?Chapter 1183:


    She hadn’t expected this. The way Marisa twisted the usations with ruthless precision was almost terrifying.


    Seeing no response from Loraine, Marisa grinned at Ethan. “Come on, dude—honestly, do you like me or not?”


    Ethan blinked,pletely thrown off guard. Mnie’s eyes widened too, stunned into silence.


    “Marisa… what are you ying at?” Mnie whispered, overwhelmed by the sheer force of Marisa’s presence.


    Marisa nced at Loraine once more, icy and unyielding. “Ms. Harvey, what kind of answer will satisfy you? Because granting this time off is a courtesy. The day after tomorrow, we’re leaving. And I dare you to stop us.”


    Minutester, the three of them stepped out of the teacher’s office like victors.


    Marisa smirked first. “Rx, you two. Ms. Harvey won’t dare touch you.”


    Mnie suddenly burst outughing. “Honestly, I wasn’t worried. Did you see her face? It went from fiery red to ghostly pale—like she was about to pass out. I thought you were going to make her faint for real.”


    Marisa shrugged, ncing at a quiet Ethan. “She brought it on herself. The head teacher of my ss knows when to back off better.”


    Ethan still looked lost in thought, and Marisa nudged him. “Hey, what about you? Still thinking over the question I asked…”


    “What question?” Ethan slowed, looking at Marisa in confusion.


    A sudden gust slipped through the hallway and tugged at the bulletin board, making one corner p.


    Then he remembered the bold question Marisa had asked earlier: “Come on, dude—honestly, do you like me or not?”


    The words sank into him like heavy stones dropped into water, and the feeling rippled through his chest in restless waves.


    Heat rushed through Ethan until his skin—neck to ears—burned bright. He looked like a tomato about to burst.


    Mnie pressed her fingers tightly together, yet her face remainedposed as she asked, “Ethan, are you feeling all right?”


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    Ethan let out a few strained coughs, his chest tight with nerves, his breathing uneven. “A moment ago, I…”


    “Forget it. I was just kidding around.” Marisa gave Ethan a yful smack on the shoulder,ughter glinting in her eyes. “Rx, man. I know you’re into me, but it’s more like the kind of liking between friends. I like you too, and I like her as well.” She flicked her chin toward Mnie. “Isn’t that right, Mnie?”


    Inside, Mnie felt a wave of relief, though she lifted her chin with mock arrogance and replied, “Why don’t you figure it out?”


    “I’d say so.” Marisa slipped an arm around Mnie’s neck and rested her other hand on Ethan’s shoulder so that all three stood shoulder to shoulder. With a teasing cheer in her voice, she continued, “We’ve stuck together through everything, so of course we’re the closest friends anyone could ask for.”


    “Naturally. Although you used to drive me crazy.” Mnie didn’t shrug Marisa off, but her tongue stayed sharp. “Now, I’ll admit you’ve earned the title of friend.”


    “Yes, we’re the closest friends,” Ethan said suddenly. His pulse hammered in his chest.


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