I dreamed about the days I spent with Leander.
We were from completely different worlds.
I'd always been obedient, while he was infamous as a playboy in his circle.
Before starting university, my father—a man who valued profit above all else—had told me everything about Leander's background and preferences.
I knew he liked bold, glamorous women, which I was not.
The first time he introduced me to his friends, I overheard their teasing while I was in the restroom:
"Boss, a change in taste?"
"She's nothing like the others."
Flicking the ash from his cigarette, his narrow eyes held a hint of mischief as he replied, "Shut up. Right now, I'm into the obedient and pure types."
When Leander said he liked something, it always sounded casual.
Back then, I knew what kind of person he was, yet I couldn't help but fall for him—completely and unreservedly.
He disliked taking photos, so my sketchbook was filled with drawings of him.
He loved thrills, and I joined him in countless reckless endeavors.
Racing with those spoiled rich kids, he always took first place.
Amid the cheering, he ran toward me, pressing my hand against his chest so I could feel the fierce pounding of his heart.
I could clearly feel my own heart racing too.
Back then, he was proud and unrestrained, a slight curve at the corner of his lips, his eyes shining with light.
He leaned down and kissed me, boldly declaring our relationship to everyone.
I stayed by his side for two years, to everyone's astonishment.
They all said I had tamed the wild heart of Leander.
I thought so too.
That night, he didn't take me home but brought me to a hotel instead.
His kisses trailed slowly from my lips, tender yet fervent... until I realized something was wrong.
His eyes gradually filled with lust, his entire being teetering on the edge of control.
His lips lingered on my collarbone as his calloused fingertips brushed against the small of my back.
I whispered, "Leander, will we make it to the end?"
He paused slightly, his voice hoarse as he gave a perfunctory "Mm."
...
The next morning, I woke up to find a black card on the bedside table and a message from him on my phone.
He was already gone.
I stared at the message, covered my face, and laughed, tears slipping through my fingers.
He hadn't changed one bit.
In the days that followed, he disappeared again.
Every time he left, I couldn't stop wondering if he had fallen for someone else or simply grown tired of me.
When I finally had enough, he would reappear, acting as if nothing had happened.
Whenever he came back, I was always waiting in the same spot.
I loved him so much that I lost myself, lost my dignity.
I knew all too well he didn't love me as much.
To him, I wasn't that important.
A few days later, I found out where he was.
I took a taxi to a nightclub.
From a distance, I saw him leaning back on a sofa, holding a bottle of alcohol, his expression indifferent and listless.
Around him, a group of friends were drinking and laughing.
I pulled out my phone and called him.
His phone was on the glass coffee table in front of him, its screen lighting up with my name.
A scantily clad woman leaned against him.
Someone noticed his phone screen and started jeering.
"Boss isn't even picking up from his girl."
"Who remembers the old flame when there's a new one?"
"Boss is just having fun. What's so special about Indra?"
He didn't refute a single word they said.
After a long while, he finally glanced at them, his expression annoyed.
"Get out. Stop bothering me," he said coldly.
The group scattered quickly.
He took a swig of his drink, his Adam's apple moving smoothly.
His eyes flickered to the phone screen but still didn't answer my call.
When he told everyone to leave, he included me.
...
I waited a long time before I finally received a message from him.
He had bought snacks and was waiting for me in the studio.
When I arrived, cigarette butts were scattered all over the floor at his feet.
He looked at me, his emotions restrained.
"Indra, are you mad?" he asked cautiously. "How do you want to celebrate your birthday? I..."
I stopped in my tracks, looking at him."Leander, let's break up," I said softly.
