The White Bellflowers Were for My Brother Chapter 1

On my brother's bedside table, that familiar bouquet of white bellflowers froze me in place.

Everyone used to say it took ten years for Quinn—the girl whose flowers I'd toss in the trash every day—to become the only girl by my side.

Growing up, I'd always gotten away with things, relying on my good looks. My admirers came and went, but she, my childhood friend, always stayed.

They’d often tell me I'd never find anyone like Quinn if I let her go, that companionship was the most moving declaration of love.

Just as I was finally ready to let my guard down and accept her, this discovery hit me like a bucket of ice water, dousing all my courage.

I've always had a terrible personality, but I just happened to be born with a face that drew people in.

* * *

The next day at school, Quinn brought me a red rose.

I frowned, didn't even glance at it, and tossed it straight into the trash.

Quinn paused, then, unfazed, leaned in with a sweet smile. "What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

From seven to seventeen, no matter how much I snapped at Quinn, she’d always indulge me like this.

The worst time was when I accidentally broke a jade pendant her deceased mother had left her.

My eyes welled up, ready to apologize.

But Quinn just quietly asked if I'd hurt my hand.

Even if, later, she'd hide away and cry by herself.

Maybe it was just a coincidence.

I turned my head, asking in a muffled voice, "Why did my brother have the same white bellflowers you gave me yesterday?"

Quinn chuckled. "Nothing to do with me. I know you can't stand him, so I've never even spoken to him."

Right. Quinn and Leo had barely exchanged a few words. How could she have given him flowers?

I let out a sigh of relief, just about to swallow my pride and apologize to Quinn.

Then the school bell rang.

I scribbled a note and slipped it into her desk.

But as I did, I noticed a pink envelope tucked inside her textbook. It had a little heart drawn on it.

And I recognized the handwriting.

It was from my brother, Leo.