Evan collapsed onto the sofa as soon as he got to his apartment. Luckily, tomorrow was a day off. At least, he wouldn't have to go out and risk running into Fara again.
He glanced at his phone, still open on the last screen — the chat with Michelle. Her previous messages had been read but unanswered, yet the call earlier was enough to close the night without extra drama.
Lazily, Evan took off his watch and sighed deeply. Today had been exhausting. Tomorrow, he could enjoy some time alone without thinking about work, Michelle, or Fara.
Without wasting time, he grabbed the AC remote, lowered the temperature a bit, and headed to his bedroom. Tonight, he just wanted to sleep soundly without any new surprises.
—
Evan was half asleep when his phone vibrated on the nightstand. Lazily, he reached out, saw Michelle's name on the screen, and answered without much thought.
"Hmm?" His voice was still heavy from just waking up.
"What are you doing?" Michelle's voice was soft.
Evan glanced at the digital clock on the wall. It was already late morning.
"Sleeping," he answered briefly.
Michelle chuckled. "Sleeping in the middle of the day?"
Evan sighed, too lazy to explain. "It's a day off. I just want to rest."
Michelle was quiet for a moment. Then, in a softer voice, she asked, "Can I come over to your apartment?"
Evan immediately snapped awake. He didn't know what to say.
Not because he minded, but because it was Michelle. From what he had learned so far, Michelle wasn't like Vanessa or Celline. She wasn't the type to get close for personal gain. Michelle was a good person.
And what made him hesitate even more was the fact that Michelle was in his life now because of the arranged match their parents set up. But from how Michelle acted, she wasn't just obedient — she genuinely liked Evan, the 2018 version.
But Evan?
He stared at his apartment ceiling. No one could guarantee Michelle would still be around by the end of the year. Just like Raka, his kid from 2017 — who had eventually disappeared from his life, unable to be held onto.
So, what was the point?
"Evan?" Michelle's voice broke his thoughts.
Evan still hadn't answered. He needed to decide something.
He was silent for a moment, weighing his options. Letting Michelle come over could mean giving her hope. But if he refused, he wasn't sure if that would be the right choice.
"Why do you want to come here?" he finally asked, his voice still flat.
Michelle didn't answer immediately. There was a pause of several seconds before she said, "It's okay, I just want to see you."
Evan took a deep breath. A simple answer, yet that made it difficult to refuse. Michelle wasn't demanding or forcing — she just wanted to be near him.
Finally, in a casual tone, Evan answered, "Fine. If you want to come, then come."
There was a brief silence, then Michelle chuckled softly. "You're something else… okay, I'm on my way."
Once the call ended, Evan put down his phone and stared at the ceiling. Was this a good idea? He wasn't sure. But now it was too late to take back his words.
He sighed and got up from bed. Michelle was on her way.
Honestly, he still wanted to be alone today — didn't want to think about anything, didn't want to meet anyone. But he had given the answer, and now he had to accept the consequences.
Without thinking much, he walked to the bathroom, washed his face, then opened his wardrobe. At least, he couldn't meet Michelle looking a mess.
Just as he finished putting on a simple t-shirt and shorts, his phone vibrated again. Michelle.
"I'm already in the lobby," she said shortly.
Evan glanced at the clock. Michelle really didn't take long to get here.
"Okay, I'm opening the door."
Evan walked to the intercom and granted access. A few minutes later, there was a knock at his apartment door.
When he opened it, Michelle was standing there — still dressed casually with a small bag on her shoulder. Her face smiled, relaxed.
"Can I come in?" she asked lightly.
Evan nodded and let her in.
As Michelle stepped inside, she looked around immediately. "Your apartment is tidy, too," she commented.
Evan just chuckled lightly, then walked to the kitchen. "Want something to drink?"
"Just water."
Evan poured water into a glass and handed it to her. Michelle accepted it while sitting on the sofa.
"You still look sleepy," she said, observing Evan.
Evan sat beside her, leaning his back on the sofa. "I am," he answered honestly.
Michelle smiled faintly, then sipped her water. "If I keep you company here, that's okay, right?"
Evan glanced at her, trying to read Michelle's expression. No pressure, no hidden motives.
Finally, he just shrugged. "Up to you."
Michelle laughed softly. "You're always like that… always 'up to you.'"
But she stayed put, showing no intention of leaving. And for the first time, Evan felt… maybe Michelle's presence here wasn't as bad as he had imagined.
Michelle leaned on the sofa, looking comfortable as if in no rush to leave. Evan glanced at her, then rested his head on the sofa backrest.
"How's school?" he asked at last, just opening conversation.
Michelle smiled softly. "Good. I just finished an assignment, so I can relax today."
Evan nodded without much comment.
Michelle looked at him. "What's wrong? You seem really reluctant since earlier."
Evan sighed, then answered honestly, "Just tired. I want today to be peaceful."
Michelle was quiet for a moment, then smiled again. "Then I'll just keep you company quietly."
Evan frowned. "Huh?"
Michelle put her glass on the table and grabbed a sofa cushion, then settled in more comfortably. "You said you wanted to rest, right? Okay, I'll keep you company while you rest. Won't bother you."
Evan looked at her, trying to find any hidden meaning. But Michelle just looked at her phone screen, relaxed as if nothing was wrong.
Finally, Evan gave in. He shifted position, stretched, then closed his eyes. If Michelle wanted to be quiet, then so be it.
Minutes passed in silence. No talking, no disturbance. Only the AC quietly humming and Michelle's fingers tapping on her phone screen.
Strangely, Evan didn't feel bothered.
When Evan opened his eyes again, Michelle was still there. She didn't notice his gaze, busy replying to chats or looking at something on her phone.
Unconsciously, the corner of Evan's mouth lifted slightly.
Maybe Michelle really was different.
Michelle took something out of her small bag — a small neatly wrapped box.
"I didn't get to give you a birthday present," she said, handing it to Evan.
Evan frowned. His birthday had just passed recently, but he hadn't expected anything at all. Slowly, he took the gift and opened it.
Inside was a simple item, but Evan's attention was drawn to a small note tucked inside. Michelle's handwriting read:
"Happy 25th birthday."
Evan was stunned. Something strange stirred in his chest, something hard to explain.
The 25th birthday. Again.
Every year, he always had his 25th birthday. Never more, never less. And Michelle wrote it so innocently — unaware that for Evan, this was not just a number but a curse that repeated itself.
"Why so quiet?" Michelle asked, curiously watching him.
Evan quickly lifted his head, hiding his thoughts. "It's nothing."
Michelle smiled. "Do you like it?"
Evan looked at the gift again, then nodded slowly. "Yeah… thanks."
Michelle looked satisfied with his answer.
Evan stared at her a moment, then looked back at the note.
"Happy 25th birthday."
As if fate was mocking him through Michelle's own hands.
Evan stared at the number 25 for a long time, as if he could find the answer to his curse just by looking at Michelle's writing. But there was no answer. Only the fact that this year, like previous years, he was still 25.
Michelle didn't notice Evan's unease. She smiled again and said, "Open the gift, come on."
Evan shifted his attention to the box in his hand. With a deep breath, he unwrapped it and found…
A watch.
Not a luxury watch or an expensive item like those usually given by people trying to win his heart. This was simple, but clearly chosen with care. Elegant, classic, not excessive.
"I know you probably have many watches," Michelle said, "but I saw you often wear this kind, so…"
Evan looked at her, a little surprised. Michelle paid attention to details like that?
He turned the watch in his hand, then tried it on. It fit. Perfect.
"How is it?" Michelle asked, her voice sounding a little hesitant.