Chapter 1

1: 1

While we were waiting for our number at the restaurant, my hand accidentally brushed the hem of Dylan Henson's jacket.

He let out a sharp "tch" and shoved me away, his face cold.

"Didn't I tell you not to touch me unless it's necessary?"

I froze, then apologized on reflex, ducking my head to dig through my bag for a disinfectant wipe.

Dylan's junior from his old school sidled up to him, grinning, and looped her arm through his.

"Carmen Summers, don't worry, I'll help him with his desensitization!"

The irritation between Dylan's brows vanished in an instant, and he ruffled her hair with open indulgence.

"Good girl. You're different from everyone else."

The server called our number, and the two of them walked into the restaurant side by side without sparing me another glance.

I stood there, staring blankly at their two retreating backs.

Dylan had a severe fear of physical contact.

Seven years together, and he never once held my hand or kissed me. Even sharing a bed, he drew strict boundaries.

If I brushed against him by accident, Dylan would wipe his hands with a wipe ten times over, disgusted, and remind me again and again to keep my distance.

But Ursula Swanson could touch him however she liked, and he never pushed her away.

The server asked me.

"Miss, are you with them?"

I swallowed the sourness in my throat and gave a small shake of my head.

"No."

Then I turned and left.

The person I could never touch. I wasn't going to keep following him anymore.

1

I found a fast-food place instead.

I'd barely sat down when Dylan's video call came through.

He opened with nothing but accusations.

"What are you throwing a fit about now?"

"Ursula went out of her way to order the dishes you like, and now the food's all here and you've vanished."

"Carmen, can't you be a little more mature?"

I listened in silence.

Dylan didn't care where I was.

He hadn't even noticed I was gone until the food was all on the table.

I was about to speak.

Then Ursula shoved her way into the frame, smiling as she smoothed things over.

"Carmen, it's fine, we can pick a different restaurant next time."

"He's a little short-tempered, don't take it to heart."

Through the screen I could see Ursula and Dylan sitting shoulder to shoulder, their elbows resting cozily against each other.

When Dylan and I ate together, the two of us always sat on opposite sides of the table.

Even to pour water or pass a napkin, I would carefully avoid him, never brushing against Dylan by so much as a hair.

So it turned out it wasn't that he couldn't stand physical contact with anyone.

It was just that the person allowed to touch him wasn't me.

I didn't bother explaining, made an excuse, and hung up.

After I finished eating, I thought it over and over, and still went to the movie theater.

I'd meant to sit through a quiet movie with Dylan.

The date was ruined now, but I didn't want to break the plan with myself.

Once I'd handed over my ticket and gone in, I'd just found my seat when someone tapped my shoulder.

Ursula smiled and winked at me.

"Carmen, he guessed right, you really are here!"

Dylan came in behind her and stiffly handed me a popcorn.

"Carmen, we'll let earlier go, just don't be so willful from now on."

Then he took Ursula's hand himself and led her toward the front rows.

Their seats were right next to each other, a milk tea between them, sharing the same tub of popcorn.

My eyes stung.

When we watched movies, Dylan never bought seats next to mine.

He said theaters were cramped, that the slightest movement would bump the person beside you and cause physical contact.

But now, he was breaking a principle he'd held for years, and he was doing it for Ursula.

I dully tasted a piece of popcorn, but couldn't feel any sweetness at all.

My phone buzzed. A message from Ursula.

【Carmen, he's a typical guy, he doesn't know how to comfort a girl, don't be mad at him.】

【Once I cure his fear of physical contact, you have to treat me to a meal!】

Doesn't know how to comfort a girl?

I looked up at the back of Dylan's head in the front row.

The movie was moving, and he was gently handing Ursula a tissue to wipe her tears, brushing away the strands of hair stuck to her face.

It was like a boulder pressing on my chest.

I stood, hunched down, and slipped out of the theater.

I didn't expect Dylan to follow me out.

He folded his arms and stared at me coldly.

"Carmen, what has gotten into you today?"

"Walking out before the movie's over. Trying to ditch me and Ursula here again?"

I didn't want to argue with him, and was just about to leave.

Then someone slammed into me from behind, and my body pitched uncontrollably toward Dylan.

It happened fast, and I instinctively reached out to grab him.

"Dylan, catch me!"

Dylan hesitated for a moment.

The next second, he quickly dodged out of my way.