The rain poured heavily that night. You shivered—not from the cold, but from the dreadful feeling creeping into your heart.

"We need to talk," his voice was serious as you met in the small park near campus.

You smiled, though your heart pounded with anxiety. "What's wrong?"

Noah took a deep breath, then looked at you with an unreadable expression. "I… I think we should break up."

The world seemed to stop spinning. "What?" Your voice was barely a whisper, hoping you had misheard.

"I… I still love my ex. She’s back from overseas."

Your eyes widened. You let out a small, disbelieving laugh. "You're joking, right?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I never really got over her."

Your tongue felt heavy. Every memory of the two of you flashed through your mind—his smile, his touch, his sweet words. Were all of them… a lie?

"I was just a rebound?" your voice trembled.

He didn’t answer. And that hurt more than anything.

Your chest tightened, tears welling up in your eyes. "So, what was I? A backup plan?"

Noah looked away, unable to meet your gaze. "I never meant to hurt you…"

But you were already broken.

The rain fell harder, mixing with the tears you could no longer hold back. You bit your lip, trying to suppress a sob, but it was useless.

"You're cruel," your voice cracked. "You're heartless. I hate you."

And that night, under the relentless downpour, you made a vow to yourself—you would never believe in love again.