearing a short dress and going full commando.

I felt my face turn red and the fellow guy go up, but I immediately turned away.

"I hate it when men become overly jealous and obsessive. Almost as if he's a stalker or something" She suddenly said.

The fella went down.

"Oh umm... I see." I awkwardly said.

She looked at me, noticed my red face, before she realised, she wasn't closing her legs tightly.

Her face did flush, but she didn't close her legs.

In fact, she opened them even more, and had an evil smirk on her face.

Thefella went up again, this time, it was hard and sturdy.