The Day After I Said Yes

Ash Rhodes chased me for five years. The day after I finally said yes, I scrolled past a post from his childhood friend.
[Ten years of secret love, finally over.]
[My best friend since childhood is in a relationship. But its not with me.]
[We were a story of missed timing and near misses. The most intimate we ever were was that kiss I stole when he was drunk.]
[Its a strange feeling, letting go of a decade of emotion. Im heartbroken, but Im also happy for him.]
[If I had been the one to give him that piece of candy back then, would I be the one he loves now?]
The comments section was full of people commiserating over her decade of silent heartbreak, admiring her dedication and the courage to finally let go.
Ashs reply sent the posts engagement through the roof. He wrote: [I would.]
I stared at that one word and let out a soft breath.
Well, there was my reason to break up with him.
1
I sent the post link to Ash. We're done. Im letting you have your ten-year-delayed happy ending.
Then I blocked him. It felt like a massive stone had been lifted from my chest.
When I agreed to date him yesterday, I saw the shock in his eyes, and I definitely didn't miss the flicker of regret that followed. He hadn't seemed all that thrilled by my "yes."
But then, just as quickly, hed squeezed my hand and pulled me into a tight hug.
I instantly tensed up, biting back the urge to pull away, trying to coach myself.
I said yes. Just try it. Maybe the feelings will come later.
I woke up the next morning thinking: I want to break up.
I simultaneously condemned myself as a terrible person while searching a popular social app for "how to dump your one-day-old boyfriend without seeming like a monster."
But soon, my attention was snagged by the bizarre, brightly colored world of other posts, and I forgot what Id opened the app for.
There was one post, ten thousand likes and climbing, with comments lamenting a ten-year crush.
I glanced at the posters profile picture and my heart gave a jump.
I switched to my texts. Ashs profile picture was his Samoyed, the same dog his childhood friend had done a digital painting of for him. Hed sent me the artwork a while back, joking:
Serena Price loves all this over-the-top stuff. I still think your drawing style is better.
Id been busy then, took a quick look, and didn't reply. He had changed the subject shortly after.
That artwork was warm and vibrant. I remembered it well.
It was identical to the profile picture on the post.
My suspicions piqued, I checked the IP address and clicked on the top replyAshs infamous "I would."
The replys content was empty, but his saved bookmarks were full of restaurants Ash had once shared with me.
I froze for a moment.
The top commenter was the boyfriend Id just officially confirmed.
The poster was my new boyfriends childhood friend.
They had a decade of painful history, a tragic missed connection. It was truly a shame.
Could I, a genuinely good person, stand by and watch this tragedy unfold right in front of me?
My lips curved into a wild smile as I typed a new comment:
Oh my God, thats terrible! You should have said something sooner. I was already rooting for you guys!
Its not too late. Im breaking up with him right now. You two are meant to be. Congrats on your forever!
2
After sending Serena my blessing and blocking Ash, I crawled back into bed for a proper rest.
Regret over saying yes to him yesterday had kept me up all night.
Now, with my conscience clear, I fell into a deep sleep the moment my head hit the pillow.
It felt like only minutes had passed when a relentless pounding on the door and the frantic ringing of the doorbell woke me up.
I walked to the entryway, my face wooden and a fire of pure irritation burning inside me.
I peeked through the security hole and saw two figures.
A frantic Ash.
A despondent Serena Price.
I checked my phone.
The Threads app was blowing up with messages.
The "tea" was boiling over, and strangers were flooding my DMs.
My blocked number was getting an endless stream of calls and texts.
All of them were Ash begging me to reconsider.
I grabbed a handful of my hair in exasperation.
What the hell?
They finally got their wish. Why weren't they making out somewhere instead of showing up at my door to whine?
The banging switched to knocking. Ash yelled, Sky, its not what you think! I only love you!
The moment he yelled my name, I pictured how I'd have to face my neighbors later, the strange looks and the whispers.
Yeah, thats her. The one with the crazy drama on her doorstep. Tsk, tsk.
A chill ran down my spine. I flung the door open. Shut up!
Ashs eyes immediately lit up. Sky, I brought Serena here so we could explain. Theres nothing between us. Were just friends.
Serena, red-eyed and pale, managed a bitter smile and a nod. Hes right. Just friends.
But my focus was entirely on
My nosy neighbors door, which had just creaked open a crack.
3
I didnt want to bring them inside. I was terrified that if they got too emotional, Id end up as a neighborhood news item.
So, I kept the door open, letting my neighbor eavesdrop to their hearts content.
Okay, are you done explaining? Anything else?
I hissed, urging them in a low voice, If thats it, then please leave. Im begging you.
Ashs face was even more anguished than mine. He grabbed my hand desperately. Please dont break up with me. Its all a misunderstanding. Serena doesnt have feelings for me anymore. Nothing is ever going to happen between us. We grew up together. I only think of her like a sister. If I had ever
The line was so clich I couldnt help but interrupt.
If you had ever, youd be together already, and I wouldnt be standing here, would I?
Ash was speechless.
Serenas face paled further. She stared blankly at the ground, then suddenly spoke up. Hes right. I dont love Ash anymore.
That declaration made Ash flinch.
His expression turned dark, a hint of genuine anger lurking beneath the surface.
He forced a smile for me. See? Sky, you heard her. Im completely innocent. I chased you for five years. You know how I feel.
I leaned against the doorframe, watching their subtle, dramatic exchange.
Such touching melodrama. The kind of innocent that involves stolen kisses?
Ash frowned, looking at Serena. I had no idea she did that. It was something she did in secret.
Serena stubbornly fought back tears. Its true. On his birthday this year, he was drunk, and I kissed him while I was taking care of him. He didnt know.
Id been at Ashs birthday party this year. It was loud, with tons of friends.
But I hated the atmosphere, the way everyone kept trying to push Ash and me together, so I made an excuse and left early.
A thought struck me, referencing her post. Ash, you love me because of that candyyoud love anyone who offered you kindness when you were at your lowest. Your reply to Serena confirms that youre still looking for that feeling, no matter who offers it. Youre not completely over her.
A flicker of hope crossed Serenas eyes.
Ash vehemently denied it. No! I only said I would to comfort her! I swear, if I had even an ounce of romantic feeling for her
Stop it!
Serenas shout was louder than my earlier command to shut up.
The neighbors door even shuddered slightly.
Ash looked at Serena in surprise.
Serena took a deep, shaky breath, looked at me, and her expression became one of absolute resolve. I will never see Ash again. If I ever try to have a relationship with him, Ill swear to whatever curse you want. Are you satisfied?
I frowned. I already told you I broke up with him
She closed her eyes, wiping away a tear. If youre satisfied, then stop this whole drama. He truly, genuinely cares about you.
Serena didnt look at Ash again. She simply turned and walked away.
Ash watched her retreating back, lost in thought for a long moment.
I couldnt take it anymore. Does she not understand basic English?
My remark made Ash turn back. His eyes were tired, and his voice was raw. There. Sky, are you satisfied now?
I took a deep breath. Fine. Ill admit it. The post isnt the only reason I broke up with you. The truth is, I just dont like you that much. And you clearly still have some kind of feelings for Serena, dont you? Im bowing out. You two get together. Its a win-win-win. Everyones happy, right?
The fatigue vanished from Ashs face. It turned an unhealthy shade of green. What did you say? You dont like me?
I guess I couldnt get out of this without revealing myself as the bad guy.
I nodded weakly. Yes. I know Im not a great person, but you and Serena werent exactly innocent, either. Pot calling the kettle black. Lets just call it even and move on!
Ash looked at me, utterly disbelieving. Youre saying you dont like me?
Me:
4
A string of muffled laughter came from behind the neighbors door.
The person inside tried to cover it up. That main character is a total zero, tsk.
I coughed loudly, and the neighbor finally closed the door.
Ashs face was grim, his body faintly trembling.
I was genuinely afraid he might try something, and I slowly shuffled backward into my apartment.
Ash clenched his fists, staring deeply at me. I know youre upset about Serenas post. You dont have to make up excuses. Im giving you time to think clearly.
He turned and walked away, his posture just as resolute as Serenas.
I stood silently for a moment.
I went back to my room, miserable, and opened my phone.
My Threads DMs were flooded with drama-hungry strangers.
I clicked on Serenas post.
It had been updated ten minutes ago.
[Yes, I loved him for ten years, but that doesnt mean Im willing to be a prop in their little drama. Do they need to insult me to prove their relationship is real?]
[Ten years, I was completely blind.]
[My love gave him a filter. Now that the love is gone, hes nothing special.]
[Since its come to this, I wish you a long and happy life together. Your business is no longer mine. Stop bothering me.]
Every sentence was a targeted blow.
The mob was already coming for me.
[She had a secret crush, and she was letting go. You didn't have to humiliate her.]
[Wifey needs to control her man. She just wanted closure, and your boyfriend was the one who ran over to reply 'I would.']
[(Insert Viral Reaction GIF here)]
Are these people serious?
I was so angry I threw a quick set of air punches.
I slipped on my house shoes and knocked on the next-door neighbors door.
The drama-lover on the other side was surprisingly reluctant to open up.
I knocked for three minutes before he slowly opened the door. You two were yelling so loud. Is it my fault I overheard everything?
I cut him off. Hurry up. Give me the recording.
The camera by my door was broken; the new one was still in the mail.
He paused, glancing at the camera with the blinking red light. What happened?
I rolled up my sleeve, gritting my teeth. An epic battle with a pair of total drama llamas. Eight hundred rounds of mutual roasting.
5
In under three minutes, I received a video file from Dean Wallace.
A gamers hands are certainly fast.
I walked back toward my place, downloading the file.
Dean followed me. Where did you have this fight? Let me in on it. Im excellent at trash talk. Hello
I shut the door on him.
Is being the subject of an online witch hunt something to be proud of?
I edited the video, censoring the faces, and uploaded it. I tagged Serena and Ash with the caption: Are you two for real?
Deans video only showed Serena walking away.
The crowd rushed in:
[Classic: Shes just like a sister to me.]
[And the Stop making drama line.]
[Who exactly was using who as a prop in the end]
[Sending signals to a crush when you have a girlfriend is trashy. Boyfriend is 100% the villain. Confirmed.]
[How do we define stolen kiss? If you steal it then post about it online, is it really stealing?]
[I wanted to say this after the first post: Asking if he would love you instead when he's currently dating someone is so cringe. Who are you trying to annoy?]
I felt the pressure in my chest release a little.
I started replying to everyone who had insulted me.
[Humiliate? Sweetie, the childhood friends ganged up on me. The nice girl finally fought back.]
[Wifey? Thats my ex. Keep calling me that, and youll be calling your own husband names.]
[(Insert Viral Reaction GIF here)]
I was in the middle of my glorious comeback when the system notified me the post had been taken down.
A slight regret.
My phone started buzzing with texts.
I checked. It was Dean Wallace sending me a screenshot.
It was Serenas post. He wrote: [In case you rage-quit, I archived it for you.]
This guy was actually experienced at online drama.
I sent him a fist-bump emoji: [Youre a man of integrity.]
He replied with a reaction GIF.
Wait a second. How did he find the post?
[How did you find that?]
This guy is a tech expert. Did he hack my phone?
The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
Dean Wallace: [It popped up under Nearby People recommendations.]
Oops. I guess my paranoia is a little over the top.
6
My phone started ringing.
I have three rules for calls I won't answer:
No answer for numbers without a contact name.
No answer for suspected spam or scam calls.
No answer for calls I just dont want to take.
This call met all three criteria. I waited for it to go to voicemail.
I let out a sigh of relief.
The next second, it rang again.
I bit my finger, waiting for it to automatically hang up.
I sighed again.
Then the number sent me a text message:
[No one is innocent in this online war, but youre the culprit. Arent you afraid youll wake up screaming in the middle of the night?]
Attached was a photo of a rooftop taken from a downward angle.
Did I commit a federal crime by dating someone for half a day?
Relationships are my doom.
I immediately unblocked Ash and sent him a screenshot of the text: [Your childhood friend is about to jump off a roof.]
Then I called the police.
The photo included a landmark, so the location wouldnt be hard to find.
I changed clothes and headed out, running into Dean Wallace as he was going to take out the trash.
He looked surprised. Whats the occasion? The Mole has surfaced?
I work from home, and my work attire is pajamas. I barely leave the apartment once a month.
I gave him a look, like Id just tasted something foul. Im about to go down without taking the stairs or the elevator.
Dean looked thoughtful. The Bat-Woman.
I quickly walked toward the elevator. Im not the one flying. Someone is about to jump.
Dean grabbed his trash bag and hurried after me. Who? The Ten-Year-Crush, or The Will Guy?
I pressed the elevator button. The Ten-Year-Crush.
I bit my tongue. What terrible nicknames. And I was using them, too.
Dean followed me into the elevator and immediately pressed the button for the underground parking garage.
Youre taking the trash to the garage?
He looked at me righteously. Is trash more important than a human life? Trust me, if I didn't love gaming more, Id be a race car driver.
I glanced at him. The words thrill seeker were practically glowing above his head.
But I didnt call him out. I got into the passenger seat of his car.
He threw the trash bag in the back seat.
With one step on the gas pedal, we were off like a shot.
I was the first to arrive.
On the rooftop, Serena was sitting on the ledge.
I spoke hesitantly. Serena, its not worth it for any man. Really.
Serena looked out at the distance and spoke softly. Do you know how long I loved him? Ten years How many decades does a person get? And now that entire decade of devotion has become a source of shame.
Do you know how crushed I was when I found out he liked you? But you dont even appreciate him. What I desperately wished for, you treat with indifference
Five years. I watched him pursue you for five years, and you never said yes. I waited and waited, hoping he would finally give up on you. But you changed your mind, and my hope was crushed all over again.
I licked my lips. What comforting words could a reclusive mole person possibly offer?
I nudged Dean with my elbow.
He nodded at me, giving me a determined look.
Hope surged in my chest, and then I heard him say: Youre waiting for him to finally notice you, right? If you jump, what youre really waiting for is for him to come visit your grave every year.

First, search for and download the MotoNovel app from Google. Then, open the app and use the code "315508" to read the entire book.