At this moment, Aoife was unaware that she was being watched.
Her life was very limited, with a routine of eating and studying every day, either in the cafeteria or in the classroom, occasionally venturing out to the library.
It had been a month since she returned to school, but there were still people criticizing her behind her back for her supposedly improper lifestyle.
However, things had gotten better, considering that when she first returned, some people publicly humiliated her by cornering her and insulting her near the trash cans.
Later on, these people were reportedly reprimanded in private by the authorities. Some dropped out, while others who stayed away from Aoife when they returned.
Having taken a year off from school, Aoife had fallen behind in many subjects. She had to work harder than others to catch up by revisiting her textbooks.
The lectures were dull, especially in the afternoons, with many students dozing off. Only Aoife diligently took notes with a pen in hand.
The teachers here did not judge based on appearance or hold students to a certain standard. They treated everyone equally and favored those who worked hard to improve.
The teachers in the office had a good impression of Aoife, and with some encouragement from above, they paid more attention to her.
After answering the professor’s questions with ease, Aoife sat back down to continue taking notes.
Not far behind her, a group of girls whispered gossip, mentioning someone named “Ethan.”
“I just saw my idol post something. He disappeared for six months, and now he finally posted.”
“Your idol? Who is it?”
“Ethan.”
“The sloppy one?”
“What sloppy? He’s just too laid-back, not interested in building a career.”
“Well, Ethan is quite handsome. With that face, he could achieve so much if he worked hard and improved his acting skills or sang a few songs. It’s a waste to let his looks go to waste. Ethan’s smile with dimples when he laughs is irresistible. He’s the same type of handsome as the white leading man… Oh, what did he post? Why so excited?”
“It’s been nine months since his last post. I thought he was quitting the entertainment industry. Turns out, this time he posted that he’s coming to our school.”
“Our school?”
“Yes, I watched it multiple times, and it’s confirmed. He’s coming to our school. I never thought I’d see Ethan in person. I need to go home and prepare.”
“…”
Ethan was coming here? Aoife, who was taking notes, suddenly stopped, feeling a sharp pain in her chest.
Ethan coming here – did that mean his hand had healed? Aoife dared not think too much or hope to meet him. Leading separate lives was the best outcome for both of them.
Despite calling himself sloppy, Ethan still had many fans. With some promotion, many people crowded together to see the commotion.
Aoife heard more rumors about her, saying that Ethan was coming to the school just to see her. After all, they had previously collaborated on a low-budget TV drama where Aoife played the female lead, and Ethan played the unrequited love interest, the second male lead.
A makeshift stage was set up by the school staff, with posters hanging and free support items for the audience.
Ethan arrived at the school at three in the afternoon, quietly observing the crowd below, hoping to catch a glimpse of the figure that had appeared in his dreams countless times.
Although his left middle finger had healed, it still hurt on rainy days. The lost ring had not been found, so he engraved a meaningful English word on the scar on his middle finger – serendipity.
Despite losing the ring, his feelings for Aoife remained strong. She was the treasure he wanted to cherish for a lifetime.
A piano was placed on the stage, and Ethan tested the keys, playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” with one hand.
His left middle finger could never recover to its original state after being broken. It was impossible to play the piano flexibly with such an injury.
Aoife had initially planned to leave but halted upon hearing the piano. She gazed up at Ethan performing on the stage, feeling as if she had traveled back in time to three months ago, witnessing Ethan play “Wedding in a Dream” on an old piano in the square.
No matter how much she wanted to go back, it was impossible…
Sensing Aoife’s gaze, Ethan looked towards the crowd and locked eyes with her. He then proceeded to play the familiar tune of “Wedding in a Dream.”
As the song ended, the crowd dispersed.
People below were focused on the person onstage, while Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on Aoife’s figure. They exchanged glances, and Aoife, looking at Ethan smiling at her, suddenly felt as if life was but a dream that flashed by in an instant.
Ethan, who had finished playing the piano quietly, spoke into the microphone, “Stars always shine, and Ethan will always be here.”
The words seemed cryptic, but with his gentle voice and extraordinary appearance, the crowd erupted into cheers.
Only Aoife understood the true meaning behind Ethan’s words.
There were many stars in the sky, each unique and everlasting. What he meant was, “I love you like the stars in the sky, always present.”
Tears welled up in Aoife’s eyes, her face expressionless. She thought it was raining until she tasted the salty tears on her face.
She waved goodbye to Ethan on stage, a true farewell. Fate had separated them, with deep but fleeting love, destined never to be together. She wished him a bright future, everlasting happiness, and success in all endeavors.
Aoife lowered her head and disappeared into the crowd.
Ethan’s smile turned bitter as he realized that he and Aoife had ended that day. He shouldn’t have come to see her, but he couldn’t resist, needing closure with one last meeting to acknowledge their passionate love.
Aoife wandered aimlessly away from the crowd, with no classes in the afternoon. She didn’t want to go back so soon, spending some time at the library before aimlessly walking with a book until six o’clock when she left the school gates.
The school was still bustling with students at this hour. Aoife stood at the school entrance, watching the people coming and going, grouped in threes and fives. For the first time, she felt truly alone in a crowd.
Despite being surrounded by so many people, she felt a sense of solitude. Standing amidst the crowd, she was interrupted by a sudden screeching of a car horn.
“Beep-”
Startled back to reality, Aoife blinked rapidly from her dry eyes, following the sound. A familiar car appeared in her view.