Love at First Game

Episode 23 Unlikely Affections

The lingering twilight shone on him, casting an ethereal light and shadow. Vivian stared at his jet-black eyebrows, completely stunned. After a long time, emotions finally emerged from the depths of her heart. It was a complex and extreme emotion, a feeling called a pounding heart, a feeling called despair and indignation.

When did they become that kind of relationship?! Although she also wanted to have that kind of relationship, it definitely wasn’t like that... But then again, she originally had the intention of conquering Daniel Thorne, and now that Daniel Thorne had upgraded to this level, if she didn’t accept it, wouldn’t that be a loss for her? Accepting it was a loss; not accepting it was a loss. What exactly is going on... Vivian’s logic began to blur, and her brain was on the verge of a meltdown.

So, Vivian quickly shouted to herself: Stop! Don’t think about it! Don’t follow Daniel Thorne’s words. There is no way out! Pretend you didn’t hear it; treat it like a virus to be isolated...

She tried to hypnotize herself, ignoring her ears, which were beginning to burn. Pretending to be calm, Vivian met Daniel Thorne’s gaze and said, “Since time is running out, let’s ride the bike...”

This wasn’t a compromise. She suddenly realized that walking would definitely be more noticeable than riding a bike. Walking would take longer and expose her to more people. Bikes were fast, and perhaps they could whiz by without anyone getting a clear look. Seriously, why did she agree to this today instead of postponing it to tomorrow?

Daniel Thorne looked at her intently, his calm gaze unwavering. She felt her defenses weakening. Should she attack or retreat, go all out, or strategize gradually? His calculation speed was lightning fast, and he instantly made a decision.

“Vivian,” he said softly.

“Hmm?”

“Actually, I’m pretty good at cycling.”

Huh? Vivian looked at him in confusion.

“So, you don’t need to have that kind of expression,” Daniel Thorne continued slowly, “Embrace the inevitable.”

Vivian: “...”

Her dramatic expression had betrayed her thoughts.

With a mentality of "It’s just parading, after all," Vivian got on the bike. However, as soon as she sat down, she regretted it—she suddenly remembered she was wearing a skirt today.

The skirt, which was already a few centimeters above her knees, hiked up further when she sat on the bike. Although it wasn’t too revealing, it certainly drew attention. Within a few minutes of riding, she had already garnered quite a few strange looks.

Vivian wanted to cry and jump off the bike. She instinctively tried to shrink her legs inward, but it was of no use. Her bag was too small to cover anything effectively. It was all because Daniel Thorne had been too shocked earlier, causing her not to think about that!

Two boys rode past, turning their heads to glance at her. Daniel Thorne abruptly stopped the bike. Vivian hesitated for a moment before jumping off. Daniel Thorne said coldly, “I’m going to buy something.”

Vivian watched as his tall figure walked towards a small shop on the roadside. Soon, he returned holding a big bag and handed it to her.

“What’s this?”

“Beverages. The food today was too salty; you’ll be thirsty later.”

The food wasn't salty, and even if it were, he didn’t need to buy so much. Aside from drinks, there were snacks too. Vivian held the big bag in confusion, but once she got back on the bike, she realized its advantage—it perfectly covered her legs.

Finally freed from the awkward stares, Vivian didn’t have to face Daniel Thorne directly. For the first time that day, she had a chance to calm down and think. But there wasn’t much to think about.

The gentle summer evening breeze blew as the bicycle passed through shadows cast by the setting sun, through lush green trees, and rode along the spacious campus avenue. Everything felt serene and beautiful.

Vivian thought to herself, I should be braver. Daniel Thorne—what’s wrong with liking Daniel Thorne?

Not far ahead was an upward slope. Vivian pursed her lips, raised her hand, and gently, firmly, grabbed the hem of his shirt.

The bike suddenly slowed down. The corners of Vivian’s mouth lifted slightly as her other hand tightly held onto the bag of snacks.

Of course, bravery depended on the time and place. Right now, Vivian’s bravery definitely didn’t include walking onto the basketball court with Daniel Thorne in front of everyone.

When they arrived outside the basketball court, Daniel Thorne was locking the bike. Vivian dropped a quick sentence: “I’ll find my roommate to watch the game together and contact you online later.” Then she quickly left, not forgetting to take the bag of snacks with her.

Retreating at a critical moment isn’t cowardice; it’s a strategy!

Vivian entered the basketball court through a side door. The stands were already packed with people, and many were even standing. Vivian glanced around but couldn’t find her roommates. Luckily, Mia spotted her first and waved enthusiastically.

As Vivian made her way to Mia, the lively atmosphere became even more intense.

Mia gave up her seat to Vivian, who felt a little awkward sitting down. “Vivian, you’re here too! It’s so lively today!”

“What’s going on?” Vivian asked, feeling a pang of guilt at the word “lively.”

Mia excitedly replied, “So many beautiful girls have come! Serena is here too, sitting a few rows behind us.”

Stella chimed in, “Vivian, remember Serena? She competed with you for the campus beauty queen title last year and defeated you because of her innocence!”

“... You don’t have to use the word ‘competed,’” Vivian muttered.

Elle interjected, “Is today the first time the two campus beauties from our school appear together?”

“Oh, it seems like it.”

Elle sighed regretfully, “If we had known Serena was coming, Vivian, you should’ve worn that red dress. It would’ve completely overshadowed her!”

Vivian quickly threw the bag of snacks at them. “Stop! Let’s eat!”

The roommates eagerly dug into the snacks. Mia marveled, “Wow, Vivian, how much did you spend on all those snacks?”

Vivian had no idea.

As Mia crunched on chips, she suddenly asked, “Did you pass the interview? Is that why you bought snacks to celebrate?”

“Well, sort of.”

Mia was more curious now. “What do you mean ‘sort of’? Was it good or bad?”

Vivian hesitated, “The process was quite a failure, and the outcome was quite unexpected.”

Just as they chatted, Daniel Thorne appeared at the entrance. Everything around Vivian seemed to freeze. She thought her feelings would mellow after seeing him multiple times today, but instead, her heart beat faster than ever.

Daniel Thorne scanned the audience briefly before his gaze settled in Vivian’s direction. Vivian panicked, holding her snacks as if to shield herself.

Her roommates noticed and started gossiping about who he could be looking at.

With a solemn expression, Vivian interjected: “There can only be one truth.”

The roommates eagerly waited.

Vivian looked at them seriously and declared: “He’s looking at me.”

Elle: “...”

Stella: “...”

Mia laughed weakly, “Vivian, don’t you know that you and Daniel Thorne are recognized as the most unlikely couple?”