When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion couldn't face her without feeling the urge to bolt.

He was unable to give any response, scared even. His throat felt stuck, and it took him a while before he could mutter, "You're too young, you wouldn't understand."

"Orion, are you afraid of me getting close? Worried I might fall for you?"

She had almost believed he harbored some affection for her, but was taken aback and saddened to hear he was seeing someone else.

Orion's gaze was profound, "Don't throw around the words 'fall for' carelessly. You're still young, it's not good for you to hit the bars."

Listening his lecture, Lemira realized he had deftly changed the subject. Her curiosity was piqued, "Orion, there's something I've always wondered: why are you always so nice to me?"

Orion couldn't answer; he couldn't even meet her gaze. He was afraid that looking into her eyes would give him away.

Looking up, Lemira asked defiantly yet cautiously, "You've always been so nice to me, don't you like me even a little bit?"

"If you don't like me, why be so kind?" She thought, "So, Orion, do you like me as well?"

In that moment, Lemira felt she had mustered all her courage, able to voice her feelings only in the dim light.

She felt almost insane.

her, was directly confronted with her straightforward question. Her

out of guilt than affection. He dared not tell her the real reason. He didn't even have the courage

softened Orion's heart in an indescribable way, yet he could only say against his will, "Lemira, helping you was just convenient, couldn't stand seeing your brothers' favoritism." Lemira's eyes instantly

were calm, even somewhat tender. But he firmly

moment, Lemira felt

go

She hastily

her head, "I-It

I need

hurried away from the crowd, a picture of

his gaze turning somber, as if years of weariness were hidden beneath. Only when Lemira entered the restroom

swnovel

for a cigarette

cigarette, white smoke

handing one over,