At that moment, the door swung open and Astrella stepped in, her eyes catching the scene. Reaghan, realizing his slip-up, quickly clamped his hand over his mouth and dashed back to his room, slamming the door behind him.
Caught off guard, Raiden quickly peeled the hands from his waist, a faint blush creeping onto his usually composed face.
Astrella, as if she hadn't seen a thing, smiled gently, the curve of her lips betraying nothing but calm.
Not long ago, her parents had visited and they had given their blessing for her to become a test pilot. There was no longer any need for her to return to Maplewood. Besides, with closed training starting soon, she wouldn't be able to join him on the business trip.
Seeing her reaction, Raiden swallowed nervously, his voice barely a whisper. "Astrella..."
Astrella cut him off, her voice calm and distant. “Since you’ve already made the arrangements, pack up and get ready to leave. I won’t be going. It’s just as well Mr. Emerson passed away and his family’s gone. I’ll see him off.”
With that, she closed the door, her figure disappearing behind it.
Perhaps it was her indifference that caused Raiden to refrain from seeking her out that evening.
The next night, after returning from wearing mourning black, Astrella found a note waiting for her on the table. [We went to the department store to buy some things. We’ll be back later.]
It was the first time Raiden had ever left her a note. The first time, he’d made the effort to inform her of his whereabouts.
After reading the note, Astrella placed it back on the table, took a hot shower, changed into fresh clothes and grabbed her backpack before heading out.
Despite it being a holiday, the library buzzed with students. Once she found an empty seat, she dove right into her work.
Two hours later, her pager beeped.
Raiden was asking her where she was.
“Library.”
“I didn’t know you were so passionate about studying.”
Not wanting to disturb the quiet, Astrella decided to borrow a few books to read at home. As she reached the library’s entrance, she spotted Raiden waiting for her.
“It’s late and it’s not safe. I’ll come pick you up from now on.”
Astrella opened her mouth to refuse but hesitated. After all, she’d only be coming here for a few more days.
Before she could speak, a shadow fell behind Raiden.
“Astrella, my dear sister, why the sudden dedication? I remember you only graduated from high school. Are you planning to apply to our university?”
Raiden frowned slightly. “Are you planning to go to university?”
Why hadn’t she asked him for tutoring? Why insist on doing it all herself?
He sighed inwardly. Astrella had always been this way, independent to a fault.
Astrella’s lips curled into a faint smile, but she said nothing.
It was true she had only graduated from high school, but her academic performance had always been stellar. After passing the rigorous aviation recruitment exam, she went straight into the Flight Academy.
Had Raiden forgotten? Or had he simply never cared?
Brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, Astrella slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked ahead.
Behind her, the shadows of Raiden and Norella merged on the pavement, stretching long and indistinct. The two slowed their pace until their shadows overlapped completely. A slender arm slipped through Raiden’s and Norella leaned in, pressing a kiss shyly to his cheek.
Raiden’s breath hitched, his pulse quickening at the touch.
When Astrella reached home, she turned abruptly, only to catch sight of Raiden’s flushed face. His ears and neck had turned a deep shade of red and a flicker of discomfort crossed his features.
Reaghan was sprawled on the couch, munching on a burger and fries, the TV blaring in the background. He barely glanced up as Astrella entered before grabbing a can of iced cola and drinking it down without a care.
Raiden walked past them without a word, calling his son into the bathroom as he did.
Left alone in the living room, Astrella and Norella stood in silence.
Norella slipped off her coat, revealing a new dress beneath, her gaze sharp and mocking.
“This,” she said with a smile, “was bought for me by Raiden. He said I looked great in it. Tell me, has he ever bought you anything like this?”
