CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Arc

As Arc's's gaze met Chelsea's, his heart skipped a beat. A warm, thrumming sensation settled in the pit of his stomach, leaving him yearning for something he knew was out of reach. Just as he was lost in his eyes, a cheerful voice cut through the moment.

"Hello there, Arc! Surprise seeing you here!"

Arc groaned under his breath, recognizing the chipper tone all too well.

"Good afternoon, Miss Sarah," Arc replied with a hint of dry sarcasm.

Sarah appeared before him, radiant in a bright yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a relaxed, messy bun. Her warm smile and sparkling eyes exuded a cheerful energy, which didn't surprise Arc one bit - he'd grown accustomed to her sunny presence. "You never miss an opportunity to highlight my single status, do you?"

He rolled his eyes, "You're well past the era of trying not to be single."

With a delighted clap of her hands, Sarah exclaimed, "Ah hah, someone's developed a