Study Session

Arriving at the entrance of Digbeth Library, Noah spotted Lily standing gracefully by the entrance, her presence almost ethereal.

She was wearing a simple yet elegant light blue dress that flowed just below her knees, perfectly complementing her icy beauty.

It wasn't flashy, yet it had an air of quiet sophistication, much like Sarah—reserved, distant, and effortlessly graceful.

The soft pastel colour added a touch of warmth to her otherwise cold demeanour, creating a stark contrast that only added to her allure.

Her long blue hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, and her pale skin seemed to glow against the blue fabric.

Her face was expressionless, with sharp features and eyes that conveyed a message without words—don't mess with me.

Around her, people glanced but dared not approach, intimidated by her beauty and the chill in her aura.

The whispers around her were clear: she was untouchable, a mysterious figure fleeting past, and many had tried and failed to get close.

Noah approached her confidently, ignoring the murmurs of the onlookers. He could hear them whispering behind his back, "Look, he's gonna get rejected like the others."

He smirked at their words but didn't let it faze him as he closed the distance between them. "Am I late?" he asked casually, his voice breaking the silence between them.

Lily turned her head slightly, her expression unreadable as she replied, "No."

"Then shall we go?" Noah responded with a grin, his tone light.

Lily gave a small nod, not saying much, but that was enough for him. As they headed inside, Noah noticed the stares lingering on them, especially from the crowd that had watched them from afar.

He already had a library card, having been to Digbeth a few times in the past, though he'd stopped going regularly. 

They found a quiet corner of the library, tucked away from the crowd. The table was spacious, giving them plenty of room to spread out their notes and textbooks. As they sat down, Noah leaned back comfortably, glancing at Lily. "So, what topic are you planning to study?"

She looked at him for a brief second before replying, "Maths."

Without wasting any time, they both opened their books and began working through some mock exam questions.

Noah moved through the questions with ease, his pen flying over the paper as he quickly solved each one. Beside him, Lily was working just as fast, her focus unwavering until she suddenly paused, her expression tightening as she came across a difficult problem.

Noticing her troubled look, Noah leaned in, his eyes scanning the page in front of her. "Need help with that?" he asked casually.

Startled by how close he was, Lily instinctively leaned back, her cheeks lightly flushed as she glanced at him.

There was an awkward pause as Noah waited, not pushing her, but curious. After a moment, she nodded, still looking a bit flustered.

Noah slid closer, their shoulders nearly brushing. His calm presence seemed to ease some of her tension as he pointed at the question. "Alright, see here," he began, explaining the problem step by step, his voice patient and smooth.

Lily's eyes followed his pen as he broke down the steps, her focus shifting from the problem to him. He explained everything so clearly, and as he continued, she found herself understanding the problem.

But the closer he sat, the more self-conscious she became, a light blush lingering on her pale cheeks.

As Noah finished explaining, he leaned back with a grin. "Got it now?"

Lily gave a small nod, her voice quiet, "Yes, thanks." But even as she returned to the problem, she couldn't shake the warmth of his presence beside her.

Two hours into their study session, Noah noticed Lily's concentration waver. The quiet library was punctuated by a soft, yet unmistakable, grumble from her stomach. Lily's cheeks flushed a delicate pink before she quickly regained her composure, her usual icy demeanour returning.

Not wanting to make a big deal out of it, Noah cleared his throat and asked, "Hey, do you want to grab some lunch? I heard that."

Lily glanced down at her stomach, her eyes momentarily softening before she nodded in agreement. "Sure."

They made their way to a nearby brunch spot known for its cozy atmosphere and solid reputation. The restaurant struck a balance between casual and upscale, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

Once seated, they looked over the menu. Lily decided on a sirloin steak with a side of roasted vegetables, while Noah opted for a hearty chicken Caesar salad and a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

After finishing their meal, Noah subtly motioned to the waiter for the check. When it arrived, the total was $150. Lily instinctively reached for her purse, but Noah quickly stopped her with a calm yet firm hand.

"I've got this," he said, flashing a confident smile. The waiter nodded at Noah, handing him the check as Lily reluctantly withdrew her hand.

"Sir this is $200, the check is only $150." said the waiter politely, as he checked the the amount.

"I know, I tipped you $50." said Noah, with a smile on his face appreciating the honesty of the waiter.

"Thank you Sir!" Said the waiter, with a grateful tone.

After paying, Noah glanced at her and asked, "Do you want me to drop you off at home?"

Lily shook her head, her cool expression intact. "Someone's already here to pick me up."

Raising an eyebrow, Noah was curious about who it could be. As they exited the restaurant, his eyes were immediately drawn to a sleek 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom parked outside. The car was a masterpiece of luxury, gleaming under the sunlight. It had a polished, obsidian-black exterior with chrome accents that reflected everything around it. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament stood proudly, symbolizing prestige and opulence. Its wheels were encased in glossy alloy rims, and the interior, through the slightly tinted windows, revealed plush, cream-colored leather seats with wooden finishes. The car practically screamed wealth, and Noah couldn't help but wonder just how much it was worth.

"At least half a million," he thought to himself, slightly amused.

Standing by the car was an elderly man dressed in a full black suit, impeccably tailored, who seemed to radiate professionalism. As soon as he saw Lily, he gave a small bow and opened the rear door for her.

"Are you ready, my lady?" the butler asked in a respectful tone.

Lily glanced at him, then turned back to Noah, hesitating for a brief moment. "Thank you... for the help today," she said, her voice softer than usual.

Noah smiled warmly. "You're welcome. Just text me if you need help with anything."

She looked at him for a second longer, her icy exterior softening for a fleeting moment, before turning to leave. The butler held the door open as she gracefully entered the luxurious car. With one last glance back at Noah, the door shut, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom smoothly pulled away from the curb.

Noah watched as the car disappeared down the street, a small smile forming on his lips. He muttered under his breath, "So cold."