But when Avira had taken her hand, the warmth she felt melted the jagged ice surrounding her heart, thawing it completely.
It was like a sun rising from the depths of the ocean, chasing away every shadow that had darkened her soul.
For the first time…
The first time, she felt a desire to keep something.
The first time, she wanted to claim someone as hers.
No matter what she lost, there was one thing she simply could not bear to lose—Avira.
If, back then, it was her vulnerability that had made her cling to Avira, then now…
That desire had grown even stronger.
What should I do?
Her peach blossom eyes were hazy, filled with emotions she didn’t fully understand. Yet they seemed to carry a subtle charm, like the night itself, drawing people in.
Unable to help herself, Noelle leaned in closer, just a little more…
Just a little closer, and she could kiss her.
But in that instant, Avira tilted her head slightly, her soft lips brushing against Noelle’s cheek before she slumped forward, resting against her shoulder.
She had fallen asleep.
Noelle froze, staring at Avira’s sleeping face in disbelief.
Her delicate features were angled toward her, long lashes catching fragments of light as they fluttered faintly. The soft warmth of her breath brushed against Noelle’s neck, tickling her skin.
For a moment, Noelle felt like the entire world had grown quiet.
All she could hear was the steady rhythm of Avira’s breathing, syncing with the beating of her own racing heart.
The spot where her lips had brushed against him burned like a fire, its heat spreading through his skin.
“You didn’t answer again…”
A faint smile curved on Orson’s lips, more breathtaking than a bloom of countless roses. The sheer beauty of it was intoxicating.
Avira, you’re always breaking the rules—so sly and so unfair.
She might look lazy and defenseless, as if anyone could bully her…
But in truth, she’s a deadly poison.
And yet… what can I do? I’m already addicted.
Avira, my feelings for you are like your love for cake—I want to savor you completely, not leaving a single bite for anyone else.
I don’t think I can wait much longer.
With a sigh of resolve, Orson picked Avira up gently and carried her to her room. The documents she had been holding slipped from her hand as he stood, scattering across the floor.
The pages landed out of order, but one page caught his eye—it was a photograph she hadn’t yet examined.
In the photo, a boy wearing glasses looked every bit like the protagonist of a Comic. He wore a pristine white shirt, his silver-rimmed glasses giving him an air of refinement and elegance.
Amid the simple background, his slight smile exuded an unparalleled charm, as though the bustling world had quieted just to preserve the serene perfection of his presence.
Beside the photograph, the name “Theo” was printed clearly.
The Next Day
It was the weekend, and the setting sun bathed the city in shades of orange and red.
With a large paper bag in her arms, Avira strolled home at her usual leisurely pace, munching on a piece of bread.
She had waited in line for ages to buy the bread, and now she was both hungry and sleepy.
If only I could eat Lucas’s bread every day…
She chewed on the bread, feeling a pang of regret.
I really want to keep Lucas all to myself, but Asake won’t sell him to me. Such a pity…
Her path home took her through a street lined with shops, and alongside it was a small basketball court.
Usually, only local boys came here to play on weekends, but today the place was unusually crowded.
From a distance, the noise of an excited crowd reached her ears.
Curious, she approached and saw cameras set up all around the court. Clearly, something was being filmed. Surrounding the court was a sea of ecstatic girls, jostling for space as their excited shrieks pierced the air.
“Did you see that?! He looked at me just now—I’m going to faint!”
“He’s a walking work of art! He’s so handsome, it’s suffocating!”
“I love you, love you, love you!”
