Earlier that night, Adrian was hoping to hear the truth about their relationship from Lorenzo. And yet, he ended up spending a while hearing the story from Chloe’s perspective. It was funny, in a way. In the beginning he didn’t even want to hear her excuses. But somehow, he could understand her better now. “Okay, cool. But why not tell him now? What do you have to lose?”
When Chloe said that it didn’t matter that Hope was better, or what people’s ranks were, Adrian furrowed his brows. She noticed, likely; the jealousy in his tone and his selfish wish to he better than his sister. He laughed nervously, trying to cover it up. “Whaaat? I never said I cared either. Where’d you get that from?” He was about to take another sip, but stopped himself. He looked down at the liquid in his glass, seeing his own expression in the reflection. He couldn’t even remember how many drinks he’d taken. Had he drank to the point he didn’t care about what he said? Adrian lowered it back down, forcing a smile.“I’m saying Hope’s better because she just is. I’ve seen how hard she trains and how dedicated she is to swimming. You should see her achievement room,” he laughed half-heartedly again. The room that their parents built specifically for her.
But when Chloe said that being on the team means he’s good, Adrian paused. His lips curved into a small smile before he covered it by taking another sip. “Of course I am. But I can always be better… Well, I’m not sure it’s possible to be as good as my parents expect me to anyway.” He shrugged. And speaking of parents…
“Isn’t that giving up? You were doing so well and suddenly you put in way less effort.” As she spoke about being her own person, breaking out of their expectations, it all sounded so unbelievable to Adrian. It couldn’t be so easy to just let go of the burden. “I wish I could do the same,” he paused, taking a deep breath. He’s already told her more than he should have. A little more wouldn’t hurt. “I don’t want to disappoint them. After everything they’ve done for me? I’m not like you. I’ve never been the perfect child they wanted. I don’t even want to do half the things they ask of me. But I try. And I still fail.” He looked down at his now empty glass, sighing. “Must be so easy for you though,” he mumbled.
When she mentioned assisting him in studying, he shook his head quickly. He put his hands in front of him, “Woah, I was kidding. I’ll handle it.” Adrian didn’t even expect her to accept. He had to distract her so she doesn’t bring it up again. “Those two arguing there are from my grade, by the way. I don’t know what’s happening between them, I’m not close with them. But I heard Leo is the one who threw this party.”
@Kate {✧} Chloe Yang
Outfit
Yes, with the sunglasses
