When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira was still trying to wrap her head around the situation when Thaddeus' scream pierced through the air.

"Holy smokes, Sweet Lemon, your score got shielded. Damn, let me congratulate you in advance!"

Lemira was a tad bit dazed, her gaze inadvertently falling on Orion next to her, "Does that mean I did pretty well?" "Pretty well? You nailed it!"

Thaddeus immediately snapped a photo, ready to post on Facebook: "Met this awesome girl whose test scores got shielded. Let's all take a break from whatever we're doing and congratulate this hardworking young lady." Orion's lips curved into a slight smile, "Congratulations." His expression was calm, as if Lemira's performance today was no surprise to him.

Only after hearing his praise did Lemira allow herself a radiant smile. She finally understood what her shielded scores signified.

She had truly made it. Getting into Orvin University was now a sure thing!

Lemira stood up, joining Thaddeus in his excitement, then turned and hugged Orion, her cheeks flushing, "I did it!"

Orion's body stiffened slightly, his gaze soft, "Indeed."

Lemira quickly looked down, then acted as if nothing had happened and let go of him, turning to find Thaddeus.

She hoped her actions hadn't attracted Orion's attention. For her, that brief embrace was more than enough.

lowest and most desperate moment, he had been there, like a beacon in a

felt peculiar, as if a sapling he had tenderly nurtured had finally grown. Soon after, Lemira received a call from her teacher, "Lemira, we've got wind of your score, congratulations, you're the top scorer

scores haven't been

we could still

Your progress

fus.

up, she saw

felt,

had

We need to discuss your major, and

which bore the words "Top Scorer". She smiled, "When did you guys

the cake in front of Lemira and picked up a cap to put on her head.

Standing obediently before him,

fet

From her vantage point, she could only see the buttons on his

he swallowed hard. Orion stepped back, slightly