No Substitutes for the Bigshots' Dream Girl Anymore!-Chapter 1747: Arnold Simmons Side Story (113)
It seemed so effortless. She let out a sigh of relief, resting her head on his shoulder, gently rubbing against it before falling into a peaceful sleep.
The streets at night were quiet, with hardly any vehicles. Above the city, the clouds were thin, and stars dotted the sky, drifting down like the glimmer of light suspended over the entire city.
She was light, softly nestled in his arms, like a fluffy kitten, utterly unguarded.
Arnold Simmons lowered his gaze, his eyes falling on her serene sleeping face. Her long, curled lashes trembled faintly with her breath, and as if seeking stability, she nudged further into his embrace, burying her entire head within.
"Arnold..."
A soft murmur escaped her lips.
Arnold Simmons halted his steps, his heartbeat suddenly quickening.
"Mm, I’m here."
His lips curled into a subtle smile, his eyes brimming with the gentleness of the night, drawing even the starlight into its depths.
After a moment, he held his breath, lowering his head cautiously, secretively, to plant a light kiss on her forehead.
...
At the end of June, just before the official college application period began, everyone came to school for one last time.
They collected their graduation certificates and attended a ceremony in the auditorium where the school reported the results of this year’s college entrance exams. Outstanding students were invited on stage to give speeches.
One of them was Hannah.
Today, she dressed simply—white T-shirt, denim suspender skirt, canvas shoes. Her soft black hair fell freely down her shoulders. Compared to her usual ponytail and school uniform, today she appeared more exquisite, like a budding rose, youthful yet striking.
The auditorium was crowded with people—students, parents—all seated according to their previously assigned class areas. Class Two’s seats were near the front.
Arnold Simmons was among them.
His college entrance exam scores had been excellent, ensuring his admission to A University without any issues.
Oscar Evans had even confirmed it for him.
When Hannah took the stage, Class Two erupted in enthusiastic applause.
By eleven o’clock, the gathering in the auditorium concluded, and the school didn’t enforce a strict departure time, suggesting instead that everyone take their time, explore the grounds, and snap photos for memories.
This might be the last time they’d ever meet at school.
They wandered from the teaching building to the music hall, then from the science building to the laboratory building, and finally to the sports field, basketball court, cafeteria, snack shop, and even the recycling station.
These places held all their high school memories.
Though less than a month had passed since graduation, stepping back into the school without their uniforms transformed them into spectators, making it difficult to immerse themselves in the familiarity.
"I really can’t bear to leave. I remember when we used to sneak up to the fifth floor for small adventures."
"I still recall the small room beneath the track stands. Last time we played hide-and-seek, I hid there until after school, and no one found me."
"The swimming pool at school—dig, fill, dig, fill—and now we’re graduating without ever seeing it built."
"I heard next year they’ll expand enrollment and build another cafeteria on the east side. Looks like the younger students won’t have to go through fighting for meals anymore."
"Come on, hurry! While the school hasn’t kicked us out yet, let’s play one last basketball game. Otherwise, once you guys start college, it’ll be impossible to get you together!"
A group of boys grabbed a basketball from the court’s edge and dashed off.
In the distance, under the evening glow, fiery clouds rolled across the sky, intense and flamboyant—just like this fleeting youth. As the sun set, everyone went their separate ways.
Under the night’s veil, all was swallowed up.
Class Two, Grade Twelve—a final collective photo at the school gates with fifty-six students.
In the photo, every single person was smiling.
