After Milanda left, Sylvia and Eugene walked side by side toward the parking lot. The early morning air still carried a chill. Eugene glanced at Sylvia's light jacket, shrugged off his own coat, and offered it to her.

“Keep it for yourself,” Sylvia said, raising a hand to gently refuse. “You need it more than I do right now."

“Don't underestimate me. This little injury is nothing," Eugene insisted, his pride stung. He wasn't some bodybuilder, but he stood nearly six feet tall and kept himself in shape. He was far from the frail type he sometimes appeared to be.

"I'm not cold," Sylvia replied, her voice soft but firm. “Anyway, thank you for everything tonight.”

As she spoke, the night breeze caught Sylvia's hair, sending it fluttering around her face. Her eyes sparkled in the lamplight, lips tinted like fresh berries. Even the golden glow from the streetlights couldn't compete with her radiance.

Eugene's heart pounded so loud he thought she might hear it. He forced a steady, casual smile. “Are you sure you want to thank me?"

"Of course," Sylvia nodded.

"In that case, could I ask you for a favor?" Eugene's lips curled into a playful grin.

"Sure, go ahead."

at home looking like this, my mom's going to interrogate me all night. Would you mind letting me crash at your place

could drop you off at

dramatically. He hesitated, then suddenly swayed on his feet as if dizzy, nearly stumbling.

got this sharp pain in my head, and now I feel a

hurt before?” Sylvia stepped closer,


was

Let's get you checked out, just

doctors are asleep by now,” Eugene protested, shaking his head. “Honestly, I'm

like this,

I'll be back here in the

“Thank you!

get you in the car," Sylvia

pleased his plan had worked, kept his expression carefully pained, holding his head

were mostly empty. Sylvia drove steadily, her voice calm. "If you

"Don't worry,

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