Chapter 2
536words
The once confident golden boy sat slumped in a chair, looking absolutely shell-shocked.
"How can sea urchins kiss other sea urchins?! It defies genetics! It's against nature's laws!"
The counselor was out, and the student volunteer taking notes suddenly looked up.
"Well, sea urchins definitely can't mate with octopuses, right?"
The heartthrob grew even more agitated.
Realizing Danny Lawrence had broken his brain, I rushed forward and grabbed Henry Growth's hand. "Hey, talk to me if you're having problems. I'm on the psychology committee!"
I actually am on the psychology committee.
The volunteer recognized me, nodded hello, and I whisked Henry Growth away.
Outside the center, Henry Growth's legs wobbled beneath him.
"I know your secret now. He's not going to kill me, is he?"
Sensing an opportunity, I heaved a dramatic sigh and started spinning a tale.
"Danny Lawrence has quite the temper. You've heard about his... incidents, right?"
Henry Growth clutched my arm, panic in his eyes. "KaraLawrence! Please, save me! What should I do?!"
I shook my head solemnly.
"Tell me! I'll do anything!"
I spoke slowly. "In your situation, you need protection. Gang types like Danny Lawrence respect their friends' wishes."
Henry Growth grabbed onto this idea like a lifeline. "Right! But who has more pull than the Lawrence Family in this city?!"
I suppressed my smirk. "Well... I might be the only one who can stand up to them..."
Henry Growth's logic was bizarre. I'd spread rumors about being adopted so people would think Danny Lawrence and I were dating, not siblings.
But Henry Growth believed I was actually Danny Lawrence's biological sister—why else would Danny Lawrence slap him?—and that we were in some twisted incestuous relationship.
Henry Growth froze, then his eyes widened. "You want me to join your sick relationship as some kind of third wheel?!"
Such filthy implications.
I dabbed at imaginary tears, ramping up the drama.
"You think I'm disgusting, don't you? But my family only gives money to Danny Lawrence because they favor boys. You said you don't date poor girls—that's why I went along with his plan..."
Sorry about trashing Danny Lawrence's reputation.
Henry Growth's face fell with guilt.
"I-I had no idea you did this because of me..."
I pressed my advantage. "I just wanted to protect you, to make you notice me. Is that so wrong? I guess I'm not good enough, but that's fine..."
I turned away with wounded dignity, and Henry Growth grabbed my arm.
"Kara Lawrence! Wait!"
I turned back, eyes glistening with tears.
Henry Growth scratched his head, ears reddening as he avoided my gaze. "I had no idea you sacrificed so much for me. I'm sorry for how I spoke to you. It's all that creep Danny Lawrence's fault."
I said nothing, letting tears stream down my cheeks.
Henry Growth quickly wiped my tears, his fingers smelling of fancy soap. "Please don't cry. I'll be your third wheel, it's just..."
"Just what?"
"I need to confirm—you don't actually like Danny Lawrence, right?"
I nodded firmly.
That night, Henry Growth updated his social media status.
【When you're the third wheel, but you're the one who's truly loved.】
