Chapter 27: Unseen Threats

Chapter 27: Unseen Threats

"What a kind senior, and she's so beautiful too, really makes you like her," Lydia Moore murmured, still somewhat dazed as she gazed at Grace Hinton's tall, graceful figure disappearing from view. It took her a moment to snap out of it. She glanced at Elena Rivers, who remained calm and collected, her eyes as serene as glass. After a brief hesitation, Lydia picked up her violin and walked over to her, a soft smile curling her lips. "You're amazing, you know that? Even our senior is full of praise for you." Lydia smiled brightly, genuinely happy for Elena. From the envious looks of others, it was clear that gaining the approval of a senior was indeed an honor.

"Now you're carrying both of our hopes, so you have to work twice as hard. Go for it! Go for it!" Lydia's cheerful face was bathed in the golden sunlight, her expression like a sunflower basking in the warmth of a summer's day.

"Was it you who signed me up?" In the quiet light, Elena Rivers looked at her calmly, her long eyelashes casting a shadow under the sun. Even if Lydia hadn't said it outright, Elena could easily guess it was her. Did she always have to meddle in other people's business so foolishly? Elena rarely got close to anyone at this school, let alone formed any emotional connections. Yet, despite her aloofness, Lydia had consistently treated her with warmth and consideration. This stubborn persistence made it increasingly difficult for Elena to reject her. Even though she knew that becoming close friends could spell disaster for Lydia, it seemed Lydia hadn't considered just how terrifying the influence of the Kingston Group really was.

"Yeah," Lydia admitted, scratching her head awkwardly, fearing that she might have upset Elena. "I hope you're not mad at me for meddling. I just didn't want you to have any regrets. Whatever made you hesitate before, I believe you can become an outstanding member of the music society. So, go for it!" Her clear, bright voice was mixed with crisp laughter, like the sound of wind rustling through the leaves.

Elena Rivers slowly curled her right hand on her lap into a fist. She averted her gaze, silently staring out the window. Regrets? She thought bitterly. Her biggest regret was being born as the daughter of Anlisher; it had stripped her of everything. Maybe it was time for a change. This time, she didn't want to have any regrets. Perhaps, without realizing it, Lydia had influenced her, and now Elena found herself growing more courageous, fueled by a strong desire. As she opened her hand again, her breathing steadied, and a newfound determination flashed in her eyes.

When she looked back at Lydia, a faint, almost imperceptible smile played on Elena's lips. She casually asked, "What about you? Why didn't you sign up?" She had mentioned that she was carrying the hopes of two people, which likely meant she had only signed Elena up. But what about herself? Didn't Lydia also want to join the music society?

"Well… it's because…" Lydia stammered, caught off guard by the question. Her body stiffened slightly, though she continued to smile, her brow furrowing just a bit as if she had something difficult to explain. Facing Elena's questioning gaze, Lydia exaggerated her grin, showing off her pearly white canine teeth. "I've been working part-time at my aunt's bakery, so I haven't had much time." Seizing upon what she felt was a reasonable excuse, Lydia exhaled deeply, relieved, patting her chest as if the tension had finally left her. She smiled awkwardly at Elena.

Realizing that Elena had asked out of concern for her, Lydia couldn't help but feel happy. But knowing that she had nearly slipped up, her rare act of lying left her feeling guilty. Yet she reassured herself that everything she did was for Elena's benefit. Lydia shrugged and took a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air.

Outside, the autumn day at Sakura Academy was beautiful and serene, with plane tree leaves fluttering down, and a light breeze bringing the first hints of the season's coolness.

The sky was filled with soft, clear, and slightly cool air. After school, Lydia Moore wandered aimlessly down a tree-lined path, carrying her violin, the ground beneath her feet covered with vibrant, fallen leaves. After drifting for a while, she looked up at the colorful clouds peeking through the long branches of flowering trees, realizing that evening was fast approaching.

She closed her eyes, taking in the scent of grass and trees in the air, and suddenly, she felt a renewed sense of hope for life, even if moments ago, she had been weighed down by a sense of lingering melancholy.

In the past, whenever she felt troubled, Lydia would stroll alone through the expansive Clear Pear Academy, admiring the blooming flowers and plants, the clear ponds, and the vast blue sky. All her worries would be swept away by the gentle breeze, and her smile would return. It was as if, like a resilient sunflower, as long as she faced the sun, she would be filled with endless energy.

The lawns at Sakura Academy were beautiful—Lydia had always thought so. Here, she could see the vast sky, like a painter's canvas of blue and white, the expansive green lawns, and couples sitting outdoors with their pretty pets. It made her feel that life was simple and beautiful, warm and comfortable. In the evening light on the lawn, a few students joyfully flew kites. Lydia found a European-style bench to sit on, placing her violin beside her.

She took out the violin from its case and placed it on her lap, gently stroking its smooth, warm surface. She sighed softly.

Even though she kept telling herself that it didn't matter if she didn't get into the music society, a small part of her still felt disappointed.

That day, she had taken time off during class to line up. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, it was finally her turn, but there was only one application form left. So, in the end, she wrote Elena Rivers' name on it. Even if she were to face the same situation again, Lydia knew she would make the same choice without hesitation. She knew that Elena needed this more than she did and didn't want her to have any regrets.

"Silly girl, if you don't regret it, then why are you sighing? Cheer up." Feeling completely at ease with her decision, Lydia's mood brightened, her voice rising with renewed energy. She looked at the kites soaring in the soft pink glow of the evening sky and at the people playing in the distance, feeling reinvigorated.

"If I can't join the music society and let more people hear my playing, then I'll just be my own audience." A mischievous glint sparkled in her clear, innocent eyes.