Chapter 6%
Time always seemed to fly when I was with Kelvis.
One afternoon, the school’s milk tea shop introduced a new promotion–buy one, get the second half–off. Excited, I asked him if he wanted to give it a try.
He nodded with a grin, mentioning that he just so happened to have three dollars left in his wallet so we could spend it all.
As I paid at the counter, something slipped out from between the layers of his wallet–a small photo. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but when I bent down to pick it up, I froze.”
It was a slightly yellow photo, and the girl in the school uniform with her hair in a high ponytail was me.”
It was my graduation photo.
Shocked, I stood there with my thoughts racing in every direction. The rest of the day blurred as I struggled to focus on anything else.” On the way back, I suggested we take a walk around the school track, hoping to clear my head. Kelvis, ever willing, agreed with a smile. But I couldn’t hold it any longer.!!
After a few quiet laps, I finally worked up the courage to ask, “Kelvis, why do you have my graduation photo?”
He seemed startled and fell silent, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. Under the soft glow of the moon light, his profile looked almost vulnerable. Taking a deep breath, I asked the question that had been sitting in the back of my mind for so long.
“Did we know each other before?”
After what felt like an eternity, Kelvis told me everything.
It turned out that we had attended the same high school. At the time, though, I had been so focused on Marlaux that I had no memory of him.
Back then, Kelvis had been introverted and quiet. He was often picked on by the boys in our class because he was skinny and reserved. They called him weak and creepy, and even said walking past him brought bad luck.
Kelvis had ignored them, throwing himself into his studies. His excellent grades only made them resent him more.”
One rainy afternoon, they cornered him near the back gate, snatched his backpack, and threw it into a puddle. All his hard–earned work was soaked. Kelvis, rather than reacting, simply stepped into the puddle to retrieve his belongings.
Disappointed by his calmness, one of the boys reached out to shove him further. That’s when I showed up.“]
“What do you think you’re doing?” I shouted, my voice filled with anger.M
Startled, they froze. One of them recognized me as Marlaux’s childhood friend and quickly whispered to the others. Not wanting to provoke the Kennedy family, they backed off and scattered.}]
I sighed and stepped into the puddle without hesitation, helping Kelvis pick up his soaked books. I didn’t care that my shoes were ruined.}
“You can’t just let them treat you like this,” I said firmly. “The more you ignore them, the worse it’ll get.”
Kelvis had simply stared at me, too shocked to respond.}
A few days later, word got around that Kelvis had gotten into a fight. Although he was given a demerit, no one dared to bully him after that.”
As I listened to his story, I was stunned. I had no idea that our connection went back that far.
Kelvis’s eyes softened, filled with warmth and sincerity as he said, “You were a light for me, even when you didn’t realize it.“}
“To me, you’re more precious than anyone.“}]
Feeling overwhelmed, I stood on tiptoes and kissed him. This time, he didn’t hesitate. He gently responded, deepening the kiss.”
That night, I found myself tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep. Just as I began to drift off, my phone lit up with a series of messages.[
They were from Marlaux.
“I know I wasn’t kind to you before, but I won’t treat you that way anymore. I’m sorry.“}
I frowned, surprised by his words. Marlaux apologizing?!
“I’ve broken up with Tiara. She didn’t give you a hard time, did she?”
“If she did, let me know. I’ll take care of it.“”
He then sent a picture.
It was of the jade bracelet I had shattered. It had been pieced back together, the cracks still visible but repaired with care.
“You were right. I was a jerk before, but I reflected. I’ll change.“>
“Lashana, let’s start over. Please.“}
Suddenly, I felt a warm breath against the back of my neck and strong arms wrapped around my waist.}
Kelvis’s sleepy voice whispered, “What are you looking at?“}
I turned off my phone, ignoring Marlaux’s messages, and smiled as I stroked Kelvis’s cheek.}
“Nothing important. Why aren’t you asleep yet?“}
He nuzzled closer, his voice low and groggy. “You didn’t give me my goodnight kiss yet.“}
With a soft laugh, I leaned in and gave him a playful peck.”
Satisfied, Kelvis settled back down, still holding me close.
