?Chapter 725:


    “Why? Does he have a thing for Ellie? Mr. Thorpe is right there! I can’t believe some people are willfully courting death.”


    “No, that’s not it at all. My roommate chose to sing a love song tonight. He wants to present it to Ellie and Mr. Thorpe, but he’s worried about his performance.”


    “Okay, listen up. Tell everyone around you not to let it slip that we recognized Ellie.”


    “Ahhh, look, look! Mr. Thorpe is holding her hand! Personally, I hate it when my boyfriend does that because his hand is so hot and sweaty sometimes. But looking at those two, I feel so giddy! They are my number one ship!”


    “I know exactly how you feel! I finally understand the joy of shipping a newfound pairing right on the spot.”


    “I swear, if they don’t kiss each other, I’m going to cry!”


    “Then why don’t you go over to them and ask them to kiss? Be a hero!” Another message popped up after thest one, only to be deleted almost immediately. “I suddenly feel sorry for Howard.”


    “True. From what I heard, Howard is also here, isn’t he?”


    The grand finale of the singingpetition unfolded in a spacious auditorium, designed to amodate up to five hundred spectators.


    Kaiden and Ellie, e-tickets in hand, were escorted through the aisles by the reception team. A courteous usher directed them to their seats, his finger pointing towards the second row.


    “Right this way, No. 13 and No. 14,” he said with a smile.


    Ellie’s brow furrowed as she examined her cellphone screen, struggling to read the tiny text.


    “But our tickets don’t have seat numbers,” she said.


    The usher, ever tactful, masked the truth with a smile. “Those tickets are reserved for lovers.” With a graceful bow, he motioned for them to take their ce.


    Your next story begins at  .


    Ellie, usually someone who preferred to blend into the background, found herself thrust into the heart of the VIP section, closest to the stage.


    Kaiden, towering over the crowd, shifted ufortably in his seat, mindful of his height potentially obstructing someone’s view.


    Suppressing a giggle behind her palm, Ellie found amusement in his difort. In response, Kaiden shot her a mock scowl and yfully tugged at her neck, prompting Ellie to pinch him in return.


    Leaning close, Kaiden whispered, “Behave, or I might have to discipline youter.”


    Feigning offense, Ellie quickly pinched his thigh in retaliation.


    Embarrassment flushed her cheeks. In such a public setting, Kaiden should have shown more restraint!


    A message from a student in the third row rippled through the WhatsApp group chat: “Look at Kaiden and Ellie, lost in their own world! She just pinched him!”


    “Anyone got a snapshot? If so, please share.”


    “My bad! Forgot to snap it! Here’s one!”


    .


    .


    .