Chapter 365 Sense of Security
Mitchell had just turned around, and Jimmy, who had been lying quietly on the bed, suddenly smiled. He had fallen in love with Willow a long time ago.
But with an opponent like Mitchell, it always seemed like he was just a bit short in everything he did. Even in academics, the professors said he was almost catching up to Mitchell. Almost catching up meant he hadn't quite reached there yet, still a bit behind.
He thought that by confessing first, he could win her over and keep her. But love wasn't about who came first. He had never lost to time; he had only lost to Willow.
He was right. Willow had made her choice; he just wasn't willing to face it, choosing to escape instead.
"You guys go ahead. I'm fine," Jimmy said, his voice hoarse.
Mitchell paused for a moment and walked towards the door. As he opened the door, Jimmy's roommate almost stumbled; he had probably been eavesdropping by the door. Seeing Mitchell leave, he immediately took out a piece of paper and a pen. "Mitchell, could you give me an autograph?" Mitchell took the paper and pen from him, quickly wrote his full name, and then took Willow, who was waiting at the door with a bewildered look. "Let's go back."
The boy grinned ear to ear, waving goodbye until they were out of sight, then cherished the signed paper all the way back to the dorm. Just as he pushed the door open and walked in, he saw Jimmy had already climbed out of bed and was standing by the balcony, staring outside, which startled him. "Jimmy, you're up?"
Jimmy remained silent for a moment, then turned around and asked randomly, "Was there a girl outside just now?"
"Yes, quite pretty. She should be Mitchell's girlfriend. They seemed quite intimate. I'm telling you, I got Mitchell's autograph. I'm framing it tomorrow..." the boy went on excitedly, not noticing Jimmy's grim expression.
"What classes do we have this afternoon?" Jimmy suddenly asked.
His roommate stared wide-eyed, incredulously asking, "Jimmy, are you going out?"
Jimmy nodded slightly, then began to tidy up his desk.
The boy handed Jimmy the class schedule, then eagerly approached and asked, "Jimmy, how did you meet Mitchell? Can I join you guys for a meal next time?"
Jimmy paused, then coldly replied, "We are not close." He then walked into the bathroom and closed the door, leaving his roommate behind looking puzzled.
Willow, pulled along by Mitchell, glanced back, wondering what was going on with Jimmy. She stopped in her tracks and pulled her hand back, and Mitchell didn't resist, letting go casually. "Mitchell, where's Jimmy? What's wrong with him?"
Mitchell, now facing her, wore a distinctly dark and gloomy expression and muttered, "He won't die."
Willow was taken aback for a moment. It seemed like the first time she had seen Mitchell speak so bluntly in front of her. She was momentarily at a loss, staring blankly at him. Mitchell regretted what he had said; he was just challenging himself. Seeing Jimmy in this state for Willow, she would definitely soften. If she did, would she...
He just lacked confidence, especially in matters of the heart.
Mitchell pulled her into his arms, resting his head on her shoulder, and in a low voice, he said, "I'm sorry. He's just having a hard time accepting your rejection and facing reality. He's a bit down and doesn't want to see you for now, but things should get better later." Willow breathed a sigh of relief; since he didn't want to see her now, they could meet again when he was ready.
Willow also noticed that Mitchell's mood was off today. She didn't know what was wrong with him. Today, Mitchell seemed a bit fragile, holding onto her without letting go. Willow reached out and hugged Mitchell back, offering him silent comfort.
"Willow, I'm sorry for my tone. I shouldn't have spoken so harshly," Mitchell apologized in a low voice.
Willow smiled slightly and said, "It's okay, Mitchell. Is something bothering you? Is it work-related? The recent cases we've been working on seem to be going smoothly."
And besides, everything was fine this morning!
Mitchell remained silent for a while before saying, "Willow, I'm afraid that seeing Jimmy in his current state might soften your heart."
Willow was too kind-hearted.
Willow suddenly understood Mitchell's little annoyance. She tilted her head, looked at him with a smile in her eyes, and said something that shook Mitchell to the core, "Mitchell, I might soften or even feel pity for him, but I'm clear about my feelings. I don't love him; I've always loved you. In the past, present, and future, it's always been you."
Mitchell's body trembled, his heart pounding as if it would burst from his chest. Looking into the eyes of Willow, filled with stars and his reflection, he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her passionately.
This was the first time Willow had confessed her love to him.
On the way back home, Willow still couldn't help but ask, "Mitchell, is Jimmy really okay?" Mitchell thought about Jimmy's state earlier; he probably was fine now. "Yes, he's probably up now," Mitchell replied.
"That's good." Willow finally felt reassured.
At a red light, Mitchell stopped the car, turned to look at Willow, and said very straightforwardly and childishly, "Willow, I don't like you caring so much about him." He had just figured it out; if there was something, he should say it.
Willow pulled him closer by the collar, puckered her lips, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before letting go. She sat in the passenger seat, chuckled, and said to Mitchell, who was still in a daze, "Mitchell, the light's green."
Mitchell snapped out of it, belatedly realizing that he had been teased. Willow had become clever now; if she didn't want to answer a question, she would give herself a little reward as compensation.
Mitchell hoarsely said, "You little troublemaker."
The two of them went straight back to the apartment in the afternoon without going to the office. They first went to the market and then Mitchell cooked a sumptuous dinner for Willow in the evening. While in the car, Willow sent a message to Jimmy on Facebook. [Jimmy, I hope you become the outstanding architect designer you want to be, always shining like a sun.]
When she was about to go to bed that night, she received a reply from Jimmy, just one word. [Okay.]
After receiving Jimmy's reply on Facebook, Willow handed her phone to Mitchell, insisting that he take a look.
She would also protect Mitchell's sense of security well.