Isadora sighed.
“That… is a very long story.” Tsubaki immediately grabbed her arm.
“Then start talking.” Isadora glanced around before pulling Tsubaki toward a quieter corner of the hallway.
“Okay.
But you have to promise me you won’t freak out.” Tsubaki put a hand over her heart.
“I promise.” “And don’t interrupt me.” “I promise.” “And don’t start imagining stupid things.” Tsubaki narrowed her eyes.
“I promise nothing.” Isadora rolled her eyes.
She then began telling her everything.
From the night she had found Valen injured, to how she had helped him, how he had brought her to his house, and how she had somehow ended up becoming his roommate.
She even told her about the ridiculous arguments they had already had.
By the time she finished, Tsubaki was staring at her with her mouth slightly open.
“So…” Isadora raised an eyebrow.
“So?” Tsubaki slowly shook her head.
“This is literally a K-drama.” Isadora groaned.
“Here we go.” “No, listen!” Tsubaki insisted.
“Girl gets involved with a mysterious, ridiculously handsome rich man after saving him one night, ends up living under the same roof with him…” She pointed at Isadora.
“That’s literally episode one!” Isadora burst out laughing.
“You’ve been watching too many K-dramas.” “I’m serious!” Tsubaki grabbed her shoulders dramatically.
“Who knows?
Maybe something will eventually happen between you two.” Isadora stared at her.
“Between me and him?” “Yes!” Tsubaki lowered her voice conspiratorially.
“Especially because he is such a freaking hunk.” Isadora burst out laughing.
“Never in my life!” “Why not?” “Because he’s unbearable!” She crossed her arms.
“Do you know that disgusting man actually tried to shoot Midnight?” Tsubaki gasped.
“He tried to shoot your cat?!” “Yes!” She pointed accusingly in the direction of the university entrance, as if Valen were somehow standing there.
“He’s insane.
Midnight was literally just existing!” Tsubaki tried to hold back her laughter.
“Okay, okay…” She raised both hands.
“But you never know.” Isadora rolled her eyes.
“Nothing is ever going to happen between us.” Tsubaki gave her a knowing smile.
“That’s exactly what the female lead says in episode three.” “Shut up!” Tsubaki burst out laughing.
“I’m just saying!” Isadora shook her head, laughing despite herself.
“You’re impossible.” “And you’re living with Valen Da Costa.” Tsubaki winked.
“This is going to be interesting.” The university bell rang, signaling the beginning of their first class.
Isadora glanced at the time.
“Oh, great.
We’re going to be late.” Tsubaki immediately grabbed her arm.
“Come on!” They hurried toward the lecture hall.
The two men assigned by Valen followed several meters behind them.
Isadora glanced over her shoulder.
“They’re still following me.” Tsubaki smiled.
“I think it’s cute.” “Cute?” “Yes.
Very rich-girl-with-bodyguards.” “I look ridiculous.” “You look important.” “I look like I’m being escorted to prison.” Tsubaki laughed.
As they entered the lecture hall, several students turned to look at them.
Isadora immediately lowered her head.
“Don’t look at me,” she whispered.
Tsubaki leaned closer.
“Too late.
Everyone already knows you’re the mysterious girl with two bodyguards.” “Fantastic.” They took their usual seats.
For the first few minutes, everything seemed normal.
Then Isadora noticed something.
One of the guards wasn’t looking at her.
He was watching the entrance.
His posture had changed.
He looked alert.
Isadora frowned.
She leaned toward Tsubaki.
“Why does he look like that?” “Like what?” “Like he’s expecting someone.” Tsubaki glanced toward the guard.
“He’s a bodyguard.
Maybe that’s what bodyguards do?” Isadora shrugged.
“Maybe.” She turned back toward the professor.
But a few seconds later, one of the guards touched his earpiece.
His expression became serious.
He exchanged a brief look with the other guard.
Then both men stepped outside the lecture hall.
Isadora frowned.
“What now?” Tsubaki shrugged.
“Maybe they finally realized you’re not worth protecting.” Isadora elbowed her.
“Shut up.” Few minutes Isadora looked again at them but this time they looked more relaxed.
“Thank God , it was nothing” .
.
When Isadora finally returned home after university, she was ready to collapse.
She dropped her bag onto the sofa and let out a long sigh.
“Finally…” She was about to head upstairs when something on the table caught her attention.
A passport.
She glanced at it casually.
Then stopped.
She wasn’t trying to snoop.
At least, that’s what she told herself.
But the name on the passport immediately caught her attention.
Valen Da Costa.
Her eyebrows rose.
She picked it up for a second and looked at the date of birth.
Then her eyes widened.
“Wait…” She looked at the date again.
“His birthday is tomorrow?” Anthony, who was nearby, immediately looked up.
“Yes, Miss Matthew.” Isadora turned toward him.
“You knew?” “Of course.” She looked back at the passport.
Then at Anthony.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Anthony looked slightly confused.
“Why would we?” Isadora opened her mouth.
Then closed it.
Fair point.
She noticed a few documents beside the passport.
“What are these?” “Travel arrangements.” “For Valen?” “Yes.
The young master has a trip tomorrow.” Isadora frowned.
“On his birthday?” Anthony nodded.
“He’ll be leaving in the morning and returning the same evening.” She stared at him.
“Wait… he actually has plans to travel on his birthday?” “Yes.” “Does he always do that?” Anthony hesitated.
“The young master doesn’t like celebrating his birthday.” Isadora’s face twisted in disbelief.
“What?” “He prefers to treat it like an ordinary day.” She stared at him.
“That’s impossible.” Anthony blinked.
“Excuse me?” “Is he even human?” Anthony tried not to smile.
“I’m afraid so.” “No human being dislikes their own birthday.” “The young master does.” Isadora folded her arms.
“That is unacceptable.” Anthony raised an eyebrow.
“Why?” “Because birthdays are meant to be celebrated!” She suddenly smiled.
A mischievous smile.
Anthony immediately became suspicious.
“Miss Matthew…” “What?” “I don’t like that expression.” “What expression?” “The one you’re making right now.” Isadora ignored him.
“What if I organize something for him tomorrow?” Anthony’s eyes widened.
“I strongly advise against that.” “Why?” “The young master will not appreciate it” Isadora shrugged.
“I don’t care.” “Miss Matthew—” “Actually…” Her smile grew wider.
“I’m doing it.” Anthony sighed.
“You should reconsider.” “Nope.” She picked up the passport and placed it back on the table.
“Anything that makes Valen angry is automatically fun for me.” Anthony stared at her.
“That is a rather dangerous philosophy.” “Maybe.” She grabbed her bag.
“But it’s mine.” She headed toward the stairs, then suddenly remembered something.
“Oh!” She turned around.
“I have to go to the hospital tonight.” Anthony nodded.
“For your internship?” “Yes.” She checked the time.
“I need to get ready.” She hurried upstairs.
A few minutes later, Isadora came back downstairs wearing her hospital clothes, her bag over one shoulder.
She stopped when she saw the two men waiting by the entrance.
She pointed at them.
“Are you two coming again?” “Yes, Miss.” She sighed.
“My men…” One of them raised an eyebrow.
Isadora smiled.
“Let’s go.” She walked toward the door.
Then stopped and looked back at Anthony.
“Oh, and Anthony?” “Yes?” “Don’t tell Valen anything about tomorrow.” Anthony’s expression became concerned.
“Miss Matthew…” She grinned.
“It’s a surprise.” And with that, she left for the hospital.
Anthony watched her disappear through the door.
He slowly sighed.
The young master was going to have a very unpleasant birthday.