[Music Recommendation: "A Sweet Smile" by Yu-Peng Chen (Genshin Impact OST) - available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

"Senara, my dear. Would you mind if I borrow you for a moment?"

"Oh, Mrs. Ma. Sure, how can I help?"

"I need you to meet a few people. Come with me."

I glanced over Hora and she urged me to go.

"It's okay. I'll stay here. I have my phone so I'll just read some novels or comics."

"Thank you so much, dearie. I'm so sorry for leaving you alone. Don't worry, we won't take too long. I'll send one of the boys over to accompany you."

"It's alright, Mrs. Ma. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Alright. We'll be right back."

And with that, Mrs. Ma dragged me along. I signalled Hora to call me if anything happened to which she nodded. She always had that carefree smile as if nothing would go wrong—always happy and bright. But sometimes, I couldn't help but worry for her because… most often than not, those who were always smiling were actually the ones who were more hurt, right? They're just really good at hiding their emotions.

______________________________

[PS. This part is a mini Hora POV after Senara left with Mrs. Ma]

With nothing much to do, and tired of feeding the fish or else they might die from overfeeding, I decided to catch up on the latest chapters of the manga I was reading. I swiped my phone here and there, opening my browser that had tons of web pages opened—one page per comic that I was reading.

First on my list was "From Me to You" or also known as "Kimi ni Todoke" by Karuho Shiina. There was an update this morning and I had been wanting to read it so bad but it just so happened that today was Verrill's birthday. It's fine though. At least I got time to read it now.

"Hmm-hmm-hmm," I hummed while I read the manga.

It was starting to get romantic between the female lead and male lead so of course, I couldn't help but smile. If I wasn't in a public place, I'd be squealing so hard right now! But for now, I'd settle with internal screaming.

'KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! That scene was so cute! He's falling for her! Definitely! Omigosh. Go on ship, continue to sail peacefully.'

Reading that manga felt too fast. I wanted more. So I browsed the other manga I was waiting for updates, checking if there were new ones. Luckily, I found really good ones to read. There were hundreds of chapters though. Oh no. This would take really long since I read slow. Welp, that's fine. I got time.

Because of that, I didn't notice, half an hour had already passed.

"Hora?" someone disturbed me from my reading. And I was at a very crucial part!

I raised my hand and replied, "One moment—I just really need to know what will happen next." I didn't even check who it was.

'I'm so sorry whoever you are. It's critical that I know what happens next!'

"Oh my goodness! Whhhhyyy?" I wailed in the softest way possible.

In my broken-heartedness and dismay from what just happened in the manga I was reading, my shoulders dropped on their own and I put my phone down. I wanted to throw it away in my anger but I couldn't or else I wouldn't be able to contact Sena later.

'Huwaaaaayyyy? (Why?) Ugh. I want to cry.'

Just as I thought, my eyes began to wet itself. And most likely, my face, too, since I easily blush. I hit my face with my palm, trying to control my emotions.

"Ahh… Hora? Are you alright?"

'Omigosh! Right! Someone was calling me.'

I quickly turned my head towards the direction of the voice and it was none other than the birthday celebrant himself—Verrill. I blinked my eyes a couple of times when I saw him. Like what was he doing here?

"Oh, Verrill. Hi. What is it?"

"Mrs. Ma told me to keep you company since you're all alone here because she had to take Senara with her."

"Uuuhh, right. I'm fine, though. It's okay. Go enjoy yourself."

"Pft! Ha-ha-ha! I guess you are," he chuckled… cutely.

Well, I would admit he was very handsome. He could even pass as a celebrity. And it should be a foul if he smiles—that was basically cheating. Sena was right. He really was my type of guy but… Crystal liked him.

That's right. I knew it. I noticed it back when we had a barbecue party. The way she looked at him and laughed at his jokes even if they weren't that funny. Callan, on the other hand, liked Crystal.

What a love triangle, amirite? (am I right?) And the simple me, who hated complexities, didn't want to be entangled in that. I already had Sena to take care of and lots of ships to build. If I joined them, we would be a love square which sounded awful so better keep it as a love triangle.

"Haaaah," I sighed deeply. "What a tea…" I said in a murmur. How I hope Verrill wasn't so dense with Crystal's feelings. I mean, I'm totally fine with them falling in love with each other.

Sting…

'Shut up heart. Your opinion is NOT needed here.'

"You want some tea?" Verrill asked me politely.

"No. I was referring to the manga I was reading."

"Ah, I see. Do you mind if I sit beside you?"

"No, not at all," I answered him as cool and calm as I could be.

That's right. He already hugged me earlier without my consent. What's wrong with sitting together? There's nothing malicious about that at all.

Verrill did as he asked and sat beside me. He then stared at the fishes and breathed deeply as if copying what I just did.

"Hm? What's wrong? Tired for the night?"

"Hmmm… In truth, yes. Yes, I am. Haah… I've been standing and walking around since earlier. I'm not that fond of parties, you see."

My eyes lit up. What a perfect opportunity.

"Oh really? Me, too! Do you have a library I can stay at for the meantime?"

Verrill nodded. "Yes, there should be one near my room."

I grinned from ear to ear. Finally, a place to relax and squeal all I want while reading! I wouldn't mind if the party goes on forever.

"That's great! Where is it? Tell me how to get there."

"I can accompany you," he said, standing up and offering his hand.

I was about to say no but he just said that he was tired. So the merciful me decided to agree. Maybe he could use the library to unwind from all the noises.

"Alright. Let's go."

And so, I took his hand, and he led me where the library was.