?<strong>Chapter 1405:</strong>


    “Cn, we’re all friends, aren’t we?” Collier remarked, his tone tinged with disappointment. “This seems a bit unfair!”


    Cn’s eyes fell upon the brooch nestled in Lilyana’s palm. After a moment’s hesitation, he spoke. “Collier, don’t misunderstand me,” he began, his voice gentle yet firm. “I originally prepared identical gifts for both of you. I just happened to stumble upon this brooch on my journey home, and it seemed as though it was crafted specifically for your sister. I couldn’t possibly walk away from it, so I bought it. Look—doesn’t this broochplement your sister perfectly?”


    Collier’s gaze shifted to the beautiful ornament. He had to admit, it matched his sister remarkably well.


    Though Collier adored his sister and would have purchased such a treasure for her himself had he discovered it, hearing this exnation from Cn stirred something unsettling within him. Still, Cn’s reasoning was difficult to fault.


    “Alright then,” Collier reluctantly said, “but next time youe across something that suits me, you have to buy it for me too. Of course, if I find something that suits you, I’ll do the same.”


    Cn’sughter rolled warmly through the air as he nodded in gentle agreement. “Sure, I will.”


    As seasons changed and time flowed forward, the bond between the three friends only deepened. Lilyana and Cn soon found themselves entering the second semester of their senior year in high school. With college entrance exams casting their long shadow over the school, the entire atmosphere of senior year shifted.


    One afternoon, as Lilyana made her way back from the restroom, a remarkably pretty girl with bright eyes stepped into her path. “Lilyana, could I trouble you for a moment? I have something important to ask,” the girl said, her voice soft but determined.


    “What is it?” Lilyana paused, regarding the girl with curiosity. She recognized her as Susie Hatfield, whose extraordinary violin skills had earned her admiration throughout the school.


    “I want to know if you and Cn are in a rtionship,” Susie inquired, her directness surprising.


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    Lilyana was taken aback.


    “I know it’s a bit forward to ask,” Susie continued, a rosy blush blooming across her cheeks, “but Lilyana, I’ve admired Cn for a long time. With graduation approaching, if you two aren’t a couple, I n to confess to him.”


    As Susie spoke of her feelings for Cn, her face glowing with unmistakable affection, a strange difort took root within Lilyana. But facing Susie’s expectant gaze, Lilyana replied with simple honesty, “Cn and I are just friends.”


    “That’s great!” Susie’s face lit up with unbridled joy at Lilyana’s response, as though she’d been granted a precious gift. “Thank you, Lilyana. Thank you so much for telling me.”


    After expressing her gratitude several times more, Susie departed with a spring in her step. Lilyana watched her retreating figure, feeling strangely adrift in a sea of emotions she couldn’t quite name.


    At lunchtime, Lilyana sat with Cn, her fork listlessly pushing food around her te rather than bringing it to her lips. Cn noticed her unusual behavior and was about to inquire when a voice interrupted them.


    “Cn, could I have a word with you in private?”


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