Anna Hawthorne's eyes lit up in apparent surprise and delight."Ethan, what brings you here?" she asked sweetly, then looked down at his hands. "Did you bring me something delicious today?"
Ethan James instinctively hid his hands behind his back, a flicker of unease flashing across his face.There was still a hospital bandage on his wrist from the IV earlier. He couldn't let Anna see it—she'd worry.
Anna's eyes glimmered with feigned curiosity before she blinked innocently and smiled again.
Ethan smiled softly, his tone gentle but weak. "I haven't had time to buy anything yet. Daniel said you were looking for me, so I came straight over. What's the matter?"
His voice sounded weaker than usual—anyone could tell he wasn't well.But Anna acted as if she hadn't noticed a thing.
With a bright, almost childlike grin, she said, "Oh, it's nothing important. I just wanted to ask what events you signed up for in the school sports meet."
For a second, Ethan's expression cracked.So that's why she called him here? He'd hurried over thinking it was something serious.Daniel had said it was urgent.
He took a deep breath, forcing his irritation down and answering with practiced calm."Same as last year—high jump, long jump, and shot put."
Anna nodded with a sugary smile. "Got it! Then, Ethan, you should hurry back before class starts!"
Ethan froze, his movements faltering.He looked at her again, his heart faintly tight. There was still a hint of hope in his voice as he asked, "Nothing else you want to say to me?"
Anna tilted her head in thought."Well… you have to do your best! I'll be cheering for you!"
Ethan's smile stiffened. Disappointment rippled through him before he masked it with another polite grin.He said goodbye and turned to leave.
After taking two steps, he couldn't resist glancing back.But all he could see was Anna's graceful back as she turned away, laughing and chatting with her friends again.
A quiet, complex feeling stirred in his chest.
So this was how Autumn James must have felt before…Whenever Autumn used to come looking for him and Anna, they'd react the same way—impatient, dismissive.She'd leave, and if she turned back, she would have seen only their backs.
A hollow ache welled up in Ethan's chest.He tried to ignore it and walked back to class.
Since transferring to her new class, Autumn James had felt like the entire world was finally in sync with her.Everything was going smoothly—almost miraculously so.
She didn't even feel sleepy during lectures anymore.While everyone else grew drowsy listening to the teacher, she grew more and more alert—eyes shining, gaze fixed on the board as if she could absorb every word.
White Miller, who was writing equations on the board, turned around and caught her focused stare.He nodded approvingly. Yes, this is exactly the kind of student I want.
He could already imagine her surprising everyone in the next monthly exam.Once he played this hidden ace, the other teachers' jaws would drop.
Feeling smug, he wrote even faster.
Autumn had no idea what White Miller was thinking—and even if she did, she wouldn't care.It's just a monthly exam, she thought. Piece of cake.
The bell rang, marking the start of the long recess—thirty-five minutes of freedom.It was also the time when the cafeteria was at its busiest.
"Autumn, want to go to the cafeteria together? I'm starving," Summer Lin groaned beside her, clutching her stomach.
Autumn, who had been resting her head on her desk, stood up. "Sure, let's go."
She wanted to check out the cafeteria anyway.
In her previous life, she had gone there too—but only to buy food for them.A whole group of older classmates sitting around waiting for her to bring their snacks.
Thinking back, it was ridiculous.A bunch of people who grow fat only in the head, not the brain.
Summer, oblivious to Autumn's shifting expression, happily looped her arm through hers as they walked downstairs.
When they reached the first floor, they passed an open area where a group of students were playing badminton.The scene was lively—teenagers laughing and running under the sunlight.
Among them was a tall boy, his build lean and athletic.Even from afar, his face was striking, and his carefree energy was impossible to ignore.
He smirked as he sent another fierce smash over the net, forcing his opponent to run after the shuttle again and again.Yet he laughed every time, his eyes crinkling with mischief.
Several students passing by couldn't help but stop and watch.
Summer's eyes lit up with surprise.She had seen plenty of handsome guys before, but this one was a rare type—cocky yet charming."How come I've never seen him around before?" she whispered excitedly.
Tugging on Autumn's sleeve, she said, "Autumn, look! That guy's so mean—he keeps smashing! His opponent can't even hit back."
Her tone, however, carried more amusement than annoyance.
"Mhm."
"But he's pretty good-looking, isn't he? Do you know what class he's from?"
Autumn glanced over calmly. "Second year, Humanities Class A."
The boy was Liam Carter.He was smiling as he sent a gentle high shot this time, letting the other player catch it easily.From a distance, he looked harmless—just another spoiled rich kid enjoying school life.
But Autumn knew better.Behind that polished exterior was a manipulative streak.
In her past life, Liam had always been frail and coddled by his family, which made her instinctively protective.She had even partnered with him for competitions, helping him every step of the way.
And yet, he had betrayed her.
The research report she had painstakingly prepared—he had stolen it and given it to Anna Hawthorne.
When she presented her project to the advisor, he told her that Anna had already submitted the same topic.She had no choice but to start over, working day and night for three days to recreate it.
Of course, it couldn't compare.Anna's version won first prize.
Anna's name was all over the school website that week.Even during university recruitment, her "award-winning project" became a key highlight.
Autumn had unknowingly helped her rival shine.
Later, she found out the truth—from Liam himself.
She had asked him, Didn't you want to win?He'd shrugged and said, "Whether I win or not doesn't matter. Anna said she really liked that certificate—she wanted one."
At the time, Autumn had desperately needed that award to apply for a scholarship after falling out with her father.But for Anna's one casual whim, Liam had handed it away.
One's honey is another's poison.
He truly was the epitome of spoiled arrogance.
A cold smirk tugged at Autumn's lips.
And just then, Liam Carter looked up—and his eyes met hers.