When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira glanced up to see her teacher, and following that gaze, she saw Lucian standing outside the classroom. Lips pressed into a thin line, she finally stepped out.

Her expression was blank, "If you're here to ask me to take notes for Evelina, you might as well not bother."

She didn't need to guess why Lucian was at school; it's obviously to excuse Evelina's absence.

Lucian had a habit of asking her to take notes for Evelina and even bring her homework home every day. Lucian felt a tightness in his chest, "Lemmy, is that really what you think of me?"

Lemira's patience was wearing thin, "Are you done?"

"Lemmy, I remember back in elementary school, you were a top student. Then your grades started fluctuating, even getting worse. Were you doing that on purpose to match Evelina, or even score lower than her?" Lemira halted, surprised he knew. Her eyes revealed doubt, puzzled by Lucian's intentions.

Seeing her expression, Lucian knew his suspicions were true, and it saddened him. He wondered why he hadn't noticed Lemira's changes before, that she was actually kind to Evelina.

But they had grown accustomed to favoring Evelina, and over time, they took Lemira's need for their care for granted.

Lemira was getting impatient, "Why are you asking all this? Isn't it pointless?"

"Lemon, just answer yes or no."

"What's the point?"

a step back, putting distance between them. Her expression was defiant, "Lucian, if you really want to apologize or make amends, then don't bother me before my exams!" Lucian managed a bitter smile, stung by the wariness in her eyes. He realized how little trust

with difficulty, "Okay,

her gaze,

you don't need to thank

was hoarse as he cautiously asked, "Where are you

him warily, wondering

get me wrong. You've never lived away from home before, and I'm just

was now so distant. It struck him how late

responded coolly, "I'm

she had slept on the streets been harassed by beggars, and even rummaged through trash cans. She had endured all kinds

Asher about this, and you know how Asher is. It could affect your exam

trouble. If you're

willing to

back, I won't interfere with your activities, including weekends. What do you

Lemira fell silent.

class. If you don't want