Apologies and Temptation

The next day, Lisa was sitting in the school cafeteria with Sakura, Chelsea, Rani, and the others when Iris approached their table. There was an air of hesitation around her as she fidgeted with the hem of her uniform.

"Lisa," Iris began, her voice soft but trembling, "can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?"

The group exchanged glances but said nothing as Lisa stood up and followed Iris to a quiet corner of the cafeteria.

"I... I've been horrible to you lately," Iris admitted, her voice cracking. "I don't mean to be, but everything's been so hard since my parents divorced. I've been taking my frustration out on you, and it's not fair. I'm so sorry, Lisa."

Lisa's heart softened at Iris's words. She could see the pain in her friend's eyes and knew how much courage it took for her to apologize.

"It's okay, Iris," Lisa said gently. "I understand. You've been going through a lot. But you don't have to go through it alone. We're all here for you."

Tears welled up in Iris's eyes as she nodded. "Thank you, Lisa. I'll try to be better."

They hugged, and as they walked back to their table, the Nine Babies welcomed Iris back with open arms

Later that evening, Felix was at work at one of his part-time jobs—a high-end restaurant owned by a wealthy businessman, Mr. Huang. Felix's hard work had earned him the respect of his boss, but he often had to deal with Mr. Huang's daughter, Meiling.

Meiling was 18, confident, and spoiled. She had taken a liking to Felix the moment he started working there and didn't hesitate to make her feelings known.

As Felix was clearing tables, Meiling approached him, her bright red nails clicking against the tray he was holding. "Felix," she purred, leaning closer than necessary, "why don't you take a break and have coffee with me?"

Felix didn't look up, his face as cold as ever. "I'm busy."

Undeterred, Meiling smiled sweetly. "You're always so serious. That's what I like about you. Come on, Felix. Be my boyfriend. I'll make it worth your while."

Felix stopped what he was doing and turned to her, his eyes hard. "Meiling, stop. I'm not interested."

His harsh tone didn't faze her. Instead, she stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Don't be like that, baby. My love. Just imagine how much better your life could be with me. I could tell my dad to increase your salary."

That was the last straw. Felix's jaw tightened, and his voice was low and icy as he said, "Meiling, don't ever talk to me like that again. I don't need your pity, your money, or your attention. Stay out of my way."

He brushed past her and continued his work, leaving Meiling standing there, stunned and fuming.

Meanwhile, at home, Lisa couldn't stop thinking about Felix. She had tried to suppress her feelings, but they only grew stronger. The more she learned about him and his struggles, the more she admired his strength and determination.

But she also worried about him. He carried so much on his shoulders, and his refusal to accept help made her heart ache.

As Lisa prepared for bed that night, she whispered to herself, "I just wish he'd let someone in."

Little did she know, Felix's world was growing even more complicated, and her wish might come true in ways she never expected.