On the way home, as I was helping Leo, we ran into Asher.
Leo was like a boneless cat, draped half–dependently over me.
The two of them stared at each other. It was a little awkward.
I was about to explain that he was drunk when I heard Asher laugh.
“Why wasn’t I the first?”
“What?” I stepped closer, trying to hear him better.
But an arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back.
“Holly.” Leo buried his head in the crook of my neck and nuzzled me.
I was even more embarrassed now. I tried to pull his head up by his hair, but it was like it was fused to my neck.
“Why… wasn’t I the first person you looked for after the exams?”
As if completely ignoring Leo’s actions, Asher’s lips curved into a smile, but his eyes were full of a helpless disappointment.
I understood what he meant and lowered my head, my heart sinking. “I’m sorry…”
“It’s okay.” Asher sighed softly, as if he could easily forgive anything.
“If… if I agree to be with you now, is it still too late?”
“Holly Miller.”
Under the dim yellow streetlights, he looked down at me, his gaze gentle.
“I like you too.”
“Be with me.”
Csapter
Under the dim yellow streetlights, he looked down at me, his gaze gentle.
“I like you too.”
“Be with me.”
10:32 03
I don’t know why, but he emphasized the word “too” very heavily. As if his agreement would make our feelings mutual, a perfect
match.
My heart suddenly sank.
At almost the same moment, the arm around my waist tightened fiercely. My heartbeat completely lost its rhythm.
The System appeared in my head at the same time.
“Say yes! Say yes to him! You can have your romance, complete the storyline, and get a huge reward!”
Yes. It was an offer almost no one could refuse.
But somehow, I couldn’t say the words.
Because the person clinging to me felt like he was about to shatter. He seemed to desperately need a comforting hug.
So, all I could say was, “I’m sorry, Asher.”
