No Substitutes for the Bigshots' Dream Girl Anymore!-Chapter 1746: Arnold Simmons Side Story (112)

"...But always remember to treat the person you like well."

At the end of the meeting, Tessa Thompson clung to Hannah, unwilling to let go, repeating several times, "Don’t forget me after graduation, okay?"

By the time she finished, she was on the verge of tears, her eyes red and her voice choked.

Hannah comforted her, "Hmm, I won’t forget you. Aren’t we still planning to go shopping and have a barbecue together?"

"Yes, let’s make plans for later."

Tessa wiped her tears, then noticed Arnold Simmons standing not far away.

The young man stood in the shadows, his gaze gentle as it fell upon her.

"Hannah, are you two together?" Even through her sadness, Tessa couldn’t help indulging in gossip.

Hannah nodded.

Tessa muttered, "I knew it! Back then, when you waited for the bus with me, why did I always see Arnold Simmons? So it started way back then..."

She made a playful gesture, unable to hold back a smile even as tears still streaked her face.

Outside the KTV, many classmates lingered to say their goodbyes, while the drunken Oscar Evans was sent home by a group of boys.

By the time the gathering completely dispersed, it was nearing 10 PM.

A few days ago, this would have been about the time evening study session ended.

The streets at night were quiet. Being close to the riverside, the sound of waves lapping against the shore carried on the breeze, mixed with the coolness of the river water.

Multicolored neon lights adorned the riverbank, and their reflections swayed gently on the rippling water, creating a dance of shadows and light.

On one side was the lively noise, while on the other lay undisturbed silence.

Hannah had drunk a little in the karaoke room. She hadn’t felt anything at first, but now her head felt fuzzy.

She didn’t want to walk. Covering her warm face, she crouched on the grassy riverside.

She felt like a mushroom.

Arnold Simmons followed behind her, both amused and helpless. He crouched down, mimicking her posture, and asked softly, "Do you want to go home?"

Hannah’s reaction was slow. Several seconds passed before she turned her head in a daze to look at him.

Her eyes were like they were shrouded in a misty haze, layered with faint starlight.

She cupped her cheeks in both hands, pouting slightly. Her reddened lips resembled ripe cherries, her voice soft and gentle as she whispered, "No."

Arnold patiently coaxed her, "It’s late. You should go home and rest."

"I’ll rest here."

She lowered her head and began tugging at the grass on the ground.

The moon peeked out from behind the clouds, its frost-like glow gently enveloping the scene, as if filtered through mist before landing faintly on the river’s surface.

Arnold didn’t say anything, choosing instead to simply stay by her side. Together, they seemed to soften even the breeze around them.

Hannah gazed at the grass on the ground, then at the light upon the river’s surface, and finally at the young man beside her.

"Arnold."

She called his name, her tone as tender as an unintentional murmur in sleep.

"Hmm?" He turned his head to look at her, asking, "Are you tired?"

Hannah shook her head, meeting his gaze, and in those deep, night-like eyes, she saw her own reflection.

It was beautiful.

Truly beautiful.

"I think I might be a little tired now," she murmured faintly, her delicate fingers lightly hooking onto the boy’s cool fingertips.

Arnold chuckled, rubbing her head gently before standing up. "Let’s head home."

He bent slightly, sliding his arm around her waist and lifting her entirely into his arms.

Hannah gasped in surprise, moving instinctively, but the arm encircling her waist tightened swiftly.

The boy’s voice, slightly hoarse yet calm, told her warmly, "Don’t squirm. You might fall."

At that, Hannah indeed stilled.

Afraid she might fall.

But in his embrace, Arnold felt remarkably steady.