Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 866: A Sudden Kiss

The entire basketball court was abuzz, with Orion completely dominating the game. Aveline watched as his agile figure leapt into the air, sweat glistening, and in the next moment, the ball swished cleanly into the hoop.

Each time he scored, the crowd erupted in wild cheers. For Aveline, her eyes could only focus on the brightest person on the court.

The match was nearing its end, the outcome long decided. At this point, winning or losing no longer mattered; the throng of adoring fans was already more than satisfied.

As Aveline watched him leave the court, drenched in sweat, she noticed he had no intention of acknowledging her. Her fingers clenched tightly at the hem of her dress. She had transferred schools to avoid Orion in the first place, but seeing him act as if he didn't recognize her left an uncomfortable knot in her chest.

Her hand instinctively reached for the small jade pendant near her heart-a gift from Orion when they were children. Back then, she hadn't understood its significance. Only later did she learn that her parents had arranged a childhood engagement for them before she was even born.

Aveline wasn't sure if she would eventually marry him. Right now, all she wanted was to focus on her studies.

"Aveline, Orion's leaving! Go! Don't forget to tell him I'll be waiting for him after school," Liora urged.

"I don't want to," Aveline replied, her voice hesitant. Ever since learning that Liora had feelings for Orion, Aveline had decided against delivering the love letter.

"Aveline, how can you do this? We're best friends! You promised me!" Liora's face darkened.

"I... I'm just not feeling well all of a sudden."

"Fine, Aveline! Just hand him the letter, and I'll take you to the infirmary afterward, okay?"

"...Alright." Aveline had no choice but to take the letter and stand up.

"Good luck, Aveline!"

She quickened her pace, though each step filled her with unease. It had been a month since the school term started, and in all that time, she hadn't seen him.

Back in elementary school, even if they couldn't meet during the week, Orion always made time to see her on weekends. Now that she was in middle school, their schedules were just as packed, with both attending evening self-study sessions. If he wanted to see her, he could have.

home, she would glance at his window. Most of the time, his lights were on. Occasionally, she could even see his silhouette by the window. When their eyes met, Aveline would quickly avert her gaze and hurry

them, and now, the first words she would

she passed Dorian, he called out to her,

and brushed

unsteady. Perhaps this moment could break the cold

by his teammates and a

basketball; you could totally go pro! Will you teach me how to play? The girls' basketball tournament is coming up in a month," Celestia

younger days

to lose control and get hit in the face," he had said

I can't make a single shot," Aveline had complained, staring up

You'll get

hoop appeared on the court,

score. Frustration got the better of her, and she

handed it back. "Hold on to

next

said,

moment, he lifted her into the air, holding her high enough to make

did it!" she exclaimed, her eyes

job," he had said,

reminded her that basketball wasn't something you

Aveline's chest tightened at the thought of him teaching someone else with the same gentleness. It felt as if a piece

Her voice was barely audible, but he heard her instantly and

her distraction, Aveline misstepped

dramatically. Before anyone could react, he sprinted up the steps and caught her in

that had held her countless times since childhood, warm and comforting like a safe

cheers, and