Chapter 21 My classmates always warned me to stay away from Bernard . I didn't really get why at first . Sure , he was always kind of distant , but what's the harm in that ? Whenever I tried to start a conversation with him , though , he'd just ignore me . Even after we spent a whole semester as desk mates , we never really spoke to each other . Then one summer , things started to shift . I was working a part - time job , just trying to make some extra cash . One evening , I finished up late and was walking home when I passed a narrow alley and heard a commotion . My curiosity got the better of me , and I moved closer , only to find Bernard surrounded by a group of delinquents . He was completely outnumbered , his thin frame no match for them , and they had him pinned to the ground , beating him until he was covered in blood . I froze for a moment , my mind racing . But then something snapped . I couldn't just stand there and watch . " The police are coming ! The police are coming ! " I yelled , hoping to scare them off . To my relief , the delinquents panicked and scattered , running off into the night . I waited , watching to make sure they were really gone before rushing to Bernard's side . When I saw that he was unconscious , I didn't hesitate . I grabbed him , carried him straight to the hospital , and stayed with him all day and night . Finally , he woke up . His eyes flickered open , and the first thing he saw was me . He didn't say " thank you , " though . Instead , his face contorted into a frown , and he snapped , " Who told you to meddle in my business ? " I was taken aback . ' Really ? After everything I'd just done , this was how he reacted ? ' So , I retorted , " If I hadn't meddled , do you think you'd still be alive right now ? I helped you out of kindness , and now you're angry ? Do you have any shame ? " Bernard winced , looking uncomfortable as he bit his lip . " I didn't mean it like that . I'm just worried those delinquents might come after you . " His voice softened then , and for the first time , I saw something different in him - a flicker of concern , of genuine care . I sighed , trying to ease his worry . " It's fine . They didn't see my face . " He seemed to relax a bit at that , and I soon found out that the leader of those delinquents was actually under the command of Bernard's half - brother , who didn't like him . The whole thing had been a setup , just another way to make Bernard's life harder . WE My Husband Staged Our Divorce to Marry His First Love Embel 1/2 68.3 % 23:26 Mon , Aug 11 Q - ¥ : 56 % X Feeling bad for him , I suggested we walk home together after school . I didn't invite Bernard alone - several of our friends came along too . With more people there , those delinquents never dared to bother him again . From there , Bernard and I grew much closer . He started talking to more people , relaxing more , and eventually , he stopped wearing his signature baseball cap . And that's when I noticed his eyes . They were dark , shining like stars in the night sky . I couldn't help but comment on them , and the moment I did , his face turned bright red. It was so adorable that I couldn't resist telling him , " Don't hide those eyes anymore . " From that day on , I never saw him wear a cap again . We ended up attending the same university , and over time , Bernard changed . He was no longer that quiet , brooding boy . He became more lively , cheerful , and even a little mischievous . He treated me differently from everyone else , and I began to realize that I didn't just see him as a friend anymore . I felt something more . But by then , I had already developed feelings for Franco . Not wanting to lead Bernard on , I told him up front . " I think I'm falling for Franco , " I confessed , trying to let him down gently . The look in his eyes when I said that is something I'll never forget . There was hurt , mixed with reluctance . But instead of arguing , he simply smiled and patted my shoulder . " Well , I wish you happiness , " he said , his voice soft . " But … if you two ever break up , you can come to me . I'll take you around the world . " At the time , I thought he was joking . But little did I know , years later , I'd be going on that world tour with him after all . Chapter 21