"Why do these irritating things keep happening? I only wanted to spend time with Elena, to make her fall in love with me again… If possible, without ever revealing my true identity."
"Thank you, Albert," Alice said, clutching a small bouquet of white roses.
Arvard took them gently, replying, "No problem. Really."
He had already sensed Alissa and the others approaching and wanted to wrap things up quickly.
He held the seven white roses in his left hand.
"And about that thing, Albert…" Alice began, but her eyes suddenly widened, staring past him. Her pupils dilated, alarmed. Arvard instinctively read her expression and, a second later, sensed the incoming presence behind him.
From the other side, Mai predicted the moment would escalate. If the human boy landed a punch, Albert might retaliate—and with his power, a single blow could be fatal.
The punch was only inches away from Arvard's head.
But in a blur, Arvard dodged. With swift precision, he grabbed the attacker by the neck from behind.
"Who the hell do you think you're swinging at, you cockless mother—" he growled, then paused, recognizing the boy.
Mike.
He took a breath, trying to calm himself.
Meanwhile, Mai dashed toward them. "Wait!" she shouted.
But Arvard didn't release Mike. The boy struggled, squirming under his grip.
"Alice, say something," Arvard said, his voice sharp. "He's misunderstood the situation."
Alice stepped forward. "Let him go, Albert. Let's talk this through."
"Oh, I am calm, Mai. Good morning, by the way." Arvard smiled, cool as ever.
Mai thought, This guy really does stay calm in every storm…
"Mike, you've got it all wrong," Alice added. "Albert didn't do anything to me."
"I don't believe you!" Mike's voice trembled, his eyes brimming with tears. "Guys like him just play with girls' feelings. They don't understand real emotion. If he didn't do anything, why were you proposing to him just now?"
"Oh God," Alice groaned. "I wasn't proposing! I was just thanking him!"
"You sure run fast, Mai," said Karen as she and Alissa caught up.
"What do you mean, 'thanking' someone like him?" Mike spat. "Why would you thank him"
The word triggered Arvard. His grip tightened.
"Aagh—what… what are you doing?!" Mike gasped.
"It's been a long time since anyone dared talk to me like that," Arvard said, eyes narrowing.
Then, just as suddenly, he let go. Mike stumbled back, coughing.
Alice stepped forward and grabbed Arvard's hand. "You remember what I said the other night? About the issue we were worried about—it's resolved. Everything's going to be okay now."
"That thing?" Mike asked, wiping his face.
Alice smiled. "Yes. He got us permission."
Mike's tone shifted instantly. "Thank you, Arvard. Really."
Arvard began walking toward the school.
"I think it's time you three should also get going," he said. "Aren't we running late?"
Karen was the first to run to his side, followed quickly by Mai and Alissa.
When Karen caught up, she asked, "What was that about?"
"You probably know everything up to the corridor," Arvard replied. "After that, we came to a mutual understanding. I guess you could call it a contract."
"A contract?" Karen tilted her head. "What kind of contract?"
Arvard chuckled. "A confidential one. Alice asked for it."
"What about those flowers?" Alissa asked, gathering her courage.
He stopped, looking down at the white roses.
"The first time I arrived at this campus, these flowers caught my eye. In our contract, I requested two things: First, that she never tries to recruit me into the student council. Second…" He paused, lifting the bouquet. "…these roses."
He split them gently, handing three to Karen, three to Mai, and the last one to Alissa.
"You can have them."
"But why give them to us?" Mai asked, cheeks flushed.
"I… don't really know myself," Arvard said, laughing nervously.
Everyone's eyes turned to Alissa.
She stood frozen, eyes wide, her hands trembling. A single tear slipped down her cheek.
In her mind, the dream came rushing back—only this time, the man's hidden face was visible. It was him. Albert.
"He's the one… He's my destined one."
Her smile—gentle, tearful, full of something deeper—stopped Arvard in his tracks. It melted something within him.
For the first time in centuries, he felt a desire stronger than his curse: the wish to hold her close.
Karen broke the silence. "Don't you think we're already late for class?"
Mai checked her watch. "Crap—we're already five minutes into first period!"
"What now?" Arvard asked.
"We can still go in, but…" Mai hesitated. Her mind seemed elsewhere.
Arvard turned to her. "What's wrong? Do you want to go somewhere else?"