Halesia looked up at the night sky. She lost track of time and ended up going home late again. In any case, no one will welcome her in that house, is what she thought.
Remembering that her mother has returned a week ago then went on another trip with her friend made her sad.
Her mother has always been like that. She leaves her for months and returns whenever she wanted. Though she sends her a message prior, saying she'll be gone and gives her enough pocket money to survive, she can't help being lonely.
[ I wish father is here.]
Halesia let out a sigh.
She doesn't know who her father is. She was only told that he is alive and will be with them in the future. Still, it's been 14 years, and she's been longing for that day for so long. When will he come?
She has a lot of questions for him. Why did he leave them? Does he not want them anymore? Why won't he look for her, his daughter? Doesn't he know that she's so lonely and yearns for her father so much?
She let out another frustrated sigh.
What's the use of continuously lamenting over it? He will not magically appear just because she misses him. She can only wait for that day to come.
Halesia hugged the books in her arms tighter. The entrance exam for Callidus Academy will be in a few months. She wants to be admitted to the best institution in the country and aims to top the exam.
Even if her mother doesn't pay too much attention to her, she still noticed her gaze becoming gentler when receiving her report card. Her brain is not bad. She can compete and excel when she tries her best. She's been topping the whole grade since she was young. Since her mother will be proud of her for her educational achievement, she'll do her best. Not to mention, her father might appreciate her more when the time comes.
Halesia glanced behind her and was determined to continue studying here after school hours.
Then her gaze was attracted to a young man walking steadily towards her.
" It's late. I'll send you home." Ken went to Halesia and raised his arms to take over the books. His action was smooth and familiar as if having done so many times.
" No, I'll carry them."
He ignored her protest and took them.
Halesia can only pout but didn't stop him further. Clearly, she has been used to his willful acts.
" Ken, why are you here anyway? Weren't you busy and said you can't come to the library?"
The two walked side by side. Halesia has to raise her head, for she only reached up to his chest.
" Finished it earlier and came to check on you."
He halted his strides and observed Halesia, who also stopped.
A little guilty, she can only look at other places, not daring to meet his stern gaze.
" You've skipped meal again, haven't you?"
Halesia bowed her head and fidgetted with her fingers.
" I, I have eaten."
Then as if wanting to tattle-tale on her, a rumbling sound came from her stomach.
Ken let out an exasperated grunt, took her hand, and drag her towards his car.
This girl really won't cherish her body. Always studying to the point she forgets to eat on time. No wonder she's so small and skinny.
Halesia cooperated with the youngster and obediently sat inside.
She doesn't get it. Why does he always get angry when he learned she forgot her meals? It's not like she'll starve herself to death anyway.
In any case, his concern made her feel warm.
[ It's great to have friends.]
Ken didn't speak but occasionally glanced at Halesia.
Currently, she is watching the scenery outside. The lights that shone on her pale face makes her beautiful.
He's attracted to her. He knows that for sure.
At first, he only regarded the adorable girl who he seems to always bump into in the library. Then before he noticed it, his feelings grew beyond his control.
Initially, he came to the library to seek solace from the avidity of girls fawning over him. Though he appreciates their favor, it's becoming cumbersome. Ken was fed up and decided to escape. He knew they won't expect him to ditch their school library and go to the public one near their school.
At that time, the exams were just around the corner. He took advantage of such a reason and decided to study in the library.
He was glad to come here and met Halesia.
He frequently observes her read and thought she might be reviewing for the oncoming exams. Though their uniforms indicated they belong to different institutions, the test schedule usually coincides.
However, even after the exam week, she still diligently came.
On the other hand, he continuously comes for the peaceful environment and, of course, the curiosity towards her that he can't shrug away.
But Ken didn't approach her. He only watched her from afar or exchange polite smiles when their gazes meet.
More than a month flew by just like that.
Nobody came forward to initiate introducing themselves.
Until one afternoon, Ken saw her being cornered by thugs in an alley near the library and saved her.
Since then, they've become friends.
" The entrance exam for Callidus is still a long way to go. You should lighten up and not exhaust yourself." The teenager's voice hooked Halesia's attention.
" I know but I just want to prepare."
Ken looked at the discouraged little girl. He reached out and patted her head.
" I'm not scolding you. I'm just worried about you, you know." The gentle tone immediately caused her to beam.
" Thank you, Ken. You're such a good friend."
She shyly took back her gaze. The young man is indeed attractive. She's lucky to be friends with such a caring person.
The driver didn't dare to watch the sweet youngsters at the back but silently lit up a candle for his young master, who's still deep in the friendzone.
***
"Dude, cheer up. It's not the end of the world." Ulfius elbowed his best friend, who's lost in thoughts again.
" Shut up." Sarien placed his phone down and took a sip on his drink.
" Didn't she told you she'll be back, huh? You act like a wife deserted by her husband." The haughty youngster leaned on the chair, letting his arms dangle on both sides.
Sarien has been dejected for quite some time now, and he simply can't get used to it. The heartless dude who blocks his every rhetoric became mute, letting him win arguments. Such once-in-a-lifetime achievement can't even make him rejoice. It felt annoying to win by default.
Sarien savored the strawberry flavor in his mouth. It was her favorite drink.
[ Wife? We're not even boyfriend and girlfriend.] Sarien became more morose with that understanding.
His best friend was silent, ignoring his existence. Ulfius decided to ask him again.
" Will she be back on time for your birthday though?"
" I don't know."
Hell, he doesn't even know what happened to her before she went abroad. He only learned that the Tang residence was in upheaval weeks ago but immediately cooled down after. There was no news of what transpired. The only thing he was informed of was that Eve went to play outside without a word. He messaged her after, and she confirmed it. She only mentioned going on a vacation and will be back someday.
" Why don't you ask her? You're pretty close no, she'll attend for sure." Well, Ulfius isn't really sure. He just wanted to revive this forsaken dude whose lifelessness is creeping on him.
Sarien ponders on how to invite Eve.
Ding!
A notification sound can be distinguished in a restaurant filled with chattering customers.
The originally despondent lad finally grinned. He did send a message to Eve just now, greeting her " Good Morning" and reminding her to eat her meal. He was doubtful she would respond since she usually rises late in the morning.
Glancing at his watch, it's only 7.30 pm, which meant it's only around 6 am where she is. How miraculous it is that she had woken up early.
Sarien quickly read her reply and was instantly happy. He even chuckles due to the pleasant surprise.
Ulfius glanced at the person who was sorrowful one second and giggling the next and meditated if his best buddy actually lost it and have finally gone nuts.
" You okay there, buddy?"
Even if Sarien went bananas, he would accept him no matter what. That is what bros are for.
Sarien threw him a disgusting look and put his phone back after responding to Eve.
" What did she say?"
" She said she'll come." There was a faint smile that can't be erased on his impeccable face.
In truth, he didn't expect her to know his birthday, nor will she brought it up when he was just thinking about asking her.
" Good for you buddy." Ulfius patted his shoulder. Finally, the gloomy days have passed, and this person will cease being so heartbroken or something. So unmanly, he inwardly commented.
" Anyway, let's go. I still have something to do."
" Yeah."
The two went out and headed home.
***
Halesia almost spat her drink when she spotted a familiar face.
Tall, handsome, and majestic as the first time she saw him.
[ Prince.]
Her eyes were glued on the young man striding towards her that every step he took, she can't help but stop breathing.
" Are you okay?" Ken noticed her agitated appearance that he stopped eating and focused on her. However, she didn't respond, for all her thoughts are concentrated on the person she hasn't seen ever since.
When Sarien was only a few steps away from their table, she felt nervous and at the same time excited.
Halesia was on tenterhooks as she saw him glance in her direction. However, he didn't even look at her and just walked away.
Excitement turned to disappointment.
" Are you acquainted with the Sarien Lu?" Ken followed her gaze and found she was gawking at Sarien Lu.
" Sarien Lu?"
[ Even his name sounds beautiful.] Halesia reflected.
" No. It's just that he helped me once but it seems he didn't even recognize me." Halesia lowered her face, trying to hide the embarrassment and frustration.
" Really? How unexpected." There was a trace of doubt in his voice.
" What do you mean?" Halesia finally lifted her face and talked to him. She just wanted to know more about the Prince.
Ken recognized the admiration in her eyes and smiled wryly. Nonetheless, he didn't show it. He was only determined to work harder from now on.
" My elder brother is in the same class as him. He said that aside from Ulfius Chen, he isn't close to anyone. He is also called the Ice Prince of Callidus Academy that no girl dares to provoke. He is always top of his entire grade and a promising heir, worthy of inheriting the Lu empire."
Though he felt a little sour watching Halesia's interest in the young master Lu, he still honestly stated his evaluation of Sarien. There's no enmity between them, and he does look up to him.
" Wow. He is amazing."
A fire is ignited in Halesia's heart. She is more determined to top the entrance exam and be acknowledge by her future senior.