Fading Memories

Memories fading

Tobias posted a moment on his social circle:

"Who seriously can't see this massive HDMI cable?"

A photo of my foot stepping on the cable accompanied the post.

A few minutes later, Gideon reposted an article from the official account.

The title read:

"Never Date a Gaming Boyfriend: He Might Sell You Out Just to Win!"

Tobias quietly deleted his moment.

"This is too much of a coincidence. Sister, do you think Professor Asher is targeting me?"

I didn't quite understand it myself.

"I don't think so. He might just be getting old. Who knows? He might post a longevity secret in a couple of days."

Gideon was still messaging me on WhatsApp.

Tobias is always playing games. Do you want to join me?

Why are his spirits suddenly so high?

Very strange.

"Did you go and register at the hospital, like I asked you to last time?"

Those who want to go, and those who dare not go, are all my colleagues.

He sent me a picture of the moon.

"Just coming to see me is enough."

He's a bit shabby, somewhat crazy, but still quite romantic.

Looking at the photo, I realized he was just downstairs.

I looked around. Suddenly, Gideon pulled my hand, hiding us behind a lush tree.

With one hand around my waist and the other pressing the back of my neck, he was about to lean in but stopped, gazing deep into my eyes.

"May I kiss you?"

It seemed the last time I hit him had made him a bit timid.

I nodded.

"Yes."

He obediently kissed me.

We kissed, hidden in the shadows of the moonlit trees. My body and mind were completely immersed. Just when I was about to gasp for air, he reluctantly let go and stared at me intently.

"Do you want to go to my place?"

I was speechless.

The only thing on his mind was getting me into his bed.

I waved my hand. "No, I'll go home."

Gideon, as if doused with a bucket of cold water, gloomily stared at me.

Just as I was about to step out of the shadows, he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.

"Ronan, let's take a trip together."

His voice was like a spell, a plea.

"Let's go somewhere where no one knows us. I want to live in a world with just the two of us."

He lowered his head and gently nuzzled my neck.

"Just for a week, please."

18

I returned home and started packing my luggage.

Tobias, clad in his pajamas, stood scratching his head.

"Sister, your aunt is getting a divorce and needs your help? Seriously?"

Right.

Tobias had a non-existent girlfriend.

I had a non-existent, ill-fated aunt.

She had been through it all: her child studying abroad, her ex-husband's car accident, a second marriage across countries, and her current husband's infidelity.

"There's nothing I can do. Her child is abroad, her husband cheated, there's no one at home, and now, with the divorce, someone needs to be there."

It's not like I can tell my company that I'm taking a vacation to travel with a guy. I could only tell Tobias and others that I needed to rush back to my hometown for urgent matters.

Even with my roommate, Tobias, I kept the story consistent.

Gideon and I went to Sapporo, Hokkaido. His joy was visible, and he even wanted to take a commemorative photo of me.

I hurriedly used my hand to shield my face.

"No, I can't post anything on my social media account. And you shouldn't post about me either. I told Tobias I was heading back to my hometown."

"We won't take any photos, then. I didn't consider this. My mistake." His face visibly deflated.

After checking into the hotel, he perked up.

More accurately, as soon as we entered the room, he clung to me, leaving me gasping for air. We looked like newlyweds on a honeymoon.

Gideon's gentleness was almost overflowing. He even brought food to bed to feed me.

Several times, I wanted to ask him,

"Why don't you want to reconcile with me?"

However, he was obviously avoiding the subject of our relationship.

During a particularly emotional moment, I held him tightly and said,

"I like you so much."

He replied,

"Me too."

I fell into a long silence.

"Gideon, let's call it a day. I can't go on like this."

He drew me into his arms, intertwining our fingers, and looked deeply at me.

"Why? Is there something wrong with what I'm doing?"

I replied,

"No, it's my problem."

He fell silent again.

What is he implying with this silence? I tried to maintain a calm facade, but inside, I was seething.

Gideon lowered his head to my cheek.

"I don't mind your problems."

Really? That's nice of you.

So this is your game.

Isn't this the reason he could be a professor despite his young age?

I turned to look at him.

"Don't you feel like you've crossed the line? Taking everything for granted? Are you going to ignore what I feel?"

Gideon was taken aback.

"Why... why are you suddenly cursing at me?"

"What do you think? Dr. Asher, I want to be your girlfriend. Have you ever considered my feelings, or are you just taking advantage of me?"

19

Gideon gripped my wrist, his face uncharacteristically serious.

"What are you talking about? Speak clearly."

"I want to be your girlfriend."

"I'm speaking in Chinese. This is not a complex sentence. How else could I make it clearer?"

"Should I say, 'I fancy you?' 'Should we play around?' 'I want to date you?'"

"In other words, I like you, and I hope to be your girlfriend."

Gideon straightened up immediately.

"If my girlfriend is you," he leaned forward to question, "then what am I to you?"

"You're a wolfman."

"You're a contemptible being."

"You're a scumbag who freeloaded off an ex-girlfriend."

"Of course, you would be my boyfriend."

He clenched his fist against his lips, looked around thoughtfully, and seemed lost in contemplation.

"Alright, I understand. But this matter needs careful consideration and must remain unknown for the time being, so as not to tarnish our reputations."

Me: "..."

Who has possessed him?

I need to get him an exorcism.

I was growing impatient.

"Have you not said yet whether you are willing?"

Gideon snapped out of his daze and pulled me into his arms.

He pecked me several times on the face.

"How could I not be willing? I'm more than willing! Baby, you're so good to me."

I was quite satisfied and was about to kiss him back when I saw him squinting his eyes, nibbling on his fingernails as if in deep thought.

"But the more we want to land smoothly, the more we need to proceed with caution and not rush things."

What a nutcase.

I suggested making an official announcement on social media.

Gideon firmly stopped me: "Don't provoke him."

I tried to communicate. "Who?"

"Our common enemy."

"What a nutcase." I gave up on communication.

"Don't underestimate your opponent."

"Huh?"

Gideon: "It will be made into a PPT."

It turns out medical students can't heal themselves.

20

I have returned to the country.

My mood has been extremely good recently because I have reunited with my ex-boyfriend.

But Tobias's mood hasn't been great, and it has something to do with Gideon.

"Sister, you said last time that Professor Asher might have a mental issue. I think it's possibly true now."

I do want to hear about what's wrong with my boyfriend.

"Please do tell."

Tobias categorically pulled me over, sat me down on the couch, and began to elaborate.

Professor Asher has been acting very strangely at work lately.

Event One: Tobias was giving a research report.

All the teachers praised Tobias for being promising and a good sprout.

When it was Professor Asher's turn to give remarks, Gideon said:

"At the age of twenty-four, I published two SCI papers."

The room fell silent for three seconds.

Everyone awkwardly broke into laughter.

Event Two: Tobias got a new car.

Tobias drove the new Mercedes-Benz S that his sister gifted him to work.

Everyone joked around, calling him a low-profile, second-generation rich kid.

Professor Asher passed by the office entrance, casting a glance at Tobias.

Tobias immediately felt a sense of foreboding.

Later on, Professor Asher arrived at work in a Maybach.

The whole faculty fell silent.

Five associate deans and the dean, in turn, talked to Gideon, saying it made a bad impression.

Gideon remained unrepentant.

"I have a bit of money in my family."

Event Three: Tobias tried to strike up a conversation with Professor Asher.

It was said that Professor Asher's favorite topic to chat about recently was his vacation in Hokkaido with his girlfriend last week.

Tobias wanted to use this opportunity to alleviate the teacher-student relationship.

"Professor Asher, is there anything fun to do in Hokkaido?"

Professor Asher seemed on guard.

"How did you know?"

Tobias scratched his head casually.

"I just heard about it. Didn't you say you had a great time with your girlfriend there?"

Professor Asher stared straight at him.

"You must have heard wrong. I don't have a girlfriend. I'm single."

Tobias: "???"

...

Tobias asked me,

"Sis, don't you think he's mentally unstable?"

What do you mean mentally unstable?

His symptoms are far lighter than those Professor Asher shows in front of me.

"It's obvious. He doesn't like you, disapproves of you. But given your reckless behavior, it's normal that he doesn't like you."

Tobias stared ahead, his expression serious.

"No, it's not that he disapproves of me."

I went to the fridge for a drink of water. Tobias looked at me sternly, saying word by word:

"He is interested in me."

21

I hadn't even swallowed my water when I spat it all out.

"Is there something wrong with your brain? You... you're the one with the mental issue!"

I grabbed a napkin and frantically wiped my hands.

"Gideon is straight as an arrow, even straighter than your entire family. All you medical students are sick! Go and register for a consultation!"

Tobias stood up.

"Listen to me first. I'm not spreading rumors."

The incident happened the evening before yesterday.

Tobias was on the night shift, and Professor Asher was about to get off work. There were hardly any people in the entire building; it was desolate.

Professor Asher suddenly appeared.

"Little Tobias, you're on the night shift?"

Tobias stood up. "Yes, I am."

Gideon averted his gaze. "It's pretty late to stay up until two in the morning. Are you still going home?"

The atmosphere was becoming a bit odd.

Tobias hesitated. "Uh, maybe I won't then?"

Gideon stared at his toes.

"If the air conditioner is too cold at night, you can use a blanket."

There were question marks all over Tobias's head. Wasn't the other party stepping over a line, considering they were just colleagues?

"Thanks for your concern, Professor."

Gideon still stood there with no intention of leaving.

"Tobias, your work seems pretty tough. Last time, you mentioned that your girlfriend often fights with you. You're actually a decent man. Would you like me to set you up with someone?"

Tobias, on guard, took two steps back.

"No need, Professor. I love my girlfriend very much."

Professor Asher was clearly taken aback for a moment.

"What if she doesn't love you? Would you still cling to her?"

???

Tobias couldn't take it anymore.

"Professor, aren't you leaving yet?"

Professor Asher seemed to snap out of his thoughts. He coughed gently while covertly studying Tobias, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Then, he patted Tobias's shoulder.

"If you ever encounter emotional troubles in the future, say, for instance, if your girlfriend wants to break up, you can always talk to me about it."

Tobias: "..."

Professor Asher left, seemingly quite pleased with himself, his back full of cheerfulness. Tobias was still immersed in that meaningful shoulder pat.

"It's over. I think he's trying to groom me."

22

Tobias felt that Professor Asher had taken a special interest in him, which explained all the unusual occurrences.

Publicly boasting about his academic achievements-showing his individual charm.

Driving a car of the same brand but of a higher-end model-demonstrating his financial status.

Consistently pointing out his unmarried status in front of Tobias.

Frequently stealing glances at him.

That conversation, which was almost sexually harassing.

Tobias clicked his tongue.

"The medical community is really messy."

"I don't think it's an issue with the community. Is your mind too chaotic?"

Tobias looked at me sidelong.

"Actually, if you think about it, every time Professor Asher sees me, he runs away quite fast. Maybe I'm too handsome."

"You are indeed a handsome man, but..."

Tobias didn't want me to say "but."

He had extensive experience retaliating against men who were attracted to him.

He found the new wristwatch he'd purchased, stood in front of the balcony, had me take a photo, and then posted it to his friend circle.

"My girlfriend insisted on buying and gifting this to me. I hope all creatures of evil stay away from our love."

I honestly thought he was making a production out of it. Gideon is definitely a straight man.

23

Gideon also posted on his Moments.

Picture attached: Taoist Yin-Yang symbol.

Caption: "From one, two is born; from two, three is born; from three, everything is born."

"What is this weird circle of friends?" I gave him a thumbs-up.

He quickly asked me to cancel it.

Tobias slapped his thigh.

"Did you see that? He's hinting that he wants to be my secret lover."

I think Tobias's condition is even more serious.

I seriously warned Gideon.

"Keep a distance from Tobias when you're at work. I fear that he may create rumors about you."

Gideon said he wasn't afraid. In the worst-case scenario, he'd resign, go abroad to develop his career, and apply for permanent residence.

I helplessly held my forehead. Does he call this not being afraid?

Tobias was overjoyed after work. His circle of friends' warning worked quite well. Professor Asher didn't even dare to drive his Maybach anymore and switched back to the BMW 5 Series. Occasionally, when they bumped into each other, Professor Asher would shift his gaze and silently avoid any interaction.

Although Tobias's face was indifferent, he scoffed.

"..."

Tobias really has a fancy for exaggeration. He paints Gideon as though he has something to hide.

24

I've been meeting Gideon quite frequently recently.

He is absolutely straight. He went straight even before I made a move.

He even wants to move in with me, hinting for me to speed up Tobias's departure.

I take a nap in his arms.

"Almost there. It's just a matter of these two months. I will definitely discuss moving out with him."

In a little over a month, Tobias's lease will expire.

Gideon lowers his head and says earnestly,

"I'll wait for you."

I bury my face in his chest, laughing quietly.

I was on a day off today and planned to surprise my boyfriend.

"Doctor Asher, I've scheduled an appointment with you."

Gideon replied, "But I'm not seeing patients today."

"I know. There's a special guest right outside your office door."

The door opened from the inside.

In a panic, Gideon pulled me into the room.

"How dare you come to the hospital to find me?"

What did he mean by that?

I sat down calmly and gave him an intimidating glance.

"Dr. Asher, you're behaving like a thief every day. Do you have another girlfriend outside?"

Gideon sat down in front of me, his eyes locked on mine, and heaved a long sigh.

"What do you think? I'm completely infatuated and shameless because of you."

He's always so reluctant to admit his feelings.

Whatever, I didn't mind.

I just loved teasing him like this.

I leaned forward, my eyebrows slightly knit together.

"Doctor Asher, I'm feeling unwell. Can you check on me?"

Perhaps knowing my antics, Gideon obliged with token enthusiasm.

"Tell me, what's wrong?"

I put on a show of discomfort with a theatrical "hmm."

"My breasts hurt, my back as well, and my legs feel weak."

Gideon glanced at me indifferently, pointing at my chest badge with his pen.

"Oh, I'm an internist. Please consult someone else."

I knew it; he wouldn't play along with me.

I leaned onto his desk.

"Dr. Asher, I haven't even told you about the internal discomfort I'm experiencing."

Gideon rested his fingers against his forehead, looking at me with utmost exasperation.

"Does my dialogue not matter?"

I clicked my tongue in impatience.

"Are you a real doctor? Why aren't you asking me what's wrong?"

Gideon was forced to comply.

"Where do you feel uncomfortable?"

I stared at him intently.

"I've been missing you a lot, Dr. Asher."

The pen suddenly slipped out of his hand, abruptly hitting the desk before rolling to the floor with a rattling sound.

Gideon was stunned. He turned his head aside, his earlobes flushing red.

"I've grown to like you a lot. Stop tempting me. We can't mess around in the hospital."

I was just indulging in a whimsy.

"I just came to see you. I might have disturbed your reading."

I took a glance at his office while getting up.

"By the way, where's Tobias? Is he also on the same floor as you?"

Thinking I was leaving, Gideon stood up hastily. He looked restless but answered without relevance.

"He doesn't have his own office!"

25

Interns, of course, don't have their own offices.

"Can I say hello to him?"

I wandered around his office, accidentally catching his eyes.

Gideon was watching me, leaning on his desk with one hand, his gaze restrained yet affectionate.

"You said you came to see me, didn't you?"

He was being playful. My heart skipped a beat.

"Dr. Asher, can I get a kiss now?"

Dr. Asher's response was to comply.

He sat on the sofa, holding my leg, laying on top of me as he kissed. He seemed to be calming quite easily.

But I found it so easy to push his limits.

"Dr. Asher, don't play dumb. Is this considered treatment?"

I pushed his chin away with my hand.

The expression on Gideon's face was one of suppressed patience.

"Of course." He fixed his gaze on me, swallowing hard, a low exhalation of "hmm" escaping him. "You're very sick, don't you know?"

I held onto his collar, moving closer to his face, staring into his eyes from a very close range.

"But Doctor, you haven't treated me according to my symptoms."

Dr. Asher looked away guiltily, tilting his head in an effort to recall. His face was burning hot, and he bit his lip tightly, saying nothing.

Dr. Asher is really cute.

I tapped on his name badge with my finger.

"It seems the Professor is not good with words, but he should remember everything, right?"

Dr. Asher nodded as if he had received a pardon. I arched an eyebrow and winked at him.

"Then lean down for a kiss."

Gideon fell silent.

When the two of us were caught up in our embrace, the sound of knocking suddenly rang out.

"Professor Asher, it's Tobias. I'm here to deliver the report."

26

Gideon sharply opened his eyes. He got up from me, quickly taking off his coat and placing it over me. He was acting as if he were facing a great enemy.

For a specific description of his behavior, refer to "The adulterer caught in the act."

He clasped my shoulders with both hands, sweat forming on his forehead, and spoke while slightly panting.

"What should we do?"

I pursed my lips, speechless. I looked at him, lowered my head to arrange my clothes, and found myself in a muddle, so I looked at him again.

"No, you are really strange. You could have just let Tobias in."

"But what if he is impulsive because of his youth and hits me?"

He seemed genuinely afraid of Tobias.

With irritation, I tossed my coat onto him.

"Why would he hit you? You're the teacher; he's the student. Merely because of that kiss during work hours with me? Even when you were harassing Tobias last time, he didn't hit you. Has he lost his temper?"

Gideon seemed to realize my displeasure. Smoothly, he put on the coat.

"If he really wants to hit me," he said firmly, "I'll let him."

I was genuinely exasperated.

"He's not going to hit you."

"I'm going to answer the door now. If we keep hiding and refusing to answer, it will make others think we have something to hide."

Gideon followed behind me.

"You're really smart."

I: "..."

Ever since getting back together with Gideon, my double eyelids have widened-constantly rolling my eyes.

Gideon slipped in front of me, rested his hand on the doorknob, and took a deep breath as if brewing his emotions.

"Ronan, remember to stay silent. I'll handle it."

"I understand. I'll just stay silent."

Seeing me, Tobias look