Secret Love with My Best Friend's Brother

After finishing my part-time job and heading back to school, it was already 11 PM when I emerged from the subway.

I took a shortcut and turned into an alley, where a tall figure crossed my path.

Our eyes met by chance, and that feeling between our brows and eyes seemed oddly familiar.

I walked with my head down, watching my own shadow advance. Unconsciously, another shadow joined mine.

After the third turn, I was certain I was being followed.

I glanced around; the streetlights were in disrepair, this was an industrial area with already minimal foot traffic, especially at night.

To make matters worse, I turned into a dead-end alley. I just picked up my phone, preparing to call for help when two shadows converged on me, and a hand covered my mouth.

I let out a choked scream and was immediately silenced.

Fear overtook my mind; my face turned pale, and I trembled uncontrollably, my body even starting to convulse.

The expression of panic was visible on the assailant's face, and the hand covering my mouth loosened slightly.

I attempted to call for help, but due to my extreme nervousness, my voice came out raspy and quivering, sounding more like a cry.

The assailant silently took two steps back, keeping a close eye on me.

My mind went blank; without a focal point, my legs gave way, and I collapsed to the ground.

Intense pain shot through me, and I writhed and squirmed in discomfort.

Due to fear, my entire body uncontrollably trembled, my hair disheveled and covering my face.

[Twisted] [Howling] [Writhing] [Rolling] [Crawling in darkness]

A scream echoed through the alley, and the assailant stared with wide eyes, fear painted across their face.

"Oh my God, you've turned into a freaking zombie!"

The assailant panicked and fled, and as I watched his shadow retreat, I breathed a sigh of relief, collapsing onto the ground, motionless.

After a few minutes, I propped myself up, but the sound of footsteps reached my ears.

Danger! I immediately fell back to the ground, convulsing and writhing.

The footsteps stopped, and I stole a glance. In the corner of the alley stood a tall figure, legs crossed, leaning against the wall with a casual demeanor.

"Lillian Maltz, your acting skills have improved."

His deep voice, laced with humor, pierced the silence as he gazed at me.

A familiar voice. I picked up my fallen glasses and focused on his face.

Matthew?

I didn't respond, awkwardly wiping away my tears, leaning on the wall, trying to stand up and limp towards him.

"Are you crying?"

He suddenly grabbed my wrist and looked down at me from his elevated position.

"We've been broken up for so long; there's no need for exes to be so concerned, right?"

I replied coldly, lowering my head to avoid his gaze.

I haven't cried!

I just felt like I was having a bad day. I was followed, hurt my leg, and encountered my ex-boyfriend in my most disheveled state.

Leaning against the wall, silent, my nose tingled, and tears flowed uncontrollably.

Matthew Galbraith suddenly fell silent, pulling me into his arms.

"Go ahead and cry. There's no shame in it."

It was then that I realized the shadow I had seen at the street corner was Matthew.