When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion stepped out of the elevator, catching the sight of her slamming the door shut behind her.

He rubbed his temples. It had been a while since he indulged in booze, and his head was spinning slightly.

Back in his apartment next door, Thaddeus was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as Orion entered, "You're back. How did it go?" "What do you mean, 'how did it go'?"

"Don't play dumb with me. You mentioned having a girlfriend during dinner, and Sweet Lemon didn't take it too well. Don't tell me you didn't notice."

Pouring himself a glass of water, Orion leaned against the counter, swirling the liquid slowly, "Once she starts college, she'll forget all about today."

Seeing the world would help her grow. All he could do was watch her go.

Thaddeus gave Orion a look, "Hopefully."

But he sensed something about Orion's demeanor seemed off.

Orion cared about Lemira more than he let on. Perhaps even Orion himself hadn't realized that his feelings had started to change.

---

days that followed, Lemira felt

a bit. But he was already involved with someone

online crush from the past life wasn't Orion. Even though

past life's secret online crush, who would appear in the game in less than half a

right on time to play, for that

name. During her live streams in the evening, Lemira noticed her fans asking about the

they'll probably be knocked

can be summoned and dismissed at will!] Glancing at the time, Lemira realized the finals were tomorrow. She hadn't planned

like Lucian

watching her live

in this

announcement, she noticed Alaric had left the stream. Hopefully, Alaric would come to

stream, his

only at that moment

for the competition. He had always held onto some hope, believing

playoff, Lemira had returned to

a tantrum and would eventually show up for the finals. But he was wrong this time. Alaric, half amused and half despairing, turned to Lucian, "Lucian, what

you either." "But I've always talked to Lemira like that, ever since we were kids,