Lucian wasn't upset because of the gossip. People had talked about him his whole life, and he never cared.
What bothered him now was only Kai—his health.
As he stood lost in thought, Aerin hugged him from behind.
"Sorry, Luciaa… when they said you and Rowan were dating, I—"
"Please, Aerin." Lucian cut her gently. "Don't say anything."
Aerin nodded quietly.
Ahead of them, the Academic Senior Club had gathered. President Sima and Vice-President Rohav were guiding the students about their next philanthropist project.
"We already received personal donations from juniors Rowan and Aerin. Their families helped our club again this year," Rohav announced proudly. "Is there anyfreshman willing to support the funding too?"
Lucian raised his hand.
"My family will help."
Sima and Rohav clapped softly. "If we reach our goal, we can request permission from the faculty sponsor and the head chancellor. Then we can go to the countryside for the project."
Rohav grinned. "Why is everyone silent? That means—TRIP!!"
The campus erupted in cheers.
"But only if we get the permission," Sima reminded, and the cheers dropped into playful groans.
"And remember! You're not going to enjoy; you're going to work. It will be added to your academic score."
"Okay!!!" the campus replied in unison.
After the meeting, Rowan entered the club room.
Sima immediately grabbed his arm.
"Hey! Where were you? If you were here earlier, everyone would've stared only at you instead of us," Rohav teased.
Lucian and Aerin silently slipped out. Rowan looked at Lucian—Lucian looked back—but he pretended not to see each other.
Outside the campus, Lele joined them.
"I'm so excited for this Sunday!" Aerin said.
"For what? Staying at home?" Lucian asked.
"What? Aerin isn't coming to the trip?" Lele asked, confused.
Lucian shrugged. "I already knew about this project before they announced it. And without telling Aerin, I informed Uncle and Aunty not to give her permission. They agreed."
"What?!! Lucian, don't joke!" Aerin panicked.
"Why would I joke? This is about your health. Health comes first."
Lele nodded seriously. "Lucian's right."
Aerin groaned dramatically. "Ahhhh… I thought at least I would meet Kai that day…"
Lucian's eyes widened, and something inside him broke—but he kept a fake smile.
"You're still in college. You can see him anytime. Let's go home."
He cut the topic immediately.
Kai had already finished breakfast and was trying to get up from bed when his eyes fell on Lucian's room wallpaper—childhood photos of the two of them.
A memory hit him suddenly.
A small Kai, crying, clinging to his grandmother.
"Grandma… am I not healthy? Why do I feel like this? What's wrong with me?"
His grandmother hugged him tightly.
"Nothing is wrong with you. As long as the people who love you are with you, nothing will happen."
"But Mom is gone… no one is with me now."
"You silly child," she wiped his tears. "Lucian is with you. He loves you so much."
She took him toward his mother's belongings.
"Take this."
A small box.
Kai opened it. Inside lay old lotus leaves.
"What is this?"
"This is nucifera," she said softly. "Your mother loved collecting these. People thought she was strange… but after your grandfather drowned in the lake and only lotus leaves were found… she believed they carried messages. If you want to talk to your mother, hold these."
Little Kai cried harder, clutching the leaves.
Back in the present, Kai blinked away tears and stared at the wallpaper.
Meanwhile, Lucian rushed to the hospital.
"Dr. Sebastian!"
The doctor looked up. "Lucian? Why are you here? Did something happen?
Lucian's breathing gently.
"I think… he's acting like he did six months ago."
"Lucian, PTSD isn't like a fever. It doesn't heal in days. He needs time." Dr. said,
"But he has been suffering for ten years," Lucian said, voice trembling. "I'm not scared if he gets frustrated at me or lashes out. I'm scared because… six months ago, he almost harmed her."
"But he didn't," the doctor reminded gently. "He regained consciousness on his own. If he gets out of control again, bring him here."
Lucian nodded, still worried.
"And you," the doctor added, smiling tiredly, "need sleep. If you come here stressed like this again, I'll tell your father to admit you."
Lucian sighed but managed a weak smile. Alone in the cabin, he could think only of Kai.
At the same time, Rowan was upset. His father, Mr. Steven, found him on the football field.
"What are you doing here?" Rowan asked.
"I called you. Your voice sounded down. So I came to pick you myself," his father said.
"Did you fire the driver?"Rowan asked.
"I didn't." First tell me what happened. Who upset my son?"
"Dad…" Rowan looked away.
"Is this about Lucian?"
Rowan's tiny reaction was enough. Steven sighed—
But then something caught his eye.
"Kai is here."