Chapter 52

Frederick was still hung up on that bottle of “First Love“. Jonathan had made a fuss about shared sulking about it.

1couldn’t help but giggle. “That’s one way to put it.”

to stop me from giving it to him, and he was still

He stoodatthe doorway, looking a littleawkward. “Are you coming in or

or what?

He turned his eyes away, like he couldn’t meet my eyes.

I walked right in without hesitation. “quit being dramatic. You’re not some delicate maiden. Why are you acting like I just barged into a princess’s bedroom?

With a furious glare, Frederick snapped, “Shut up!“⠀⠀

His eyes didn’t scream anger. If anything, it looked like 1 struck a chord. I pursed my lips and didn’t push any further.

His room had a bold, modem vibe – nothing like Jonathan’s.

Jonathan’s personality was always cold and sharp, so his room decoration leaned toward the minimalistic style. Everything was grayscale without warm colors, just like him

However, his refined act didn’t hold up much past the bedroom door.

1 might not remember what went on between us in bed, but with how confidently his hand slid under my shirt, he definitely wasn’t some gentleman.

Frederick called out behind me, “Stop looking around.”

lookedawayand sat on the coech before speaking my mind. “Don’t feel bad. I’m sureyourparents had their reasons.”

Frederickprinted, “oli, please! Their own reasons just means I’m always second to Jonathan.”

He sat down across from me, and his eyes looked a little gloomy. “Growing up, everyone in our circle looked up to Jonathan. He was brilliant and talented,always pulling off things none of us could, Hehada calm and composed demeanor, like he was more mature than any of us back then.”

He let out a self–deprecating laugh. “We’re supposed to be peeks;

grands shoulder to shoulder with people like my dad. He even acts like he is above us.

1pausedfor a moment before saying “Everyone grows at their own pare. Don’t let it bother you just focus on being yourself.”

It wasjustthe usual hollow pep talk, but I didn’t know how else to comfort Federick. If I had grown up under that land of pressure, I might have turned our just as Debellious

Frederickshookhishead with afaint smile. “I’ve said that to myself more times thanIcan count, but…

He trailed off mid–sentence and closed his eyes, Then, he continued with a raspy voice,“There are times when Jonathan feels like a damn nightmare I can’t shake

1 metered, “About your parents…”

I paused, choosing my words carefully. “It’s probably not what you think. They’re just expecting a lot from you.”

Frederick chuckled but didn’t talk about it. After a while, be suddenly called out to me,

Isponded,“What’s wrong?”

Her

* suggested, “I want to show you a place.”

Lasked. “Where are we going?”

He replied, “Follow the and you’ll find out.”

Frederick dragged me through the window, and I gasped. “Areyouinsane?”

Elise.”

Even though it was just the second floor, it was high enough to messine up badly if I were to fall headfirst.

Frederickclicked his tongue impatiently. “Why are yousucha coward?

Factorted, “I’m not chicken, okay? I just don’t haveadeath wisla.”

1 walked up behind him and loplued out the window. There was alawnunderneath, but I still felt a chill run through me “You’re not afraid of brighits, are you? Frederick asked in contempt. “Great Just what I needed.”

Without warning, he grabbed soy and and yanked me out of the window.

I screamed instinctively, ben he covered my mouth right away. The next thing new, there was nothing under my feet.

By the time I came to mymes, my feet were already on the solid ground. So, there really was a big open space outside the window.