Chapter 70

Logan watched Summer for a moment without saying anything. He glanced at the clock before turning and leaving the room.

***

Billy didn't want the ink, and Summer didn't force it on him. She quickly adjusted her mood and continued teaching, but her spirits were still dampened. That evening, after finishing grading papers in the office, she didn't stick around to chat with Logan. She packed her bag and left.

Logan, having just stepped out for a moment, returned to find Summer gone. Her desk was neatly organized, indicating she had gone home. The sky outside was dimming.

Logan packed up his own desk and headed back to the commune. As he locked the office door, he reflected that for once, he didn't have Summer chattering beside him. Usually, she would cling to him after work, talking about trivial matters. Today, he could finally enjoy some peace.

Walking alone, Logan initially felt relieved. Solitude had always been his preferred state. But halfway home, an unexpected feeling of emptiness crept in—a feeling he wasn't used to.

Still, he quickly brushed it off and continued to enjoy the solitary walk. But when he arrived at the commune and found that Summer wasn't there, the unease returned. He looked around and saw only Henry and the others playing in the boys' dorm. The kitchen and girls' dorm were empty.

Logan pondered for a moment, assuming Summer needed time alone to process her emotions. He didn't think much of it and went about his evening routine. After feeding his chickens, he noticed he had extra food and fed it to Summer's chickens as well.

"Today's your lucky day," he muttered to the chickens, "catching me in a generous mood."

By the time he finished, it was dark, and Summer still hadn't returned. Logan washed up and tried to relax in the dorm, but the noise from the others made him restless. He kept glancing at the clock, and by 8:40 PM, he couldn't stay put any longer.

Grabbing his bag, he left the commune and searched around the vicinity. When he couldn't find her nearby, he ventured further. The moonlit night and the sounds of insects filled the air as he grew more anxious, muttering to himself about how he'd scold Summer once he found her.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he found her sitting by a small pond filled with lotus leaves. He had checked this spot earlier, but she wasn't there then. She must have wandered around before settling here.

Seeing her sitting alone, Logan felt his frustration ebb away. He hesitated before approaching, then cleared his throat to announce his presence.

Summer turned, surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

Logan shrugged, "I was passing by and thought the pond looked nice in the moonlight. Didn't expect to find you here. Lucky coincidence, huh?"

Summer didn't doubt his explanation. She turned her gaze back to the pond. In this season, the lotus flowers had begun to bloom, and a couple had opened their pink petals under the moonlight, looking particularly elegant. She hadn't noticed the beauty of the scene until now.

Logan sat beside her, and Summer, assuming he wanted to enjoy the view, stayed silent. But Logan soon turned his attention from the flowers to Summer, watching her in the moonlight.

After a while, Logan spoke in a soft voice, "You shouldn't feel guilty about Billy. I decided how to handle it. It wasn't your call. I'm the one who's cold-hearted and unfeeling."

Summer looked at him, surprised by his unexpected reassurance. "Do you think I have a problem with my class stance?" she asked.

Logan shook his head, "Let's not talk about that, okay?"

Summer sighed and agreed, "Alright."

Logan quickly changed the subject, "Are you hungry?"

Summer shook her head, "I ate a lot at lunch, so not really."

Despite her words, Logan reached into his bag, "Hold out your hand."

Summer, unsure of what he was up to, did as he asked. Logan placed several treats in her hand—crispy rice cakes, shrimp crackers, milk cookies, and even a piece of chocolate wrapped in foil.

Summer stared at the unexpected bounty, "Are you trying to poison me?"

Logan rolled his eyes, "These are all still good. Better you eat them than let them go to waste."

Summer blinked, then smiled, "Well, if you insist, I won't hold back."

Logan smirked, "Just cook for me in return."

She laughed, understanding his condition, and opened the rice cake package. As she ate, she glanced at Logan, "I thought you didn't like sweets. Why did you bring so many?"

"Family packed them for me," he replied nonchalantly.

Summer wondered if he meant his stepmother but decided not to ask. Logan changed the topic again, "This place is quite relaxing. Want to hear some music?"

"You have a radio?" she asked.

Logan pulled out a harmonica, "No radio. I'll play for you."

Summer was surprised, "You can play the harmonica?"

Logan shrugged, "It's not that hard."

"Play something cheerful then," she suggested.

Logan thought for a moment before bringing the harmonica to his lips. He played a lively tune, and Summer recognized it immediately.

She listened, her mood lifting with the melody. As she ate the treats Logan had given her, she couldn't help but smile and sway to the rhythm.

Feeling the joyous notes, Summer softly sang along:

"The birds lead the way

The wind blows towards us

We come like springtime

To the garden, to the meadow

Bright red scarves

Beautiful clothes

Like many flowers in bloom

Jumping and jumping

Dear uncles and aunties

Celebrate this happy holiday with us..."

As Logan played, Summer's heart lightened, the music washing away the day's worries.