What also stood out about his story was his family’s financial situation. Since high school, Lucas had been the breadwinner for
his household.
Lost in thought, Celia suddenly snapped back to the present as her roommates continued their teasing. She quickly squeezed past them, retreating to her bed and pulling the curtain closed for privacy.
Typing carefully, she drafted a reply and sent it off, “There’s really no need, Lucas. You should focus on your studies–finals are coming up soon. With your talent, I’m sure you’ll secure a scholarship!”
It was polite, encouraging, and a gentle way of turning him down.
If a single bowl of soup caused someone like Lucas–who relied on scholarships and part–time jobs to get by–to feel obligated to treat her to a meal, Celia couldn’t help but feel guilty.
After some deliberation, she decided not to delete his contact. He hadn’t explicitly said or done anything wrong and cutting him off without reason felt unnecessarily harsh.
From that day on, their conversations became more frequent. Celia and Lucas gradually grew closer.
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Chapter 20
+15 Bonus
‘At first, he reached out with small excuses–asking for help with a task or clarification on a topic he claimed to be struggling
with. Celia always agreed, thinking it was only natural for a student council member to assist a junior in need.
But over time, she began to notice how trivial some of his requests were, things he could have easily managed on his own. Yet, for
reasons she couldn’t quite explain, Celia found it difficult to say no to him.
Time passed quickly, and after 500 days of knowing each other, Lucas decided it was time to confess.
By then, Celia was in her senior year, and Ashford University had just been blanketed by its first snowfall of the season. Thick
layers of snow covered the ground and buildings, while flurries danced through the air like countless tufts of cotton ripped apart
and scattered from the heavens.
Under the glow of the streetlights, the scene was especially enchanting.
Celia walked alongside Lucas, bundled in a thick winter coat, her hat shielding her from most of the falling snow. Even so,
layer of frost had settled on her bangs, glistening in the soft light.
a thin
Around them, students chased each other across the running track, their laughter carrying through the crisp evening air. Some
wielded snowballs, dodging and ducking in playful skirmishes.
As they strolled, a couple dashed past, nearly colliding with Celia. Reacting instinctively, Lucas pulled her into his arms to protect
her.
Only when the pair had run far ahead did Lucas realize what he’d done. His face turned scarlet as Celia pushed gently against him,
and he quickly let her go, stammering an apology as he looked away, his embarrassment painfully obvious.
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