- 2 weeks ago
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00:08For months I had a crush on Lucas Reed, the academy's combat team captain and a noble golden lion shifter.
00:17So I tried everything to lose weight just to get a little closer to him.
00:22One day in training class, I almost passed out from hunger. Lucas grabbed my arm, pushed me into a small
00:28corner.
00:32Can you stop starving yourself? If anyone makes another joke about your body, I'll shut them up.
00:38That was the day I thought Lucas might like me too.
00:42So after Lucas' combat team won another arena trial, I stepped onto the battlefield. Lucas stood among his teammates.
00:49His teammates lifted him up together, cheering for another victory.
00:54I stopped in front of him.
00:58Lucas, I like you.
01:00But Lucas could react. Chase Brooks shouted from beside him.
01:03Lily Taylor? Did you just say you like Lucas?
01:07For one second, the whole arena went silent. Then everyone burst out laughing.
01:10Damn, Lucas really is something.
01:13Even the fat rabbit has a crush on him.
01:15Lucas, is that why you keep rejecting girls? You were saving yourself for her?
01:20Lucas slowly stopped smiling and looked at me.
01:24You serious?
01:25Lucas?
01:25My face burned.
01:27I could not say another word.
01:29Then a loud crash cut through the silence.
01:31A fireball flew from Lucas' hand, brushing past my cheek and blowing a deep crater into the ground.
01:37The boys who had been laughing shut up.
01:41Lucas looked down at me.
01:43I just want to know one thing.
01:46What made you think you could confess to me?
01:48Did you think my standards were that low?
01:51Don't you think a fat rabbit like you is kind of gross?
01:55My whole body went stiff.
01:57The laughter around me grew louder.
01:59I could not take it anymore.
02:01I ran into the restroom and locked myself inside a stall.
02:06Suddenly, a bucket of cold water was poured down from above.
02:10Bella Hart's voice came from the other side of the door.
02:12Next time, look in a mirror before you embarrass Lucas.
02:17The girls laughed and walked away.
02:19I stood there without moving.
02:21I was only a fat rabbit shifter.
02:23Useless in combat.
02:25And I had been mocked for my body for years.
02:28Lucas was the first boy who had ever defended me.
02:30For a while, I thought my life could be different.
02:34But today, Lucas crushed that dream himself.
02:39The next morning, one of Lucas' friends came over to clear Lucas' things from the seat beside me.
02:44Lucas got called in to prepare for the inter-academy magic duels.
02:47He'll be out of class for a few days.
02:49He asked me to move his things to another seat.
02:51After saying that, he seemed to realize how cruel it sounded.
02:54He met my numb eyes and quickly added,
02:56Not because of you. Don't overthink it.
02:58I blinked hard.
03:00My eyes stung.
03:01I could not understand why being fat made them hate me this much.
03:04I only ate a little more than everyone else.
03:06Was that really so disgusting?
03:09Three days later, Lucas came back.
03:11He walked into the classroom with his arm around Bella Hart's waist.
03:15Bella's white fox tail curls around Lucas' waist like she is claiming him.
03:20She was slim, pretty, and confident.
03:22Bella was a white fox shifter and captain of the academy dance team.
03:27And I, a nobody people only remembered when they needed a joke.
03:31Blake could not help whistling.
03:33Damn, Lucas?
03:35Finally got yourself a girlfriend?
03:37So is it real or just for show?
03:42What do you mean?
03:44Do I look like the kind of girl who lets random guys put their hands on my waist?
03:48Lucas did not deny it.
03:49People started cheering and teasing at me.
03:53I lowered my head and went back to grinding herbs for potions class.
03:57At least no one cared about my confession anymore.
04:00No one had time to laugh at me.
04:02That was already good enough.
04:04After that, I buried myself in magic classes.
04:07On the next potions test, I beat Ethan Miller, the top student, for the first time.
04:11The moment class ended, Ethan set his books at the empty seat beside mine.
04:19Miss Carter said my potion reports are a mess.
04:23She told me to learn from you.
04:25Guess I'm taking the seat beside you now.
04:27Help me out?
04:28It took me a few seconds to realize I had a seatmate again.
04:31I was a little happy, so I quickly pulled out my potion notes.
04:36Here.
04:37This is what I use.
04:39Thanks.
04:41When I looked up by accident, I met Lucas' eyes across the room.
04:44He had been watching us for a while.
04:46A second later, he looked away first.
04:48I did not know my confession had disgusted him that much.
04:51So much so that he could not even stand to see me doing okay.
04:55The next morning, Ethan brought me two carrot cupcakes from the dining hall.
04:59I had just taken them when Lucas walked over with a low laugh.
05:05Didn't know you had such specific taste, man.
05:09What do you mean?
05:10Lucas dropped a stack of edited pictures on my table.
05:15For you.
05:17He looked down at Ethan like he was enjoying himself.
05:21You like this type, right?
05:22Want me to bring you more tomorrow?
05:26Who the hell said I liked fat rabbits?
05:32Oh.
05:34I saw you move seats.
05:36I thought you were into her.
05:37Was I wrong?
05:38Lucas' friends laughed at me.
05:40Once again, our corner of the potion's lab became the center of attention.
05:44Ethan cursed under his breath.
05:45Then he moved back to his old seat without another word.
05:47From beginning to end, neither of them looked at me.
05:50But every word was about me.
05:52My eyes fell on the pictures scattered across the table.
05:54The carrot cupcakes in my hands went cold.
05:57Before Lucas walked away, I opened my mouth.
05:59Why would you do this?
06:01Lucas stopped beside me.
06:03Instead of answering, he asked.
06:05What?
06:08Are you that desperate for attention?
06:11Every guy who sits beside you gets the full treatment?
06:14After that day, no one sat beside me again.
06:17One morning, I found my desk covered in graffiti.
06:20There were all kinds of trash stuffed into my desk.
06:23I kept my head down and walked to my locker.
06:25The moment I opened it, a stack of printed pictures slipped out and scattered across the floor.
06:30Students slowed down as they passed and started laughing.
06:33I crouched down and picked up the pictures one by one.
06:36After that, no one wanted to hang out with me anymore.
06:39They were afraid they would become the next target.
06:43During lunch, I sat alone under a tree and took big bites of my food.
06:47Tears kept falling into my lunchbox.
06:49Even then, I never thought about dieting again.
06:52The only time I had tried to lose weight was because I liked Lucas more than food.
06:56Now I did not like him anymore.
06:57That Friday, we had outdoor agility training.
07:00Fireballs and sharp stones began falling from the sky.
07:03Everyone moved at once.
07:04The cat shifters dodged the stones with graceful steps.
07:07The bear and rhino shifters opened thick shields.
07:10I tried to follow them, but I was not agile enough.
07:13My body was too heavy, and my magic was too weak to form a shield.
07:16Before I could dodge, a stone slammed into my shoulder.
07:19I lost my balance and fell hard onto the ground.
07:21My knee twisted out of place.
07:23When the bone slid back, the pain hit its peak.
07:25I lay there, unable to sit up.
07:28Then someone stopped beside me.
07:30I grabbed the edge of his pant leg without thinking.
07:32Ash and dust got into my mouth when I spoke.
07:35I can't stand. Can you help me?
07:37The person stopped.
07:38A few seconds later, he kicked my hand away.
07:41No.
07:42It was Lucas.
07:44A huge flame shield blazed around him.
07:47Bella stood safely inside it, tucked against his chest.
07:51Maybe if you lost weight, you wouldn't fall so hard.
07:54I was on the ground outside the shield.
07:56My arms were scratched.
07:59Lucas did not look at me.
08:00He kept the flame shield over Bella and walked past me.
08:03I can't help you.
08:06Fireballs and stones were still falling around me.
08:08I could only try to push myself up.
08:10Near the edge of the training field, I heard people talking.
08:14Should we help her?
08:15You like her?
08:16You go.
08:17Who the hell said I liked fat rabbits?
08:20It took me almost ten minutes to sit up.
08:21I still could not stand.
08:23So I hugged myself and curled up on the burned training ground.
08:25I forced myself to think about what Grandma might make for dinner.
08:28Otherwise, the pain in my body and the eyes behind me would break me.
08:31In the end, I got up by myself.
08:33The voices at the edge of the training field never stopped.
08:36I did not dare look back.
08:37I limped to the healing ward and called Grandma.
08:39After Grandma heard my knee had slipped out during agility training,
08:42she decided my weight was putting too much strain on my body.
08:45From that day on, she started controlling my meals and making me do strength training.
08:49If they try to knock you down again, hit back.
08:53I stayed home for two days before going back to the academy.
08:57That morning, Grandma only let me eat one oat egg sandwich.
09:00I felt miserable.
09:01But soon, Miss Carter walked into the classroom.
09:03Behind her stood a strange transfer student.
09:06Most of his face was hidden in shadow.
09:08Miss Carter looked around the room.
09:09Her eyes finally stopped at me.
09:11Sebastian Cole, sit beside Lily.
09:13After that, she hurried back to the office.
09:17Sebastian sat in the empty spot beside me.
09:19Neither of us seemed interested in talking.
09:21But Blake could never keep his voice down.
09:24He turned around and lifted his chin at Lucas.
09:27Lucas, look.
09:27This guy's weird.
09:29His whole face is covered.
09:31What?
09:32Is he disfigured?
09:34Bella sat beside Lucas and joined in.
09:37Probably.
09:38If he looked good, why would he hide his face?
09:42Ghost wolf and fat rabbit.
09:45New couple alert.
09:46Lucas did not react.
09:48He only spun his pen lazily and said nothing.
09:50For almost a month, Sebastian and I barely spoke.
09:53I did not want to talk.
09:54I was afraid the same thing that happened with Ethan would happen again.
09:58Then one afternoon after class, I noticed Sebastian lying across his desk.
10:02His shoulders trembled slightly.
10:04After hesitating for a moment, I walked over.
10:06Do you have a stomachache?
10:08After a long while, he gave a muffled sound.
10:10Yeah.
10:11He was clearly in a lot of pain.
10:14I'll take you to the healing ward.
10:15Luckily, he did not pull away when I touched him.
10:17He was tall, much taller than me.
10:19Most of his weight leaned against my shoulder.
10:21Good thing I was sturdy.
10:22Otherwise, I would not have been able to hold him up.
10:24The healer gave him medicine.
10:26Then she asked me to get him some water.
10:28I nodded quickly.
10:29I ran to get it.
10:31Then hurried back.
10:32By then, Sebastian was the only one left in the healing ward.
10:35He leaned back in the chair.
10:38You dislike me that much and still helped me?
10:41That's pretty kind of you, Lily.
10:42I don't dislike you.
10:44I thought you hated me, so I didn't talk to you.
10:48Why would I hate you?
10:50I pressed my lips together.
10:51I had gotten used to saying it by now.
10:54Because I'm fat.
10:55Sebastian gave a soft laugh.
10:57His eyes were beautiful.
10:58I suddenly felt he was probably not disfigured at all.
11:01After that day, Sebastian and I slowly got closer.
11:04But he was still strange.
11:06He never took off his mask or low cap.
11:08And he never shifted in front of anyone.
11:09He barely talked to anyone else.
11:11But after class, he always did strength training with me on the training field.
11:16Without noticing it, I had gotten stronger.
11:18Grandma was pleased.
11:19She said I looked healthier now.
11:21I never expected Lucas to be the first person at the academy to notice.
11:25That afternoon, I sat on the lawn, finishing the low-fat lunchbox Grandma had packed for me.
11:30I had just picked it up when Lucas suddenly grabbed my wrist.
11:33You're dieting again?
11:34That's none of your business.
11:36Lucas, let go!
11:38You get dizzy when you starve yourself.
11:40Did you forget?
11:42Planning to pass out again?
11:43If you don't let go, I'll bite you.
11:47You really don't know who is good to you?
11:50Drop the act.
11:52After that, I turned and walked back to the classroom.
11:55Sebastian was lying across his desk alone.
11:59Is your stomach hurting again?
12:01Yeah.
12:01I wanted to get medicine.
12:03But I forgot where the healing ward was.
12:07I saw you downstairs just now, but you were talking to some guy, so I didn't want to interrupt.
12:13Lily, it hurts.
12:15My sympathy kicked in at once.
12:16I'll get it for you right now.
12:18Wait here.
12:20I'll go with you.
12:22That way I can remember the route.
12:24I held his arm and helped him toward the healing ward.
12:27When we went downstairs, we ran into Lucas.
12:29Sebastian suddenly lost his balance and fell against me.
12:32I hurt too much to walk.
12:34Let me rest for a second, okay?
12:36When he made another soft sound of pain, I could not refuse.
12:39Lucas' eyes turned cold at once.
12:41He had just taken one step toward us when Blake and Bella caught up from behind.
12:45Whoa.
12:46Fat rabbit and ghost wolf?
12:49What are you two doing?
12:51What did you call her?
12:52Fatty.
12:53Am I wrong?
12:54Sebastian punched him before I could react.
12:57I rushed between them and shoved Blake hard.
13:00I grabbed Sebastian's wrist.
13:02Run.
13:03Only when we reached the healing ward did I let out a breath.
13:08Thank you, Sebastian.
13:09But next time, just ignore him.
13:11He's one of Lucas' main fighters in the magic arena.
13:14If you mess with him, you'll only get beaten up.
13:25The next day, Blake came to the academy with bruises all over his face.
13:29If I find out who did it, I'll kill him.
13:32Forget your face for a second.
13:33I walked past the academy office earlier.
13:35The principal was talking about some billionaire heir in senior year.
13:39They said he's from an old black wolf bloodline.
13:43He just transferred back from an overseas academy.
13:46Who do you think it is?
13:48I looked up.
13:49He pointed at a potion ratio question on his notes.
13:52Lily, can you explain this one to me?
13:55By late spring, graduation was only a month away.
13:58The academy was preparing for the graduation dance.
14:00Bella was in charge of collecting the sizes.
14:03Bella stood at the front of the classroom with the size sheet in her hand.
14:06When she got to me, she looked down at the sheet.
14:09Lily, should I put you down for XL or XXL?
14:12I looked up from my notes.
14:14For some reason, I felt as embarrassed saying it.
14:16I wear a small.
14:18The classroom went quiet.
14:25Everyone turned to look at me.
14:26Their shock told me no one had really noticed the change except Sebastian and Lucas.
14:30After months of healthy meals and strength training after class, I lost a lot of weight.
14:35Holy shit.
14:36Is that Lily?
14:37I told you.
14:38Her face was always pretty.
14:39She just had to lose the weight.
14:41Bella's face turned ugly.
14:42Ethan, who had not spoken to me in a long time, looked stunned, too.
14:45That look made me even more uncomfortable.
14:48Isn't the lead spot for the opening dance still empty?
14:51Maybe Lily should take it this year.
14:53Bella had always been the default lead for academy events.
14:56Lily's not as tall as me.
14:58I'm not sure she can pull off the dress.
15:00She's prettier than you.
15:01We can get a different dress.
15:03What the hell is that supposed to mean?
15:05You're defending Fat Rabbit now?
15:07She lost some weight and suddenly you like her?
15:09Why not?
15:11Besides, she might not even look at me now.
15:13Something in that sentence must have hit Lucas.
15:15The cup in his hand cracked first.
15:17Then he suddenly threw.
15:18The whole room went silent.
15:20Lucas leaned back like nothing had happened.
15:22Sorry.
15:22My hand slipped.
15:24When Lucas bent down to pick up the broken pieces, a sharp shard cut into his palm.
15:28He acted like he did not feel it.
15:30By the time he stopped in front of my desk, then his gaze landed on the box of healing patches
15:35on my desk.
15:36Can I borrow one?
15:37It won't stop bleeding.
15:38Wow.
15:39You really know how to put on a show.
15:40I looked away from Sebastian.
15:42No.
15:43Whether Lucas bled or not had nothing to do with me.
15:45I did not know why he had to come to me for this.
15:47I get it.
15:48In the end, I became the lead singer for the opening performance at the graduation dance.
15:53After that day, I experienced a lot of firsts.
15:55The first time someone called me pretty.
15:57The first time a boy asked me out.
15:59The first time so many people were nice to me for no reason.
16:02Boys from other classes even came to our classroom between periods.
16:05A deer shifter boy stood at the door with a cup of coffee from the dining hall.
16:09His ears twitched nervously when he saw me.
16:12Lily, I accidentally got an extra coffee.
16:16You want it?
16:17I refused out of habit.
16:19But Sebastian stopped him before he could leave.
16:22He rested his chin on one hand.
16:24With the other, he lightly tugged the hem of my sleeve.
16:28Lily, I think my blood sugar is low.
16:31I want the coffee.
16:32But I forgot my wallet.
16:34His calm voice did not sound convincing at all.
16:36I quickly shook my head.
16:38It's okay.
16:39I have cash.
16:40I took out my little wallet and counted out $15 for the boy.
16:44Can I buy it?
16:45My friend wants it.
16:47The boy's face twisted.
16:49Being around Sebastian was easy.
16:51Even when more people started showing interest in me, I still only stayed close to him.
16:55Because of that, rumors about us slowly spread through the academy.
16:59Did you hear?
17:00Lily Taylor, the pretty rabbit girl from senior class, has weird taste.
17:03She likes ghost wolf.
17:05I saw him without his mask once.
17:07His face is ruined.
17:08It's disgusting.
17:09I heard he got burned in a failed magic duel overseas.
17:12Sebastian had never taken off his mask or cap in front of anyone.
17:16Even at lunch, he always ate alone.
17:18If not for me, he would not have been dragged into these rumors.
17:21So I started keeping my distance.
17:22Sebastian noticed.
17:24One morning before class, he stayed quiet for a long time.
17:27Then he suddenly sat in a low voice.
17:28He leaned back in his chair, but his voice sounded tired.
17:31Lily, you can move your seat away.
17:34I froze and turned to him.
17:35What?
17:36I'm used to being alone.
17:38You don't have to get tied to someone with a bad reputation.
17:41They all say an ugly, scarred wolf like me doesn't deserve to be close to you.
17:44So maybe you should sit somewhere else.
17:46Who said that?
17:48It doesn't matter.
17:49At first, Sebastian refused to tell me.
17:51After I asked several times, he finally gave me a few names.
17:55They were all boys who asked me to come out.
17:58Before, Sebastian had spoken up for me whenever people called me fat.
18:01Now it was my turn to do something for him.
18:03I found those boys and rejected them again.
18:05This time, I warned them.
18:06If they kept spreading rumors, I would report them for harassment.
18:09When Sebastian found out, he covered his eyes with one hand.
18:13I guessed he was crying because he was touched.
18:15So I patted his shoulder gently.
18:16No one will say bad things about you anymore.
18:18Don't be scared.
18:19His shoulders shook even harder.
18:21I made a reasonable conclusion.
18:23Sebastian was deeply moved.
18:25Nothing bad happened again before graduation.
18:28The only thing people gossiped about was Lucas and Bella breaking up.
18:32At lunch, Sebastian and I walked ahead.
18:35Behind us, Blake was trying to comfort Lucas.
18:37Don't take it too hard, man.
18:39There'll be someone better.
18:41Lucas walked past me without slowing down.
18:44His shoulder brushed mine.
18:45He looked straight ahead and said casually,
18:47Why would I be upset?
18:49I never liked her anyway.
18:50Sebastian glanced ahead.
18:52Then he smiled faintly.
18:54Lily.
18:56Sounds like a spoiled lion is growling for attention.
18:59By the time the graduation assessments ended,
19:01I already knew my potion exam had gone better than usual.
19:05The day after the results came out,
19:07Miss Carter asked Rachel to organize one last senior dinner.
19:12When I arrived at the restaurant near the academy,
19:14I saw Lucas outside.
19:16His golden eyes stayed on me.
19:17I looked away as if I had not seen him.
19:20I tried to walk around him.
19:28Lucas grabbed my wrist.
19:30He pulled me back until my back hit his chest.
19:35Are you insane?
19:37I raised my hand to hit him.
19:39He caught my other wrist without even looking.
19:44No matter how I beg now, you won't give me another chance, right?
19:48I don't know what you're talking about.
19:50Don't lie.
19:52He pinched my chin and made me face him.
19:53You know exactly what I mean.
19:55You know I said I never liked Bella because I wanted you to hear it.
19:59I went quiet.
20:00I stopped struggling.
20:01After a long moment,
20:02yes, I know.
20:03I look back at him calmly.
20:04I also know you liked me a long time ago.
20:08Otherwise, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to confess to you.
20:11The first time I tried to lose weight,
20:13I hid it from everyone.
20:14I skipped meals whenever I could.
20:16During conditioning class,
20:17I always chose the highest balance beam
20:19and forced myself through extra rounds.
20:21By the end, my legs would be shaking.
20:23I wanted to lose weight as fast as possible.
20:25I wanted to wear the dress I had loved for months.
20:28Then I wanted to confess to Lucas.
20:30But Lucas noticed my pale face.
20:31He also noticed my rabbit ears hanging low
20:34and my hand pressed against my stomach.
20:36He had been about to leave for arena practice
20:38with Blake and the others.
20:39Then he stopped and frowned.
20:41Stomach cramps?
20:42Lucas did not believe me.
20:43He kept insisting on taking me to the healing ward.
20:45I had no choice but to tell him I had been dieting.
20:48His frown deepened.
20:50I'm fine.
20:53Why care that much about what people think?
20:55Even starving yourself is fine?
20:57I was so hungry my head felt light.
20:59I barely heard him.
21:00Yeah.
21:00I just nodded without thinking.
21:02Lucas was furious.
21:04His grip on my hand tightened.
21:05But after a long silence, he still gave in.
21:07He held back his anger and said,
21:11Can you stop starving yourself?
21:13If anyone makes another joke about your body,
21:15I'll shut them up.
21:15I smiled a little.
21:16Is that enough?
21:17Then I asked quietly,
21:18Don't you think I'm fat?
21:19Like this?
21:20I'm kind of ugly, right?
21:22Lucas stopped walking.
21:23I looked.
21:24He did not let go of my hand.
21:26You're cute.
21:26His golden eyes were focused.
21:28Your ears, your cheeks, your tail.
21:32Everywhere.
21:32Lucas said it like he was giving an answer in class.
21:35That was the moment my crush on him grew out of control.
21:37I squeezed his hand back.
21:39For the first time, I tried to climb out of my own insecurity.
21:41Then, in the next second, he pushed me right back in.
21:44For a long time after that, I could not get up again.
21:47Lucas's lashes trembled.
21:50Yeah.
21:51His grip on my wrists loosened.
21:52He lowered his eyes and gave a bitter smile.
21:58I liked you a long time ago.
22:00But being with you meant everyone would stare.
22:03They would joke about the arena captain dating a fat rabbit.
22:07They would laugh behind my back.
22:09I cut him off before he could keep going.
22:13So you don't get to ask me for another chance now.
22:16His confession came too late.
22:17I turned and walked away.
22:18After a few steps, I heard his voice behind me.
22:21It was low, almost like he was talking to himself.
22:23But I liked you more than any of them ever did.
22:26I did not stop.
22:27I took a breath.
22:28Then I pushed open the restaurant door.
22:30Inside, most of our class was already there.
22:32Sebastian had not arrived yet.
22:34Miss Carter smiled when she saw me.
22:36Lily, you did well on the graduation assessments.
22:39Come sit.
22:40Miss Carter, don't let Lily's grades fool you.
22:43She's not as innocent as she looks.
22:47Come on, Lily.
22:48We've already graduated.
22:50It doesn't matter now.
22:51I looked at her.
22:52What are you talking about?
22:55She was secretly dated someone before the graduation assessments.
22:59I almost laughed.
23:00Before I could explain, Miss Carter cut in.
23:02Who is Lily's boyfriend?
23:06Sebastian Cole.
23:09I mean, Lily acts like such a good girl.
23:13Who knew she had a thing for the weirdest mind in the academy?
23:16Miss Carter's eyes widen behind her glasses.
23:19He never takes off that mask.
23:21Maybe there's something ugly hiding under it.
23:24Bella looked even more pleased.
23:26But Lily, you don't have to deny him just because your boyfriend is ugly.
23:31When he gets here, why don't you ask him to take off that mask?
23:35Compared to her rumor about me dating Sebastian, I hated her insulting him more.
23:39Let everyone see those burn scars from his failed magic duel.
23:43Bella, have you ever seen scars on Sebastian's face?
23:47No, but then you made it up?
23:52Everyone also says you only became dance captain because your mom paid the instructor.
23:56So according to you, that must be true too, right?
23:58She looked around the room, trying to find the person who started the rumor.
24:02Who the hell said that?
24:03The restaurant got noisy.
24:04Another group of students crowded around Miss Carter.
24:07I heard the principal say some billionaire son was in our class.
24:10Who is it?
24:10Is he hot?
24:11He has to be hot, right?
24:13He's rich.
24:15Miss Carter was pulled in two directions.
24:17The room grew louder and louder.
24:19Then the door opened again.
24:21Everything went quiet.
24:23Everyone looked toward the entrance.
24:25A tall man stood there.
24:30For a second, the whole restaurant forgot how to breathe.
24:33His features were sharp and clean.
24:34The man was almost too good looking to be real.
24:37The girl closest to the door blushed first.
24:39Um, are you looking for someone?
24:43Miss Carter finally let out a breath.
24:45Then she smiled.
24:46You don't recognize him?
24:48The person you were all talking about is standing right in front of you.
24:52Someone else blurted out.
24:55Sebastian Cole?
25:01The billionaire hair?
25:03What the hell?
25:04So this gorgeous guy is Sebastian?
25:06The same Sebastian who transferred back from an overseas academy?
25:09Sebastian walked in slowly.
25:11Miss Carter pushed me toward him before I could recover.
25:13And apparently, Lily's boyfriend.
25:18I felt like a spell had struck me on the spot.
25:21Sebastian looked a little unfamiliar without the mask.
25:24Then he raised one brow and looked at me.
25:25Fine.
25:26I accept.
25:28I stared at him.
25:29Except what?
25:29The restaurant exploded.
25:32No way!
25:33That's Ghost Wolf!
25:34I knew his eyes were too pretty for him to be ugly.
25:37I thought that mask was hiding scars.
25:39Are we sure he's not some actor?
25:42The dinner ended in scattered gasps and whispers.
25:45On the way home, Sebastian answered every question I had.
25:48At first, he wore the mask because he had gotten into a fight before transferring back from the overseas academy.
25:54Only then did I remember what Miss Carter had said at dinner.
25:56To get into the same magic university as you, girlfriend?
26:00You misunderstood.
26:01Bella was just-
26:02This is my first relationship.
26:04My parents were always working.
26:05I grew up with Nancys and guards.
26:07Once, they both missed my birthday.
26:10So I ran away from home.
26:11I thought someone would notice.
26:13No one did.
26:14After that, I got used to it.
26:16He said it like it was nothing.
26:17My nose stung.
26:18Sebastian noticed my eyes turning red.
26:20He brushed his thumb under my eye.
26:22Don't feel bad for me.
26:24This is the first time someone chose me and didn't give me up.
26:28That's enough.
26:30Don't cry, Lily.
26:31By the way, what were you saying I misunderstood?
26:34I froze.
26:35The tears hung in my eyes.
26:37I blinked fast.
26:38I blinked fast.
26:39He needed love too much.
26:40And I could tell what I felt for him was different.
26:42Nothing, boyfriend.
26:44Trying it would not hurt.
26:47Sebastian had already been accepted by a better magic university.
26:50His cold, work-obsessed family barely reacted.
26:53By the end of summer, I had fully accepted that Sebastian Cole was my boyfriend.
26:57He never pushed too far.
26:59The most he did was kiss my forehead when he walked me back to the dorm.
27:02On the first day of Magic University, reality hit me fast.
27:06Out of my three roommates, two ignored me when I said hello.
27:09The last one was Bella Hart.
27:10What a coincidence.
27:12Her illusion magic and her record as academy dance captain had helped her get in.
27:16Like that evening, when Sebastian and I were eating dinner in the dining hall,
27:19he told me Lucas was in his major, combat magic.
27:22I felt depressed for a few seconds.
27:24Then I remembered Lucas was a golden lion shifter
27:26and the strongest arena captain our academy had ever had.
27:29I quickly warned Sebastian.
27:30He had no idea how dangerous Lucas was.
27:33Don't get into it with Lucas when you're alone.
27:35You can't beat him.
27:35Maybe I sounded too serious.
27:37Sebastian seemed hurt.
27:38If he gives you trouble, call campus security.
27:40After a long pause, he pushed the bowl he had carefully prepared for me back in front of me.
27:44How do you know I can't beat him?
27:46Then he nodded.
27:47Don't act tough.
27:48He's really good at fighting.
27:49His flame magic is strong and he barely ever lost.
27:52I forgot Sebastian was sensitive.
27:54Got it.
27:54My words had hurt him.
27:55I'm useless.
27:56I won't mess with him.
27:57For the rest of dinner, he barely spoke.
27:59Even though he was upset, he still quietly peeled shrimp for me.
28:02I bit my fork and looked at him carefully.
28:04The guilt got worse.
28:05After dinner, we did what university couples were supposed to do.
28:09We went for a walk.
28:10From the training track to the quiet path by the campus lake,
28:12I apologized to Sebastian the whole way.
28:15Sebastian pulled me into his arms.
28:16Lily, comfort me.
28:20I am comforting you.
28:22Not enough.
28:23His breath brushed hot against my ear.
28:29His voice was so close that I shivered.
28:31Kiss me.
28:32Please?
28:33My breath hitched.
28:36Where?
28:37Here.
28:38I stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
28:40Sebastian held the back of my head.
28:41His throat moved.
28:42I stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
28:44Sebastian held the back of my head.
28:46His throat moved.
28:47Leave a mark.
28:48Let everyone know I'm yours.
28:53Done.
28:54My face burned red.
28:56I pushed him away and lowered my head.
28:58Sebastian bent down until his eyes were level with mine.
29:01It felt nice.
29:04Next time, leave a few more.
29:06Okay?
29:07Wasn't it supposed to go both ways?
29:08Why didn't he kiss me?
29:10I could not bring myself to ask, so I stared at him for a few seconds.
29:13No!
29:14Then I shook my head.
29:15Hopefully.
29:15He would understand what he had done wrong.
29:17And next time, he would offer to kiss me too.
29:23After university started, I joined the volleyball club.
29:26At first, everything seemed normal.
29:28Then I realized Coach Hayes was strange.
29:30He was a bear shifter.
29:31Tall and broad with heavy hands and a low voice.
29:34Whenever he corrected my posture, he stood too close.
29:37Lily, raise your arms.
29:38He came up behind me.
29:40Coach Hayes adjusts Lily's arms from behind, his hand lingering too long near her waist.
29:45I could almost feel his breath near the back of my neck.
29:48I stepped away quietly.
29:49You can just tell me what to fix.
29:51He did not take the hint.
29:52He smiled.
29:53But you're too stiff, freshman.
29:55Then he suddenly flicked my forehead.
29:57Other girls wish I'd help them myself.
29:59During break, Bella sat beside him with her water bottle.
30:03Wow, Lily.
30:05Coach is so nice to you.
30:07If you didn't already had a boyfriend, you could totally consider him.
30:11Coach Hayes' face changed.
30:13Boyfriend?
30:13You have a boyfriend?
30:15I looked away from Bella and nodded.
30:16Coach Hayes stared at me for a few seconds.
30:19You have a boyfriend and didn't say anything?
30:21What, were you leading me on?
30:23The conclusion was so ridiculous that I almost laughed.
30:26Did you ask?
30:27And honestly, you're not exactly worth leading on.
30:31Before he could answer, Bella slammed her bottle down and stood up.
30:34Who do you think you're talking to?
30:36Your boyfriend isn't even on his level.
30:38He's useless and creepy.
30:41Anger shot straight to my head.
30:43Before I could think, I walked up to Bella.
30:46Then I slapped her heart across the face.
30:48I warned you not to insult Sebastian again.
30:51Bella froze with one hand on her cheek.
30:53You hit me?
30:54The next second, she lunged at me.
30:56We crashed into each other.
30:58All the anger I had swallowed for years finally came out.
31:01Lily pins Bella to the court and hits her.
31:04Three girls finally pulled me away.
31:07Coach Hayes looked at me coldly.
31:09You started it.
31:10Stay after practice.
31:11Run drills until I say you're done.
31:13Bella climbed up from the ground.
31:14Bella dusts herself off.
31:16Her white fox tail lifting as she smiles like she was one.
31:19Under the evening heat, I stayed on the volleyball court and ran drills alone.
31:23The practice balls kept changing speed in the air.
31:26By the time Coach Hayes finally let me go, everyone else had already left.
31:29I dragged myself back to the dorm.
31:32After I showered, I was too tired to move.
31:34I was also starving.
31:36Then Sebastian called and made me come downstairs.
31:38The moment I saw him, I fell into his arms and started complaining.
31:42Halfway through, I felt so wronged that I cried.
31:46Sebastian, I'm so hungry.
31:48I barely ate anything today.
31:51I really want sausage rolls.
31:53Sebastian went quiet, too quiet.
31:54His eyes went cold for a second.
31:56He helped me sit on the bench nearby.
31:58Then he went to buy food for me.
32:00After I finished eating, he checked his phone.
32:02His face showed nothing.
32:04Go back and rest, Lily.
32:06I have something to do.
32:07I'll come find you later.
32:08I looked at him for two seconds.
32:10Then I lowered my eyes.
32:12Okay.
32:14I'll head back.
32:15Then he turned away.
32:16But I remembered the message I had accidentally seen on his phone.
32:20Sebastian, that bear shifter asshole from volleyball, is at the pool hall.
32:24Come over.
32:24I quietly followed him.
32:26For some reason, I suddenly thought of Blake showing up with bruises back in senior year.
32:30Pieces of old memories came together in my head.
32:33And they all pointed to one fact.
32:35Sebastian had been pretending to be weak this whole time.
32:37That guess was confirmed when I stood outside the campus pool hall.
32:41I looked through the glass.
32:43Sebastian stood beside a pool table under the dim magic lights.
32:47Coach Hayes and three other guys lay scattered across the floor.
32:51Sebastian did not have a scratch on him.
32:53Sebastian holds a broken pool cue in his hand, his black wolf tail still behind him.
32:57The sharp wooden end hovered less than an inch from Coach Hayes' eye.
33:01His face was colder than I had ever seen it.
33:04Then he smiled.
33:05Coach, you were interested in my girlfriend?
33:08No, no, I wasn't.
33:10I swear.
33:11Sebastian turned the broken pool cue lazily between his fingers.
33:15The sharp wooden end moves closer to Coach Hayes' eye.
33:18My girlfriend had a rough day.
33:20How are you planning to make it up to her?
33:22Coach Hayes trembled.
33:23What do you want me to do?
33:25Sebastian seemed too bored to answer.
33:27He shifted the broken cue.
33:28The sharp wooden end aims toward Coach Hayes' palm.
33:31Before it could go down, I spoke.
33:34Sebastian.
33:34His whole body froze.
33:36HeBeet withoutệaru.
33:36Heföre a little bit lower than his toes.
33:37He's also prescribed the canyon.
33:37The upper body was open to keep his hair,anic mustache.
33:38He ruled upon meeting the concrete."
33:38Have you agreed to handle?
33:38The bottom of your teeth isigtball effective.
33:38You
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