Now, simply being by her side no longer felt enough.
*But really, Avira—flirting with both men and women—is that what you think is acceptable?*
—
**NS Entertainment, Top Floor.**
The space was bathed in golden light from the transparent floor-to-ceiling windows. A crystal desk held neatly stacked documents, its surface gleaming under the setting sun.
In the quiet office, a boy stood silhouetted against the glass, his back to the window.
The soft hues of the sunset painted his angelic face with a gentle radiance, while streaks of light slipped through the gaps in his dark hair like a cascading rainbow, pouring into his crystalline eyes with stunning brilliance.
A single tear mole under his eye further accentuated his ethereal and unique charm.
His long fingers trailed lightly along the edge of a document he held, his brows furrowing slightly in thought.
On the document’s photograph was an astonishingly beautiful girl in a white dress, her smile sweet and innocent.
“Noticed something off yet?”
Nick stood nearby, observing his expression without surprise. “Although the photo is of the same person, the girl we met that day seems entirely different from the one described in the file.”
Nick’s gaze flickered across the document in Leon’s hand, his eyes briefly clouded with a profound and thoughtful glimmer. “Her preferences, personality, even the way she feels… everything about her seems to be the complete opposite of what’s written here.”
“Mm,” Leon murmured softly in agreement.
Indeed…
The achievements and descriptions of the girl in the file were too pristine, too pure—nothing like the enigmatic and unfathomable girl they had encountered.
A girl cloaked in darkness, yet resembling an angel.
The file’s photo was a recent one, taken just after the girl had returned from abroad. According to the report, she had already completed her transfer to Sandfield Academy and was set to begin her studies there.
“If that’s the case, there are only two possibilities.”
Leon raised his gaze, his dark eyes gleaming with an icy sharpness. “Either she’s pretending to be someone she’s not, or…”
He paused. “There are two identical people in this world.”
Nick furrowed his brows. “Leon, I think we should stop meddling in this matter. It’s far from simple.”
“Hmm?”
“I’ve already investigated. Aside from this girl, no one else exists—no siblings, not even distant relatives. But what you said aligns with what I’ve been thinking…”
—
**Sandfield Sports Arena.**
The stands on both sides of the court were packed with female spectators.
Theo broke through the defense with a graceful jump shot, sending the basketball into the hoop with a perfect arc.
“Nice!”
Mike reached out instinctively, exchanging a high-five with him as he approached.
Theo walked to the bench and was about to take a sip of water when a blushing girl, nudged forward by her friend, stumbled to his side.
“How many is that today?”
Unbothered by the familiar scene, Vince curled his black cat’s tail idly around his finger and turned to ask his brother, Kuti.
“I don’t know, but…”
A trace of amusement flashed in the boy’s brown eyes. “The result will be the same, won’t it?”
“Do you need something?”
Theo addressed the flustered girl in a gentle tone.
His fair skin still glistened with a sheen of sweat, and the curve of his delicate lips was so pure, so perfect, that it seemed more pristine than a white lotus blooming amidst fire.
His beauty was utterly mesmerizing, impossible to look away from.
One glance was enough to make anyone willingly drown in it.
“I… um…”
The girl in front of him grew even more nervous, her trembling fingers offering him a beautifully wrapped gift box. Her face flushed as though it might burst into flames. “It’s… for your birthday… so… this is a present for you…”
She felt as though even breathing became difficult in front of this boy, as if speaking each word risked leaving her gasping for air.
“Thank you.”
Theo looked at her, the faintest trace of a smile in his clear black eyes behind his thin glasses.
The sunset bathed him in its glow, yet he still seemed so pure, untouched by the world.
“Theo… Theo…”
The girl stammered out his name with difficulty.
*Oh my God…*
*Does this mean I have a chance?*
“But, I can’t accept this gift.”
“Huh?”
“Because if it’s not from *that person,* it holds no meaning for me.”
As if recalling something, Theo lowered his gaze, his jet-black lashes shimmering with scattered light. The smile playing at his lips was so gentle, so beautiful.
His voice was soft, like the morning mist drifting through the air, and the clarity in his eyes was so pure it could make anyone’s heart skip a beat.
