Chapter 2

"Violet, I organized this bikini show for everyone's benefit."

"Do you think collecting these swimsuits all through high school was easy? And now you're going to accuse me like this?"

As soon as I came to, the cheer captain Skylar was leaning against my boyfriend, one leg crossed over the other in a bikini.

The other kids nodded, especially the guys:

"Yeah, Violet, swimsuit shows are a summer tradition. Are you just worried you won't get as much attention as Skylar because you're not as hot?"

"Ha! Don't worry, we never liked you anyway. We wouldn't look at you even if you stripped."

My boyfriend Jaxon chuckled softly, sounding totally out of place.

But I didn't look at him like I used to. Instead, I turned to my quiet best friend Kai.

In my past life, everyone thought I was just jealous of the cheer captain, even my boyfriend teased me about it.

Only Kai listened when I begged him not to go, and he was the only one who stayed back.

Later, we got into the same college and were even in the same research group through grad school.

I thought he was the only sensible one.

I never knew he was waiting all those years for Skylar to get out of jail.

He hid his feelings so well, even I, his best friend, never noticed.

"I get it."

I nodded, grabbed my backpack, and stepped back:

"I'll just head home then."

"Violet."

Kai suddenly grabbed my wrist.

I froze.

He looked at me, his expression complicated:

"Take your boyfriend with you."

In that moment, it felt like an electric shock ran through me—

Kai… did he remember our past life too?

The way he looked at Jaxon was guarded.

Yeah, in our previous life, he and Jaxon were the guys closest to Skylar.

If Jaxon went this time, Kai couldn't be sure Skylar would still choose him.

"Mind your own business."

Jaxon gave me a disgusted look:

"I've been stressed preparing for graduation. I just want to relax at a swimsuit show. Don't project your dirty thoughts onto everyone else."

"Did I say the show was dirty?"

I caught his slip-up: "I just said it wasn't a good idea. Why would you assume I meant that?

"So you secretly think this show is sketchy too?"

The guys and Skylar instantly looked pissed.

Jaxon's face stiffened.

Surprisingly, Kai spoke up for me:

"Jaxon, you're Violet's boyfriend. This kind of show… isn't really appropriate for someone in a relationship."

Jaxon shrugged carelessly:

"It's just a show. Besides, if Violet really can't handle it, I'll just break up with her for the day."

He winked at me.