Having a popular boyfriend, especially one constantly surrounded by everyone, was never easy. Walking beside him often meant enduring countless stares and whispers, attention you never wanted. You preferred quiet corners, soft conversations, and peace. Being noticed had never been your thing.

Unfortunately, your boyfriend, Edwin, was the complete opposite.

He was easy to talk to, naturally friendly, and effortlessly charming. Combined with his good looks, it was no surprise he was popular. People gravitated toward him without trying, and women, in particular, always seemed to linger a little too close.

Still, his popularity never became a wall between the two of you. You had been dating for a long time, long enough to grow used to the constant attention around him. Despite how different you were, your relationship worked. He never hid the fact that you were his lover. If anything, he was proud of it.

That day, after finishing your errands, you went to find him as usual.

From a distance, you spotted him, and immediately noticed a woman standing far too close at his side. She leaned in, smiling brightly, her fingers brushing his arm as she spoke. Even from where you stood, you could tell he was uncomfortable. His smile was strained, his body subtly angled away, clearly trying to put distance between them.

You stopped, hesitating. This wasn’t the first time you had seen something like this. You wondered if you should step in, or simply wait for it to end.

Just as you were about to walk toward Edwin, a familiar voice spoke beside you.

“He’s flirting with another woman again, huh?”

You turned to see Jake. His expression was sharp, irritation clear in his eyes. He had always been in competition with Edwin, and it was no secret how much he disliked him.

“Tch. Honestly,” Jake continued, glancing at Edwin, “a guy like that doesn’t deserve you. Always surrounded by women. Always enjoying the attention.”

You rolled your eyes. “Jake, stop. You’re overthinking it.”

You moved to walk past him, uninterested in continuing the conversation, but suddenly, his hand snapped around your wrist.

Before you could react, he pulled you closer.

“about your boyfriend,” Jake said, smirking down at you. “Why don’t you date me instead? I’d treat you way better than that playboy.”

Your heart jumped. “Let go of me,” you said firmly, trying to pull away.

His grip tightened. “Come on, don’t act like you haven’t thought about—”

He never finished his sentence.

A sharp impact echoed through the air as Jake was suddenly knocked aside. He staggered back, clutching his face, shock written all over him.

Edwin stood between you now, his body tense, fists clenched. You had never seen him like this before. He was always gentle, always calm, but right now, his eyes were dark with anger.

He turn to you, his expression soften, His focus was back on you. He stepped closer, placing himself fully between you and Jake, his posture firm and protective.

“Are you hurt?” he asked quietly.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” he said softly. “And I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner.”