The music played, and the singer started to sing the song. The lyrics tell about the charm of his lover who always makes him stunned.
When Runa said 'yes' in a low voice, Arden put his hand carefully wrapped around Runa's waist. And Runa felt her skin smoldering under Arden's touch.
Even though Arden's hand was on the outer lace, the fabric was so thin that it almost felt like nothing was blocking their skin from touching each other.
The couple around them moved slowly, stepping in the same rhythm as the singer's melodious hum. As for Runa, her legs were as stiff as wood, but Arden was guiding her. Their bodies swayed slowly, their toes buried in the warm sand.
"Not bad," Arden said. "You have a talent for dancing."
"You act like you're a master at it," sneered Runa.
"I am."
"Ooh, really? How many girls have you been with?"
"You want to know? Is that important to you?"
The question silenced Runa's mouth. Arden's grip tightened on her waist the closer they were. If Runa moved her body forward once again, her head would fall on Arden's chest.
The temptation to do so was great and Runa pulled back a little to widen the distance and prevent herself from doing anything stupid.
"Absolutely not," said Runa, giving a sarcastic smile and narrowing her eyes.
Arden laughed at her expression. He returned the smile with a small, mocking grin.
"You have such a loyal friend," said Arden then as he looked past Runa, probably staring at Mandy.
Runa looked back and followed the direction of Arden's gaze. She found Mandy laughing with Bella while dancing to their own rhythm. Runa looked back at Arden and it turned out that Arden had already looked at her.
"She's a good friend," said Runa. "She keeps me from bad boys."
Arden's eyebrows shot up, then he chuckled. "In that case, she failed to do her job."
"Ooh… so now you admit you are a bad boy?" Runa lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes.
"Maybe I am. But I'm not that kind of bad boy like you think."
"And what's your bad boy version like?"
Arden didn't respond to Runa's question, instead, he asked back. "Did you get the answer? About when will we meet again?"
"We are now."
"You mean, now you want to talk about scientific work? Here? Don't tell me you carry that manual with you everywhere."
Runa finally let out a laugh at Arden's joke, which he said in a flat tone and sour expression. Arden gave her a grin.
"Yes, I brought it," replied Runa in a cheerful tone. She raised one hand and pressed her index finger to her temple. "Here."
"Then let's talk about the project now." Arden cast his eyes up, pretending to be thinking hard, and his expression made Runa laugh.
"What do you think about our theme, Whitlock?" asked Runa then. A smile lingered on her lips, and Arden turned his gaze to her while tilting his head.
"Sustainable entrepreneurship that not only benefits business actors but also contributes to the environment and society? I think we should go out and see that kind of entrepreneurship firsthand."
"Ooh… so you mean you want to go out with me? Is this some kind of date proposal?"
"Huh?" Arden said, arching one eyebrow up and holding back a grin.
Runa finally couldn't stop herself from laughing. Her laughter was loud enough to attract the attention of the people around them. Realizing herself being a spectacle, Runa bites her lips to stop her laughter.
"Are you drunk?" asked Arden then in a low voice. He lowered his head so that his face was closer to Runa's and their foreheads were almost pressed together.
"I only drink juice."
"They could have put vodka in it."
Rune shook her head. "I'll know the difference."
"Yeah, I trust you."
They were silent for a moment before laughing together.
The music continued to play and Runa only realized when they were no longer chatting, that now the song had changed. She doesn't know how long they've been dancing, but it's clear that she doesn't feel as awkward as before. Her body was more relaxed in Arden's arms and their steps were now more harmonious.
"Arden," called Runa, after they had not spoken for a while.
"Yes?"
"Do you think… demons and angels exist?"
Runa felt Arden's fingers tighten around her waist and Arden's gaze was now completely fixated on Runa.
The sound of the waves faintly sounded, and Runa heard fragments of the lyrics being sung by the singer on the stage.
About a fallen angel begging to be loved.
"Why are you asking me that?" Arden asked back.
Runa swallowed. She didn't even understand why she suddenly asked that to Arden.
It's just that since the incident in the classroom building, ever since Runa met the angel who saved her….
"Ah, I-"
Runa's words were not finished because a group of people walked past them and one of them bumped into Runa. The drink that the person was carrying spilled and wet the outer lace.
"I'm sorry!" shouted the person who hit Runa.
Runa broke away from Arden and turned around to see who it was while saying that it was no big deal. But Runa's words were stifled when she met Anna's gaze.
"Sorry," Anna said again, this time in a quieter voice.
What made the apology feel awkward was the way Anna was looking at Runa now. No guilt or remorse there. Instead, she seemed to hold back and keep her expression as level as possible, as if she was hiding a feeling that was the opposite of regret.
Runa glanced at the place where the drink had soiled her clothes. The outer feels sticky on the arms, back, and thighs. Runa sniffed the dizzying smell and recognized what Anna had just spilled on her body.
"Let me take you to the restroom. I will help you clean yourself," Anna offered. She reached out and was about to grab Runa's hand, but Runa withdrew before Anna even touched her.
"No." Runa didn't hide her annoyance, but she could control herself enough not to speak harshly or vent unnecessary anger.
"Come on, I'll help you," Anna forced.
"Walk properly so as not to bump into other people next time. That will be very helpful," replied Runa in a bitter tone. "And stop looking for trouble."
Hopefully, Anna realizes that Runa's last sentence was aimed at her problem with Arden.
Anna stared at her for a moment. There was a hint of embarrassment on her face… and also aggravation. "I was just trying to be nice!" she snapped. "Why are you replying with such hurtful words?!"
"Thank you for your good intentions, but I can clean myself up," said Runa without the slightest hesitation.
Anna gulped and shook the now nearly empty glass in her hand. She poured the rest of the contents of the glass into the sand in front of Runa, making the sand splash and stick to the bottom of Runa's feet. "Okay," said Anna then. "Have fun."
After saying that, she left.