Chapter 317

Jonathan's words were a wake-up call. Cynthia had already suspected something was amiss, noticing Hector's red ears. Discovering Hector's unawareness of Naomi's gender had initially seemed absurd. Now, knowing he had a crush on Naomi, whom he believed to be a man, felt even more ridiculous—a dramatic twist.

After calming down, a worry surfaced. "I never imagined Hector might like men."

Jonathan, taking a bite of fish, said slowly, "It's not about him liking men. It's about his feelings for Naomi. Whether Naomi is a man or a woman, his heart is caught."

Cynthia nodded, taking out her phone. "I'll call him and tell him the truth. He's probably confused; he seemed upset earlier."

"Don't interfere," Jonathan said calmly. "It's their business. Besides, how do you know Naomi will reciprocate? Everyone's love story unfolds naturally; don't disrupt their balance."

Cynthia saw his point but sensed something was amiss. "Jonathan, are you holding a grudge? Is that why you're not telling him?"

Hector's earlier animosity towards Jonathan was fresh in her mind. Jonathan chuckled, "Why hold a grudge? You consider him your brother now. We're family. Let them have their romance. It's more exciting if he discovers it himself."

Cynthia agreed. It was their relationship, not hers to meddle in, especially since Naomi hadn't shown any clear interest in Hector.

Years later, at a New Year's Eve dinner, Cynthia mentioned the incident. Hector, enraged, punched Jonathan. They joked about his fragile ego, unaware of his past suffering, a story for another time.

After dinner, Cynthia and Jonathan spontaneously walked around Roncrity University's track and field area. They enjoyed a rare moment of ease, walking hand in hand like any ordinary couple, without a care in the world. The evening breeze was gentle on their faces. They walked for a while, then lay down on the grass to stargaze.

They stopped at a nearby basketball court, watching students play. Cynthia was engrossed, clapping and cheering.

Jonathan tilted his head. "Do you even know basketball? You're even clapping?"

Cynthia shook her head. "I don't, but that doesn't stop me from admiring a handsome guy. Look at number eight; his moves are cool."

Jonathan frowned. "Stop looking. We're going home."

Cynthia ignored him, clapping after a successful shot. "Nice shot!"

"Cynthia, you're still watching!"

"Just a little longer. That energetic guy is easy on the eyes."

Jonathan stood, then scooped Cynthia up. "I can be as energetic as you want. Let's go home, and I'll give you a show."

After leaving Roncrity University, they unknowingly passed Hector and Naomi leaving the parking lot. Naomi had just been pulled aside by Hector, and they sat in the car, but didn't drive away.

Hector was furious. "You explode when called a sissy, yet you took Jonathan almost calling you a woman. Do you like Cynthia that much? I saw she didn't defend you either. Naomi, don't humiliate yourself."

Naomi calmly lit a cigarette. "It's not that serious. Don't make a fuss."

The smoke partially obscured her face, giving her an unreal appearance. Hector was unsure if he was angrier at Jonathan's insults or Naomi's indifference, or perhaps something else—an uncontrollable feeling threatening to break free.

He looked at Naomi's face, feeling an irritating, painful itch inside. His voice turned cold. "I shouldn't have intervened. You don't care. You're Cynthia's lapdog. She's married. Waiting is pointless. She doesn't see you as a man. Have some self-respect. Keep your distance. Why humiliate yourself?"

He remembered Naomi taking Cynthia's fork; a casual act unlike her usual self. He wondered if it was self-deception.

Jonathan's view was that Naomi's behavior was provocative. Hector felt Naomi was masochistic, asking for trouble. After the mockery, it felt like a thorn in his heart.

Naomi was unconcerned. "This is between me and them. Why are you so upset?"

"Naomi!"

Hector's furious gaze was intense. A dangerous light glittered in his eyes.

Naomi continued smoking. "Alright, alright. I admit I'm head over heels for Cynthia. So what? I was abandoned by my dad and grew up with her. She's the most important person in my life. You don't understand our relationship, so don't meddle. I don't need you to defend me."

She'd considered telling him she was a girl, but figured it would end their friendship. Hector seemed disinterested in women. They frequented Unity Bar, yet he avoided women she introduced, even wiping away any accidental touch with disinfectant. She wondered if their easy brotherly bond would survive if he knew she was a girl.

A wave of irritation washed over Naomi.