"Elysia," a beautiful girl waved her hands toward Elysia, who was sitting in the back row of the class. Elysia was focused on the book on the table, looking so happy while reading it.
Elysia always ignored everyone around her whenever she focused on something—her favorite anime, film, novel, or anything she loved. She even forgot about her surroundings when she studied hard.
She had long, beautiful hair that reached her waist. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were as blue as the ocean. Her red lips were as lovely as a blooming rose. She looked breathtaking even though she was only sitting there, doing what she loved.
"Elysia, how can you ignore me just because of your favorite novel? Am I less important than that book to you?" Leona complained, irritated that Elysia seemed to forget about her every time she read.
Elysia closed the novel and turned her gaze toward Leona. "Don’t exaggerate like that. I would never forget my best friend since childhood. Why do you look so happy?"
"Elysia, I have good news for you!" Leona’s tone was full of excitement, her smile never leaving her face.
"I don’t have time to listen to your new gossip. Who is it this time? How handsome is he to make you act like a madwoman? Tell me— is he as handsome as Midorima Shintarou?"
Leona shook her head with a dumbfounded look. Elysia always dragged her into watching anime together, and eventually, she had fallen into the otaku world too—especially after seeing Roronoa Zoro. Of course, she had also watched every anime Elysia recommended.
"Is he as clever as Akashi Seijuurou? Bla bla," Elysia continued listing all the handsome 2D men she adored, leaving Leona completely speechless.
Leona finally raised her hand to stop Elysia’s rambling. "It’s different this time. This is really good news for you."
"Leona, you’re always enthusiastic every time you see a handsome guy. I’ve had enough of that nonsense already. No one is handsome except Midorima Shintarou," Elysia said proudly.
"Why do you look so proud over him? He isn’t even real!" Leona glared at her.
"I don’t care. I only need Midorima Shintarou in my life. Your husband isn’t real either," Elysia huffed and turned her head away.
"Zoro is different from any other man. He’s so handsome even when he does nothing," Leona said proudly.
Not wanting to continue their strange cold war, Leona quickly changed the topic. "Brother Gilbert just came back from abroad. I saw him in the class next door."
Elysia froze for a moment before hiding her face in her hands. She couldn’t conceal her expression this time. She felt both happy and sad at once.
"Why didn’t you tell me from the beginning?"
"It wasn’t my fault. You were the one who didn’t let me finish my words."
Elysia suddenly stood up and ran outside. As she rushed to Gilbert’s class, she bumped into someone. He caught her just before her head hit the hard floor.
"You’re always so energetic, Elysia," a soft, gentle voice rang in her ears, making them tingle. A handsome face suddenly appeared right in front of her.
Gilbert Renolt had a pair of striking purple eyes. His blonde hair shone under the light, resting lightly on his shoulders. Though slim, his body hid perfectly toned muscles beneath his clothes.
"You scared me, Brother Gilbert," Elysia said, startled by how close his face was.
"Long time no see, Elysia. You’ve become even more beautiful," Gilbert said as he helped her up, smiling sweetly at her.
Elysia’s heart felt like it was about to explode. Gilbert was the one she had loved most back then. And the truth was—she still loved him now.
"Elysia, your face is red," Gilbert reached out, trying to touch her soft cheek.
Elysia quickly avoided his hand and glared at him. "Stop treating me like a kid. I’m a woman now. You need to see me as one, not as the little girl you used to know."
"You’re only eighteen this year. You’ll always be a little girl in my eyes," Gilbert said, ignoring her protest. He was two years older than her and had always treated Elysia like a younger sister.
"How about Rhina? Do you see her as a little girl too?" Elysia demanded, unable to accept that Gilbert still saw her as a child.
"Don’t compare yourself to Rhina. You’re my younger sister, but Rhina… she’s part of my heart," Gilbert said with an affectionate smile.
Elysia couldn’t even remember how she managed to return to class after that. Her eyes were blank, as though half her soul had been taken away by the devil. Leona Opel grew worried when she saw her best friend’s empty gaze.
Leona felt a pang of guilt in her heart. She knew she shouldn’t have told Elysia about Gilbert Renolt—Elysia’s first love. But she had no choice, since Elysia had always wanted to hear everything about him. In the end, Leona was the one who brought Elysia home safely.
---
When Leona arrived home, she quickly dialed Cana’s number. It didn’t take long before he picked up.
"Hello, where are you right now?" Leona’s worried tone came through the phone.
"I’m still abroad. I’ll be back this week. Did something happen to Elysia?" Cana asked with concern.
"Brother Cana, you need to come back soon. Gilbert returned today."
"I see. Thank you for telling me, Leona. I’ll bring some souvenirs back."
"Brother Cana, you’re the best! Don’t forget to bring me some local products too."
"Of course, I won’t forget. I’ll come back as soon as possible."
---
