"My fiancé... is... is..." Elora deliberately paused, scanning her surroundings. Suddenly, she saw Lucas approaching and immediately linked her arm with his. "It's him!"
"He... he... he's our company's Mr. Ridge!" Serena stammered, her voice filled with disbelief as she watched Elora boldly clasping Mr. Ridge's arm.
"Yes, that's him." Elora turned to Lucas and said with a playful smile, "What do you think, fiancé?"
Ding… Favorability of target increased by +10, current favorability: 82.
Lucas smiled contentedly, nodding in agreement. He was more than happy to see Elora openly acknowledge their relationship.
"Alright, Serena, we're off. We'll contact you later."
"Okay." Serena stood frozen for a moment, still in a daze.
...
"Where are you dragging me?" Lucas asked, perplexed as Elora continued to pull him forward after leaving the office.
"Secret!" Elora glanced back, flashing a mischievous smile, unwilling to answer. She pulled him along until they reached a familiar spot, then suddenly stopped.
"This... this is my high school!" Lucas looked up at the gate and recognized it.
"Come on, let's go in," Elora said, not waiting for him to react. She led him towards the classroom for the senior year A class.
As soon as Lucas entered the classroom, he saw "Lucas, happy birthday" written on the blackboard, his mind momentarily blanking.
"Sit down, I'll just be a moment!" Elora quickly darted off to the restroom, leaving him in confusion.
Lucas looked at Elora's retreating figure with a sigh. It had slipped his mind that today was his birthday. The past few days had been so hectic. To his surprise, this girl had remembered.
Elora hurried into the bathroom, took a few deep breaths, feeling nervous. She had practiced the song for so long, hoping she wouldn't forget the lyrics. After a quick shake of her head, she walked out of the restroom.
Lucas sat, waiting patiently for a while, but still no sign of Elora. Just as he was about to get up to find her, a beautiful melody floated from outside.
The unique scent you carry Is the mark of your existence No need to glance around to know We're only separated by a street corner After all this time, I can still see I can feel how important I am to you Not disturbed by the rise and fall of day and night Every act of kindness from you, I want to boast about After going in circles, we finally met No one understands your importance more than I do After all this time, I've decided I'll hold your hand and never let go
...
Elora slowly approached Lucas, her gaze filled with deep affection, as if he were her entire world.
After going in circles, we finally met I promised myself not to trouble my mind Because what I want, I already know As long as your shoulder is there for me to lean on
The unique scent you carry Is the mark of your existence No need to glance around to know We're only separated by a street corner After all this time, I can still see I can feel how important I am to you Not disturbed by the rise and fall of day and night Every act of kindness from you, I want to boast about After going in circles, we finally met No one understands your importance more than I do After all this time, I've decided I'll hold your hand and never let go After going in circles, we finally met I promised myself not to trouble my mind Because what I want, I already know As long as your shoulder is there for me to lean on
After all this time, I've decided I'll hold your hand and never let go After going in circles, we finally met I promised myself not to trouble my mind Because what I want, I already know As long as your shoulder is there for me to lean on
As the song ended, Elora gazed at Lucas with intensity. "How was I? Did I sing well?"
"It was fine," Lucas replied casually.
"Fine? What does that mean?!" Elora huffed, sitting down beside him, muttering, "I've practiced so long for this. I wanted to give you a birthday surprise."
Lucas chuckled softly, ruffling her hair. "It was beautiful, truly the best gift I've ever received."
"That's more like it. Then I'll forgive you!"
"Why did you suddenly bring me to your high school today?"
"Because it's a place full of memories for me."
Lucas studied her for a moment. "But you didn't attend senior year here, did you? What are you nostalgic about?"
"I'm nostalgic for the moment I first fell in love. I remember when I came here for the entrance exams, passing this classroom. The other boys were gathered around talking about girls, but he was sitting quietly in the back reading, lost in his own world. I don't know why, but I fell for him!" Elora glanced at Lucas. "Right there, in your seat."
Lucas felt an unexpected wave of emotions. He had sat in that very seat back then! He remembered how he kept to himself, rarely interacting with classmates. Had Elora liked him back then?
"Why didn't you say something to him?"
"I was afraid of being rejected! How embarrassing would that be?" Elora replied matter-of-factly.
"Heh..." Lucas laughed softly.
Ding… Male lead's favorability increased by +10, current favorability: 92.
"What's so funny?" Elora shot him a playful glare.
"Would you like to confess to that boy now?" Lucas' voice was deep and full of affection, his gaze brimming with love. Elora, as if under a spell, whispered, "Yes, I want to make up for that delayed confession. I've loved Lucas for many years."