“We’ll have a car tomorrow, so you don’t have to ride your bike. He specifically arranged a car to take us to campus.”
“He really treasures you!”
“Well, sort of,” Khanyi propped her chin on her hand, looking a bit bored. “I don’t really like the feeling of being followed everywhere.”
“I promise, this one is even better. If you want it, I’ll bring it to you next time.” Annabel smiled mysteriously, then composed her expression a bit more seriously, “Khanyi, I want to ask you a question. What do you think love is?”
“Love should be like two people entwined, understanding each other deeply, pledging their lives to one another, moving people…” As Khanyi spoke, she sighed lightly again, “In novels, it’s always so beautiful. Perhaps love in reality should be like the articles written by your talented friend, starting with passionate love, but over time, the red roses fade and become lonely, and the white roses turn mundane and boring…”
“Don’t bring others into it; I’m asking about you.”
“Love… I don’t know. Does this count as love?” She lowered her dark eyes, her voice getting softer.
“Then how did he court you?”
“He…” Khanyi’s eyes looked into the white porcelain cup with a gold rim, gently stirring with a small spoon. The petals and fruit tea floated leisurely, slowly sinking to the bottom of the water. “His way of courting is very romantic and unique, making it irresistible. You know, he is more handsome and affectionate than any prince. He would play the piano for you under the night sky; he would kneel at your feet, gazing deeply into your eyes, telling you that you are his princess, his goddess, his angel; he would travel ten hours on the road for a week just to see you for a moment, say goodnight, and then leave… There’s so much more, really so much.” Her dark brows subtly trembled, and her rose-colored lips quivered as if she was holding back, not continuing to speak.
“How romantic…” Annabel seemed unaware of her emotional fluctuations, glancing at her slightly flushed face and softly laughing.
This was the first time Khanyi stepped into the campus of this university. The vast lawns, the classical architecture, everything was so tranquil. A black Mercedes sedan glided along the tree-lined path, bringing them to the entrance of a small independent building. Khanyi followed Annabel into the women’s changing room on the second floor, changing into the blue sports shirt that Annabel had bought for her. Annabel also changed into a matching red outfit, placing her hands on her hips and sizing her up. “Khanyi, your figure is really great, your skin is so smooth and fair, you look like a flawless pearl, perfect enough to make men fantasize and women jealous.”
“Is that so?” Khanyi gently pressed her hand against the medical tape on her chest. Fortunately, she had prepared the tape in advance, covering the tattoos on her chest and back. However, the tape felt a bit uncomfortable, making her sticky and her skin slightly itchy.
“Hey? What’s that on your chest? Why do you have a bandage on? Oh, there’s one on your back too!” Annabel exclaimed as if she had discovered a new continent, pointing at her.
“Um, it’s nothing. I just caught a chill while sleeping, and my shoulder hurts a bit,” Khanyi replied with a wry smile, rotating her arm.
“Next time, I’ll get you some real ointment. That medical tape is useless!”
“Girls, come to the mirror, everyone line up in three rows,” a tall blonde coach clapped her hands, signaling everyone to gather. The girls who had been scattered around the gymnastics room came together.
This was Khanyi’s first time participating in such an activity. The girls were all full of energy, giving her the illusion that she was with her classmates from the church school, with only her and Annabel being the two black-haired Eastern girls among them.
“Your posture is really good. Which college are you from? I haven’t seen you before,” the coach walked up to Khanyi and asked with a smile.
“She is my friend, named Gianna, who came here because she admires your wonderful teaching. She used to dance ballet,” while Khanyi was still in a daze, Annabel answered the coach’s question for her.
“That’s very fortunate. You used to dance ballet? Would you like to perform a piece for everyone?” the coach suggested with a smile.
“Annabel … I can’t!” Khanyi clearly did not expect Annabel to suddenly mention this, feeling a bit shy and hesitant. “I haven’t practiced in a long time.”
“It’s okay, just dance a couple of steps,” Annabel continued to encourage her. “I really want to see you dance.”
The sincere gazes from everyone made it hard for Khanyi to refuse. “Then I’ll perform a solo from ‘Swan Lake’… but without ballet shoes, I don’t know if I can stand properly.”
Khanyi gently raised her long arms, striking a swan-like pose, and began her dance performance… As she danced, she gradually realized that although she hadn’t practiced in a long time, she could still dance. The girls and the coach watched intently as this Eastern girl performed ballet. Her movements were so light, her posture so graceful, unlike the common dancers; she was more petite and delicate, exuding a unique charm…
“Khanyi, go for it! You’re dancing so well!” Annabel clapped and cheered. Hearing her friend’s untimely praise, Khanyi chuckled inwardly and continued dancing until she prepared to finish the piece with a series of five consecutive 360-degree turns. The beginning went smoothly, but as she entered the second turn, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her right ankle, and then her feet seemed to lose control…
