A huge bouquet of roses!
The flowers were wrapped in purple paper with a purple satin ribbon, showcasing dozens of bright red roses that looked so fresh they seemed to still hold morning dew.
A young man with a handsome face appeared behind the flowers, smiling. He wore a uniform with a sash reading "Heartfelt Florist."
"Ms. Emily?"
Yuki shook her head and pointed to Emily on the bed. "She's the one."
Emily was bewildered.
"Mr. Ryan sent these flowers and gifts for you," the young man said politely, pulling out a form and a pen. "Please sign here."
"Oh." Emily took the form and pen from Yuki, signed her name, and looked up. "Mr. Ryan? Who is that?"
Katherine, leaning against the doorframe, was fuming, nearly overcome with anger. "It's just Ryan! Stop playing dumb!"
"Oh."
But why would Ryan send her flowers? Emily stared blankly at the bouquet in her arms.
The young man from Heartfelt Florist then produced a large, exquisite pink box. "This is a gift from Mr. Ryan. Have a great day."
He left.
Yuki returned to her desk, preparing to head to the study room. Katherine stood rigidly at Emily's bedside, her voice sharp and demanding, "Open it!"
She was eager to see what Ryan had sent Emily.
Emily sat on the bed and gently opened the box. Inside, there was a layer of snow-white silk paper. Beneath it was a card with elegant, flowing handwriting:
"Tomorrow morning at ten, Fountain Plaza.
Ryan"
Beneath the silk paper was a delicate, light green silk slip dress with thin straps and a hem adorned with exquisitely detailed lace.
It was beautiful…
Daisy pushed the door open and saw the dress in Emily's hands. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief and exclaimed, "Wow, that's the hottest designer brand! I just saw it in the boutique with some classmates—it's so expensive! Emily, did you buy it?"
"Ugh!"
Katherine, her frustration boiling over, bit her lip and stormed towards the door. She shoved Daisy aside and slammed the door shut with a resounding bang!
"What's her problem now? Losing her mind again," Daisy grumbled, rubbing her shoulder. She sat down beside Emily's bed, concern etched on her face. "Are you sick? You were coughing during class." After a long internal struggle, Daisy decided—never mind, if Emily likes someone, let her be. After all, she couldn't shake the urge to protect her whenever she saw her.
"Are you not mad at me anymore?"
Emily held her breath, her hand instinctively clenching, feeling a warm comfort inside. Despite all the annoying things she had done, Yuki and Daisy still cared for her so much.
Daisy stuck out her tongue and smiled. "You know I'm a good friend now, right? So, how about treating me to some Korean barbecue? It feels great to make up with friends."
"Sure."
"Let's eat until we're full!"
"Okay."
Emily smiled brightly, and for a moment, it felt like her headache had eased and her limbs were no longer weak.
Daisy suddenly noticed the note in the gift box, took a closer look, and exclaimed in surprise, "No way, you're supposed to wear this for the date tomorrow? It's so thin, and you're still sick!"
The sky was clear and cloudless, with a slight breeze carrying a hint of chill. Emily arrived early at the fountain square, wearing the delicate green slip dress. Her skin was fair, and the fresh green of the dress fluttered gently in the breeze, making her look like a princess from a fairy tale.
Passersby marveled at the fresh and enchanting girl by the fountain, as if she had stepped out of a manga.
Who was she waiting for?
It must be the boy she cherished.
Youth was truly beautiful, and love seemed even more captivating.
The fountain sprayed thousands of glistening droplets into the air, sparkling in the sunlight, creating a mist that gently enveloped Emily. The fine mist made her appear even more ethereal and transparent.
So cold…
Emily fought to suppress the chill creeping up from her feet, determined not to shiver or wrap her cold arms around her shoulders. Thankfully, she had used some lip gloss and blush earlier; otherwise, her pale complexion would have made her look ghastly.
...
Ryan's eyes flickered with disdain. "If you look like this on our date, it will be quite embarrassing."
...
Emily bit her lip and forced a smile.
No matter how cold it got, she couldn't let him see she was unhappy. Even if she ended up with a worse cold, what did it matter?
But—
Why hadn't he shown up yet?
10:30.
11:00.
11:30.
12:00.
12:30…
The sun cast a cold, indifferent light in the sky, as the fountain's splashes misted over Emily's hair, shoulders, and back. Her stomach began to cramp, her legs grew weak as if they might give way at any moment, and her head spun in dizzying circles, her vision blurring and darkening.
She felt so miserable...
The air she exhaled felt scalding. Emily clenched her fists, determined to keep a smile on her lips. She wanted to wait for him in the best possible way.
Time passed slowly...
"I told you she wouldn't leave,"
A soft, gentle voice drifted from behind Emily.
"She did all this just to meet you. How could she leave without seeing you? Ryan, you're so heartless. How hard would it be to spend a little time with her? Even if it's boring, it'll pass quickly. If you're with me, she'll only be more upset."
The girl extended her right hand gently and waved it in front of Emily's face, her voice soft and concerned, "Emily, aren't you cold wearing so little?"
Emily froze.
Two figures appeared before her.
Ryan looked indifferent and lazy, casting a sidelong glance at her with a mocking smile playing at his lips. The diamonds on his nose glinted coldly. Norah, delicate and sweet, nestled into his embrace, her beautiful face radiating a blissful smile.