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Like yesterday, Layla was doing her job in the shop "Aroma".

She was picking empty trays, also looking around to observe people. While doing so her eyes fell on a boy biting his straw while struggling with a physics problem. She felt an urge to at least offer him help, "I can help you." She was wearing a harmless smile on her face.

"Oh" The boy, of course, didn't believe her even a bit. Though it didn't affect her mood in any way. After receiving a dull response, Layla resumed her work. Just then, her eyes fell on a familiar face.

"What are you doing here?" she asked the boy in the glasses.

"Mom asked me to come." He answered while sipping his coffee.

'If not for my aunt, you wouldn't come.' When she was scolding him in his mind, she realized a crucial detail. "You told aunt!!" She was glaring at him.

"She was asking about you." Sometimes, she wanted to punch him. How could he maintain a serious face every time he spoke? Even his lies sounded like an undeniable truth. She couldn't tell who is more talented at irritating people, he or she.

…...

Under the clear sky, Opal arrived at her destination and saw Caleb was waiting for her.

"You are early today." He commented.

Hearing it, she puffed her cheeks. Opal has a habit of arriving late than the appointed time; it is the first time she came this early despite being late. It's not that she enjoys making Caleb wait for her but, she couldn't help it when she ends up taking time just to select a perfect dress and makeup. Also, sometimes she has to avoid her family's eyes too.

No one at home knows her secret affair or it's that she hasn't told anyone about it. She was afraid that her family would force her to break up with him. Caleb is an orphan. He has nothing that could compare to hers except the little wealth left behind by his parents and grandmother, also the support of a rising family. But no matter what someone's son would always be someone's son, not theirs. This has created a barrier between them. She has her own fears and uncertainties but she wanted to enjoy the present with him.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault." Caleb apologized.

"Huh, why? I'm not angry. Anyways, it's always my fault to come late." She accepted her fault without any argument. She is sensible. And, also enjoys the feeling when he patiently waits for her. No matter how late she arrives Caleb always waits for her. In fact, he always reaches their destination on time.

"Then, let's go. By the way, did I tell you? You are beautiful." He had a beautiful smile on his face which was different from his signature 'gentle yet distant' smile. It had a hint of intimacy which was only for her.

His compliment made her face bloom and her pinkish lips were curved even wider. Her ears were slightly red. It wasn't the first time that he praised her. But whenever he does so, she could feel her heart jumping in the pool of bliss.

"Where do you want to go first?" He asked, showing her a list of places he wanted to visit with her. After thinking for a few seconds, she answered, "Let's go to this place. We should eat something first."

With their fingers intertwined, both disappeared in the crowd with their hearts filled with the feeling of the first love of youth.

…...

Like any other evening, Zou Haoran left his house for some fresh air on his bike. He was roaming on the streets letting the wind knock against him.

He does not like to live confined. Sometimes, he wants to escape from those watchful eyes whether they are of his bodyguards or his parents' enemies. That's why he came up with a solution, he started riding his bike aimlessly. He knows they are watching him but the only difference is he can not see some of them. He can not feel their presence in the crowd, also he can see the world settled outside.

He would have attempted to shake those bodyguards but his experience in the past always emerges from the dark and stops him. He is well aware of his situation and how it can change the fates of many and can also hurt many.

On his way back to his new residence, he was occasionally looking at people. Some were in work suits, some were on their evening walk dressed in tracks, and some were couples who were releasing pink bubbles in the background. 'That reminds me, he's also on a date today.'

Just then, his gaze landed on two unexpected faces in the crowd. He saw Layla and Ryan together. The girl was dressed in tee and jeans which was highlighting her long legs more. She was holding a cup and drinking something from a straw, occasionally glancing at Ryan's displeased face.

They were close enough to make her pay attention to Ryan's mood this closely. He had stopped. His eyes were fixed on them. He was staring at them as if he could find some answers on their faces. Seeing them walk away, he sighed and left with questions in mind and a desire to uncover little secrets in his heart.

When Layla and Ryan were walking together, Zou Haoran wasn't the only one who saw them. In fact, Opal and Caleb also saw them together. They knew that the members of the student council are close but they didn't know that they enjoy meeting after school too. But, if it is so, then why is Lani not with them…? Despite their curiosity, they didn't go to them but continued to enjoy their little bit of left time.

…...

"Stop sulking. Please…" Layla said somewhat in a spoiled tone and somewhat in a begging tone. She was suppressing her annoyance.

"Can't you stop working there? I don't understand what's the need to work for you right now. Is uncle not giving you enough money? I can talk to mom. I can even lend you some." He blurted his thoughts yet it didn't improve his displeasure. He didn't like seeing his cousin picking dishes and most importantly he didn't like the gazes of some people.

"Don't!! Father is providing me enough. It's just…"

"Say."

"It's just that I wanted to know what it feels like earning my own money. Even if the amount is small. By the way, it could… it could also help me mingle with people better."

A helpless sigh escaped from Ryan's lips. "You think you are some anti-social person and that shop is some therapy clinic." He couldn't help but mock her. She is not just a cousin. She is a friend that he knew from childhood, a sister which shares a bond stronger than any other cousin shares with him. And, his mother is also very fond of her. One way or another, this troublesome girl is important. "How long?"

"Just a few months. I promise." She is stubborn, he can't do anything.

"I'm leaving. I have wasted too much time here just because of your childish decision." He was still upset but he compromised.

Hearing his words, Layla smiled, she was well aware of how much this cousin of hers likes to mingle with maths rather than people in his free time yet he waited for her and walked her to the hostel before going his own way.

'I really took his time today' she thought looking at the cup he bought for her.