Ulysses Rupert and I walked around, visiting many places we used to love.

As evening approached, Ulysses Rupert drove me to my doorstep.

Just as I was about to say goodbye, he grabbed my hand that was hanging by my side.

Ulysses Rupert held my hand and squeezed my palm gently.

" Vena, I asked you out today because I want to tell you... "

" I like you. "

I lowered my eyes, looking at our intertwined hands.

Then I shifted my gaze to Ulysses Rupert's face.

" When we filled out the college entrance examination application forms, you didn't choose Beijing. Instead, you went to another city. It was because you saw my confession to you on the last page of my workbook, right? "

" That should be a kind of implicit rejection, right? "

Ulysses Rupert frowned, and there was a hint of urgency in his eyes.

" At that time, I thought you just couldn't distinguish between love and dependence, so you were attracted to me. "

" Later, I realized I was completely wrong. "

" The one who couldn't tell the difference was actually me. "

Ulysses Rupert looked down at me, waiting for my answer.

" You're right. "

I replied softly and at the same time broke free from Ulysses Rupert's grip.

" I really couldn't tell the difference between love and dependence back then. "

" At that time, we were always together. You were the only one who took care of me, treated me well, and shared everything with me. "

" I hadn't experienced much love, so I naturally thought that was love. "

The words that had been on the tip of my tongue poured out along with my slightly trembling breath.

" But now I find that love isn't just about unilaterally taking everything the other person has. "

" Love makes people stupid. Even if you have nothing, and even if you know the other person doesn't lack love, you'll still willingly offer your meager and sincere heart. "

" That's what love is like. It's neither all good nor all bad. "

I paused for a moment and then seriously met Ulysses Rupert's gaze.

" So, you'll always be like an older brother to me. "

" It was like this before, and it won't change in the future. "

The evening breeze blew, messing up the hair by my ears.

After a long silence, Ulysses Rupert suddenly burst out laughing.

He tapped me on the head with two fingers. It didn't hurt.

But it made me blink blankly twice.

" I can't believe these long - winded words about love are coming from you. "

" I misjudged you. You haven't stayed the same. You've changed a lot. "

" Tell me, who did you fall in love with? Why didn't you bring him back for your big brother to take a look? "

The atmosphere eased up.

I didn't hide it from Ulysses Rupert. I shook my head and answered truthfully.

" It's impossible between him and me. "

Ulysses Rupert knew me well.

He knew I wasn't the kind of person who would easily say such discouraging words.

Ulysses Rupert didn't try to persuade me anymore.

He just tucked the stray hair behind my ear and said gently.

" It's getting windy. Go inside quickly. "