As Kelly stepped out of the car, she was greeted by rows of headstones, each about four feet high, inscribed with names and adorned with black-and-white photos. The collective presence of these headstones created an imposing and awe-inspiring atmosphere.It was clearly Kelly's first time visiting a place like this. She was unsure of where to go amidst the numerous graves and winding paths, with trees looming all around and a light drizzle complicating her journey.Keith, however, seemed familiar with the way. He retrieved an umbrella from the back of the car, held it over Kelly, and led her forward. "Weren't you going to pay respects to your classmate? Where is he or she buried?" he asked as they walked.His question caught Kelly off guard. Her true intention was to lead Keith to his mother's grave, not to visit any classmate. Luckily, Kelly was quick-witted. She glanced around and pointed to a random headstone among the many. Next, Kelly smiled and said, "That one. That's my cl
This was Kelly's true purpose. The talk of paying respects to classmates and going on a date was all a facade; her ultimate goal was to bring Keith here.At first, she thought that Keith, who was usually difficult, would raise questions. After all, he hadn't visited his mother's grave in years and might feel uncomfortable being brought here unexpectedly.However, Keith didn't refuse Kelly's request. On the contrary, he seemed to agree wholeheartedly, leading the way with an umbrella in hand. Although his expression was tense, Kelly could still sense a certain eagerness in his features. Eventually, Kelly understood the situation. From the moment she suggested going to the Peace Cemetery, Keith had known that her true intention was to bring him to pay respects to his mother. He simply didn't state it outright; perhaps he needed an excuse, and Kelly had provided that excuse for him to visit his mother.While Kelly was unaware of the specifics of Keith's relationship with his mother
As Kelly was about to leave, Keith suddenly turned and grabbed her wrist. The unexpected movement caused her to stumble into his arms.Everything happened so quickly. Kelly found herself held tightly by Keith. Her body stiffened like a board, and her mind went blank, unsure of what to say.Just as she was about to ask what was wrong, Keith said, "Can you please hold me?" His voice carried a hint of sorrow, matching the desolate and cold atmosphere around them.Kelly realized that something had stirred deep emotions in him. Without saying a word, she let him hold her. Next, she raised her hand to gently stroke Keith's back. He had likely endured a lot of pain and burdens that were never meant to be his.Time seemed to stretch, making the embrace feel both fleeting and endless. Keith's pent-up emotions, like a dam breaking, began to pour out. He finally opened up, sharing what had been weighing on his heart. "I miss her so much, more than I can express. I've wanted to come and pay
Kelly's words, though directed at Hailey, were meant for Keith. Rather than trying to unravel his emotional barriers indirectly, she decided to confront him directly about how to address them.Keith, who had been standing behind her, frowned and said with a hint of irritation, "Kelly, stop fooling around. Let's leave."Kelly shot him a defiant look. "No. I'm being upfront with you. I brought you here to visit your mother because you're too emotionally guarded. You always hold back your true feelings, and it's clear that this isn't who you really are."She was done with subtlety, knowing that Keith, with his sharp mind, would figure out her real intentions.Keith's face grew cold, reverting to his usual detached expression. The earlier episode didn't seem to have caused any change. Annoyed by Kelly's persistence, he said firmly, "If you don't leave, then I will."He turned to walk away, but Kelly quickly stepped in front of him and grabbed his arm. "Are you really so afraid to show
Keith stayed silent. He turned to face Kelly, their eyes locking as the rain continued to fall. His hair and clothes were soaked, but he seemed indifferent. As he looked at Kelly, his eyes began to glisten, and soon tears formed.Kelly was confused by the drastic change in his emotions. Was it rain or tears on his face? Gently, she lifted her hand and carefully wiped the droplets from his cheeks. Keith didn't pull away; he let her touch him, and then, with a sigh and a resigned smile, he murmured, "I give up. I give up.""What do you mean by that?" Kelly asked, bewildered. Before she could get an answer, Keith suddenly pulled her into his arms. It wasn't just an embrace—he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.Everything seemed to freeze as if a camera had captured the scene, and the world around them fell silent.Realizing what had just happened, Kelly's face flushed, her heart racing as she looked up at Keith in shock. Yet, he remained silent, leaning his chin
"He killed my mother. I'm going to make him pay. I've become what I am to seek revenge." Keith leaned in, his nose almost touching Kelly's, his face mere inches from hers. "I can feel your affection for me, and I can't deny that I'm moved by you as well. So, will you join me in this quest for vengeance? Even if it leads us to damnation, will you stand by me?”Kelly had always prided herself on her rationality. She knew well what was right and what was wrong. Back in school, while her dorm mates conspired to cheat on exams, she was the only one who studied diligently. It wasn't that she was foolish or averse to shortcuts; she simply didn't want to bear the risks. If Kelly decided to join Keith in his revenge, she could win his heart. But what would she lose in the process? If she chose to join Keith in seeking vengeance, what actions would that entail? While she knew she couldn't condone illegal activities, she understood Keith's nature well enough to know he might very well go
"Let's go. It's just a Christmas party. I'll dress up nicely and won't embarrass you," Summer said. "That's good to hear," James replied, relieved to see Summer so relaxed about it. This was exactly what he had hoped for—that they could attend the event without any unnecessary stress.Having settled the matter, James changed the subject. "How are things progressing with Kelly and Keith?"Summer shook her head, admitting she wasn't entirely sure. "I think it's going well? They're on their second date now. I'll call Kelly later to get the details.""That's good. I really want Keith to find happiness, but..." James trailed off, seeming hesitant to continue.Summer, never one for suspense, pressed on. "What is it? Is there a problem with them being together?""It won't be smooth sailing for Keith and Kelly. The family dynamics are the main obstacle," James explained."Family dynamics?" Summer asked."Yeah. Family dynamics." James sighed, his expression resigned as he began to expl
After entering the bedroom, Summer called Kelly, who quickly answered."Is that you, Summie?""Yes, it's me. How did it go? Are things progressing smoothly between you and Keith?" Summer replied cheerfully."Very smoothly. We're actually a couple now," Kelly said, her voice brimming with joy. The news caught Summer off guard. Surprised by this development, she double-checked. "You're not joking, right? Are you two really together?""Yes, we're officially together. As of today, he's my boyfriend. We even kissed," Kelly revealed.Summer was speechless by the explosive news. Their relationship seemed to be moving incredibly fast, and they were already kissing on their second date.Summer's mind started racing with questions. Who took the initiative? Hence, she teasingly asked, "Don't tell me you made the first move, Kelly?""Of course not! He kissed me!" Kelly replied firmly.Despite Kelly's assurance, Summer couldn't help but worry. If Kelly had initiated the kiss, Summer might