The Scarf Is Hers. Give Me Back My Freedom

On the day of the first snowfall, my boyfriend came to pick me up from work. My best friend, Jiang Xiaoxue, stamped her feet beside us. Without a moment’s hesitation, my boyfriend took the matching scarf off my neck and wrapped it around hers. They chatted and laughed the whole way, talking about games and esports teams. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Annoyed, I cracked the car window open. My boyfriend immediately stopped me. “Xiaoxue can’t handle the cold air.” My hand froze, then I opened the window all the way. Before he could get angry, I said calmly, “Let’s break up.” They both stared at me in surprise. My boyfriend said lightly, “Don’t be dramatic.” I understood. Time and again, he had chosen Jiang Xiaoxue. It was time for me to leave. But sorry, I couldn’t bring myself to make things easy for you two. You’ll both have to pay a price before you can be together.