Chapter 658

Juniper bit her lip and shot back, "But we're in this restaurant now, and we're not a couple either."

"But I'm chasing you, aren't I? I've seen a lot of women, and she clearly likes Anthony. As for Anthony, who knows? But he knew I asked you out, didn't even call, and came to a place like this with another chick. I can't say I'm optimistic for you," he said with a smirk.

Juniper felt a bit uneasy, telling herself it was impossible, that Anthony and that alum were just friends, but she couldn't deny that what Ronnie said was true.

She couldn't help but sneak a glance, and Anthony happened to look over.

Their eyes met, and he paused, then furrowed his brows.

Juniper looked at him, not knowing what she was expecting. 'Am I hoping he'll come over and explain? But he doesn't. He just looks away, turning his back to me. Is he pretending I don't exist?'

Juniper felt even worse.

Even though he hadn't accepted her, she always felt their relationship was different. Was it just her wishful thinking?

"Isn't that your... girlfriend?" Hera asked, holding back her jealousy.

"No." Anthony replied.

"Broke up?"

"Never dated and never broke up," Anthony said flatly.

But after knowing him for so many years, Hera could still hear the displeasure in his tone. Was he jealous?

She couldn't figure out their relationship, but it couldn't be nothing.

Hera asked, "The guy across from her is quite attentive. Is he her boyfriend or suitor?"

"Not sure."

Hera continued, "Really not sure, or pretending not to be? Do you not care?"

"You're talking a lot today," Anthony said with a hint of annoyance.

Hera said, "I'm just being honest. You like that girl, don't you?"

"No," Anthony denied.

But this only confirmed Hera's suspicions.

He had finally let go of Layla, only to be quickly replaced by another woman. She was still a step too late.

Hera felt a sense of loss.

She wanted to give up, but how could she easily give up on Anthony she had a crush on for years?

Hera was still somewhat unwilling. But she could only pretend to joke, "Really not?"

"No." Anthony replied.

Hera said, "Then I'm going to pursue you."

"You already made that joke last time."

"What if it's not a joke, and I'm serious?" Hera asked, "Have you never considered that possibility?"

"No." Anthony only saw her as a friend, so he assumed she did too.

"Then why don't you think about it?"

Anthony said, "Hera, I don't want our relationship to become complicated."

Hera retorted, "But I think the feelings that grow from friendship to love are the strongest. We understand each other, and I think our personalities are very compatible."

"Stop joking." Anthony wasn't in the mood now. He was here, but his heart was with Juniper. Not just now, but all day, he had been in a bad mood because of her, and he wasn't in a good mood towards Hera either.

"Anthony, I'm not joking. I like you. If you get together with that girl, I'll give up and never be a third party. But you said you're not together, which means I have a chance. I don't want to wait and miss this opportunity," Hera said sincerely.

"Sorry, I..."

"I don't need you to answer right away. You can take some time to think about it and sort out your feelings with that girl. I've waited for you for years, I don't mind waiting longer, but I need you to understand my feelings." Hera stopped there and changed the subject. "Alright, I'm so hungry. What do you want to eat?"

"You decide." Anthony had wanted to chill, but Hera's feelings just made things messier.

"Want to go over and say hi?" Ronnie asked, clearly stirring the pot.

"Don't start, you jerk," Juniper shot him a glare.

Ronnie smirked, "What? Taking out your frustration on me? I'm innocent here."

"I'm not taking it out on you. You just deserve a smack. It's all your fault for picking this place," Juniper grumbled.

Ronnie raised an eyebrow, "So you'd rather live in denial? Think Anthony's all about you?"

"Stop it. I don't want to hear it."

"Usually so tough, but turns out you're a softie," Ronnie laughed. "Since you've already caught him, why not consider me?"

Juniper locked eyes with Ronnie and said firmly, "Ronnie, listen up. Even if every guy on the planet disappeared, I wouldn't pick you, got it?"

Ronnie chuckled, "If every guy on the planet disappeared, what makes you think I'd pick you?"

"I..."

"Just kidding, silly. I'd still pick you," Ronnie teased, tapping her nose.

"Don't touch me," Juniper snapped, worried Anthony might see, but he was still turned away.

She felt a wave of disappointment.

"Don't bother looking. He hasn't turned around once."

Juniper's heart sank. 'Does he really not care about me at all?'

"Don't be so down. It bums me out. How about this, I'll get you a matcha cake. Sweets always help," Ronnie called the waiter. "One matcha cake."

"Wait, make it two," Juniper said, sulking.

Ronnie laughed, finding her too cute.

Two matcha cakes arrived, and Juniper dug in, spoonful by spoonful.

"Good?" Ronnie asked.

"If you want some, order your own," Juniper snapped.

Ronnie grinned, "I just think it looks especially good when you eat it. Feed me a bite?"

"No way, sharing saliva is gross." Juniper refused.

"We've already kissed."

Juniper's face turned red. "Mention that night again, and I'll chop you up."

"You're so mad. Am I the first guy to do that to you?" Ronnie's eyes widened. "Don't tell me you've never been with anyone else? Oh my god, I'm shocked."

"Keep your voice down," Juniper hurriedly covered his mouth, but Ronnie grabbed her hand and kissed it.

Ronnie said, "Juniper, be with me. I'll cherish you."

"Stop talking nonsense. Let go," Juniper used a fork to poke his hand. "Don't touch me."

Ronnie looked at her with interest. "You're such a gem. I like you even more."

Juniper said, "Just because I haven't been with anyone else? It's the 21st century, but you still have such outdated thoughts. Guys like that are the worst, being playboys themselves but wanting the other person to be pure. I despise that."

"I admit it's a male flaw. But whether you have or haven't, I'll still cherish you."

Juniper made a stop gesture. "Stop! Sweet talk doesn't work on me."

"Why are you so funny? You're too cute..."

Juniper said, "What's so funny? Stop laughing."

"Adorable," Ronnie pinched her cheek.

"Annoying. Don't touch me."

"Looks like they really are dating, and their relationship is good," Hera watched the two of them play around and said.