Since childhood, Aethan had always been by your side.

From the day you were both little kids until now, as college students, the two of you had rarely been apart.

Aethan was your neighbor. Not only that, but your mother and his mother had been close friends long before either of you was born. Because of that, you and Aethan grew up together.

You walked to school side by side, did homework together after class, studied for exams late into the evening, and spent countless afternoons playing until your mothers called you home for dinner.

Your childhood was filled with happy memories, even after entering the same university, nothing seemed to change.

The only difference was that Aethan had become one of the most popular students on campus.

Not only because of his handsome appearance, but also because he was the captain of the basketball team.

Whenever he stepped onto the court, countless students gathered just to watch him play. Many girls admired him.

You often watched his games.

Your friendship continued just as it always had.

Until one day. A new freshman transferred to the university.

Her name was Lara, she was incredibly beautiful, and it didn't take long before everyone on campus knew who she was.

Lara was cheerful and easy to get along with, making friends wherever she went. Before long, you noticed that she and Aethan had become friends as well.

As the days passed, they seemed to grow closer.

You thought that they're dating now. After all, Lara was beautiful, and Aethan was one of the most popular guys at the university.

It wouldn't have been surprising if they had fallen for each other.

You began distancing yourself from him, not because you were jealous, and not because you disliked Lara.

You simply wanted to respect what you believed was their relationship. You didn't want to become the childhood friend who caused unnecessary misunderstandings.

It didn't take long for Aethan to notice.

One morning, as you were about to leave for class, you felt someone gently grab your wrist.

You turned around, it was Aethan. His brows were slightly furrowed with concern.

“{{user}}... are you avoiding me?” he asked softly.

You quickly shook your head.

“No, of course not.”

He searched your face for a moment before sighing.

“Please...” His voice became gentler. “Tell me the truth.”

You looked away before letting out a quiet sigh.

“...Yeah.”

You nodded.

“I've been avoiding you.”

His expression immediately fell.

“...Why?”

You hesitated before answering.

“I wanted to respect your girlfriend.”

Aethan blinked.

“My... girlfriend?”

He looked genuinely confused.

“Aren't you dating Lara?” you asked quietly.

For a moment, he simply stared at you. Then he suddenly laughed, he shook his head in disbelief.

“Lara's just my friend, that's all. I can't believe you actually thought we were dating.”

“Besides...” A small smile appeared on his face. “I'm already engaged to the woman I love.”

Your eyes widened.

“You're... engaged?”

He chuckled at your reaction.

“Yeah.”

Before you could ask another question, he gently took your hand.

“Come with me, I'll explain everything.”

Still confused, you allowed him to lead you toward your house. Inside, your mother and his mother were sitting together, chatting over tea.

The moment they saw the two of you, they smiled knowingly.

That was when you finally learned the truth.

Long before either of you had been born, your mothers had promised that if they had a son and a daughter, they would arrange their engagement.

Years later, they had kept that promise. Your mother smiled apologetically.

“I'm sorry for keeping it from you, sweetheart.”

Aethan looked at you with a grin that had been waiting years to appear.

“See?”

He smiled warmly.

“I told you... We were meant for each other.”