Chapter 155
A few students gathered at a distance. When they saw Madeline walk into the film set, whispers quickly spread through the crowd.
“Isn’t she the Freshman campus belle? What’s she doing on set?”
“Could she be acting?”
“Maybe just a background actor.
“No way! I checked the cast list, and Madeline’s the second female lead!”
“What? She joined the entertainment industry?”
Everyone was shocked. Unaware of the growing chatter, Madeline greeted the crew warmly.
Meanwhile, Yohannes was aloof and distant, visibly in a low mood Jasper whispered something to him, but Yohannes responded with clear Impatience.
Madeline went straight to the dressing room. By the time she emerged, Yohannes was already gone.
After completing her morning scenes, Madeline stomped her feet against the cold, shivering slightly. The weather was particularly frigid.
Malcolm waved. “Maddie, good work. Go get some rest. It’s freezing today
Madeline responded with a hum and rubbed her hands together, waring her cheeks before heading into the lounge
“Maddie, you’re just in time.” Jasper was in the lounge, frowning. He was relieved to see Madeline
“What’s wrong?” Madeline asked.
Jasper sighed. “The concert is coming up, and Yohannes has been exhausted. His mood’s been off, and now, he’s wandered off somewhere. I can’t reach him. Could you try contacting him!”
Madeline paused, her gaze deepening with concern. November marked the anniversary of Yohannes‘ parents death. It seemed that the weight of the month was bearing down on him again.
Concerned, Madeline tried calling Yohannes, but his phone was turned off
In the library basement, Yohannes sat alone in a room filled with scattered books and lists. Leaning against a bookshelf, his body curled slightly as he flipped through a book.
Yohannes fingers grazed the pages–it was the fairy tale his father had once promised to teach him. However, the promise was never kept, and the book had long been lost
When Madeline found Yohannes, he lifted his gaze. His eyes, rimmed with faint red, shimmered with unslsed tears. At that moment, his striking features looked fragile beneath the faint glimmer of sorrow
words, his voice hardened in a facade of strength. “How did you
Yohannes quickly averted his gaze, his throat moving as if forcing out his next w
Madeline stepped into the room, her foot catching on a book, but she regained her balance and quietly closed the door behind her. The space was
With two cups of hot drinks in hand, Madeline weaved through the stacks of books and finally sat beside Yohannes quietly. “Here.”
Yohannes took the drink “I just needed a place to rest. You still haven’t told me how you found me.”
Madeline smiled, reaching up to ruffle Yohannes‘ well–styled hair. “I asked around. You stand out too much. Almost everyone who’s seen you remembers you. It wasn’t hard to track. you down”
After she had taken a sip of her drink, Madeline added. “The librarian said the book you were looking for is only in the storage room, so I came to fuel your
Yohannes slowly fearrel toward Madeline, resting his head on her shoulder. His voice, when it came, was hoarse. You won’t always come looking
Caught off guard. Madeline was unsure of how to respond. Meanwhile, Yohannes closed his eyes, his long lashes trembling slightly: Madeline thes
12.13 PM C
Chapter 153
The room was cold, and down there on the isolated basement level, it felt l history records, that floor held only an old storage room.
it felt like they were the only
ly two people in the world. Aside from the school’s
At that moment, it was so quiet that their breathing was the only sound left.
“If you need me, you can always reach out to me, Yohannes. I’ll keep you company.” Madeline said.
Yohannes said nothing. Madeline was the first person to protect him–to stay by his side. He feared that if they became too close, he would become dependent on her and unable to leave her.
Deep down, Yohannes finally admitted to himself that he couldn’t forget his regrets. “Maddie… I once… He had once watched her and Benjamin live their lives from a distance.
“What?” Madeline blinked in confusion. “Once what?”
“It’s nothing.” Yohannes squeezed Madeline’s hand, pressing it into his palm. Her hand was soft, and his fingers slowly entwined with hers. “Will you
be mad at me“”
Madeline looked at her hand and gently squeezed back. “Of course not. I could never be angry with you.”
Yohannes smiled bitterly. “But I crossed the line?
“Don’t overthink. Yohannes. It’ll be fine, Madeline reassured him gently. “How about after filming tonight, I treat you to supper?”
Madeline’s voice was soft, almost coaxing, as she spoke to Yohannes, just like when they were younger, seeking comfort from each other. “You’re not 100 familiar with Acocester, are you? Haven’t explored it, huh?”
Yohannes leaned lazily against Madeline’s arm, his check slightly pressed, and though his eyes were strikingly beautiful, they lacked their usual spark. He envied Gavin for bringing joy to Madeline.
All Yohannes seemed to do was stifle Madeline. He could not even empathize with her. “Maddie, I think I’ve forgotten what love feels like.”
He turned to gently cup Madeline’s face, his eyes filled with sincerity and a touch of vulnerability. “But I can learn,” he said softly. “Will you teach
His gaze was moist, a blush spreading across the corners of his eyes. Tll be a good student.” His breaths were shallow, like a devout believer gazing up at the object of his affection.
As Yohannes confessed his love, he held his breath and focused on Madeline for fear of missing any subtle expressions on her face. “Yohannes” Madeline pinched Yohannes check with a teasing smile. This isn’t the time to talk about love. I think… we should grab lunch first.” She then took Yohannes hand and placed it on her growling stomach. Tve been starving for a while now?”
Yohannes‘ face fell, disappointment washing over him. “You don’t want to!”
Hesitant, Madeline bit her lip. “It’s not that… but how am I supposed to teach you? Love’s too vague, and I’m not sure I even understand it myself…. You know my family situation is similar to yours.”
Madeline wasn’t joking. Both she and Yohannes were like two lost souls, neither knowing much about love. Yohannes lowered his head. gently holding her hand I will love you.”
Meanwhile, back on set, Jasper grew frustrated as he held his phone. He could not contact Yohannes. “Yohannes went missing first, and now. Maddie’s disappeared, too. Jeez–what’s going on!”
As Jasper muttered to himself, someone approached him. He looked up to see a young man standing before him.
Lucas cleared his throat. “Hello. I’m Lucas Larson, the fourth male lead. I just joined the set, and I was wondering… Have you seen Madeline
around”
