Lemira was still trying to wrap her head around the situation when Thaddeus’ scream pierced through the air.
“Holy smokes, Sweet Lemon, your score got shielded. Damn, let me congratulate you in advance!”
Lemira was a tad bit dazed, her gaze inadvertently falling on Orion next to her, “Does that mean I did pretty well?” “Pretty well? You nailed it!”
Thaddeus immediately snapped a photo, ready to post on Facebook: “Met this awesome girl whose test scores got shielded. Let’s all take a break from whatever we’re doing and congratulate this hardworking young lady.” Orion’s lips curved into a slight smile, “Congratulations.” His expression was calm, as if Lemira’s performance today was no surprise to him.
Only after hearing his praise did Lemira allow herself a radiant smile. She finally understood what her shielded scores signified.
She had truly made it. Getting into Orvin University was now a sure thing!
Lemira stood up, joining Thaddeus in his excitement, then turned and hugged Orion, her cheeks flushing, “I did it!”
Orion’s body stiffened slightly, his gaze soft, “Indeed.”
Lemira quickly looked down, then acted as if nothing had happened and let go of him, turning to find Thaddeus.
She hoped her actions hadn’t attracted Orion’s attention. For her, that brief embrace was more than enough.
At her lowest and most desperate moment, he had been there, like a beacon in a stormy night.
Orion watched her and Thaddeus goofing around, a content smile on his face. It felt peculiar, as if a sapling he had tenderly nurtured had finally grown. Soon after, Lemira received a call from her teacher, “Lemira, we’ve got wind of your score, congratulations, you’re the top scorer in the city!” “Top scorer, really?”
“Absolutely. The scores haven’t been made
the ove but we could still see
them Your progress has astonished
fus.
Lemira, phone in hand, smiled. Looking up, she saw Orion approaching with a cake. This
moment, she felt, was the happiest
since she had started anewne
“Lemira, come to school tomorrow. We need to discuss your major, and the school would like to feature you in a promotional poster.” “Sure.”
Lemira hung up, her gaze falling on the cake, which bore the words “Top Scorer”. She smiled, “When did you guys plan this?” “Had it delivered first thing in the morning.”
Orion placed the cake in front of Lemira and picked up a cap to put on her head. They were very close to each other.
Standing obediently before him,
fet
Lemira suddenly realized how tall Orion was. From her vantage point, she could only see the buttons on his shirt.
His fingers brushed her hair, and he swallowed hard. Orion stepped back, slightly flustered, “There.”
Thaddeus lit the candle in the middle for her, “Make a wish and blow out the candle.”
Facing the cake in front, Lemira closed her eyes, and surprisingly, the person who came to mind was Orion.
She made an impossible wish, secretly opening her eyes to blow out the candle.
Orion’s voice was deep, “Congratulations on starting your new life.”
Thaddeus, ever the gossip, asked, “Spill it, Sweet Lemon, what did you wish for?”
Feeling guilty, Lemira coughed, “If I tell, it won’t come true.”
She couldn’t even dare to glance at Orion. Because she feared that just one look would give her away.
Thaddeus spoke up, “Sweet Lemon, whatever your wish is, just say it, and I’ll make it come true!”