Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Eat. I made it.

Lina stared at the lunchbox in front of her.

An exquisite container emitted a faint, pleasant aroma.

Blink. Blink.

Linas head tilted upward.

Ian Blackangers.

He was looking at her expressionlessly.

As if that was supposed to be a cool expression.

But now Lina knew.

He must have shown such kindness to others, whether yesterday or today. And that kindness had a purpose.

Lina always maintained her kindness.

It was both her nature and the expectation of others, the framework that surrounded her.

Regardless of the other persons actions, she had the warmth and gentleness to treat them kindly.

But despite being that way, Ians appearance suddenly angered her.

I had some expectations, even if they were small.

It was different for him.

It wasnt a big emotion, but there was a tiny, subtle curiosity that was different from the anticipation she felt toward others.

A fluttering feeling that it was somehow different from the others.

What trampled on that was none other than Ians attitude.

And now, seeing him shamelessly offering a lunchbox, anger welled up within her.

Linas face flushed lightly.

Warm rosy cheeks.

For the first time in a long while, her anger at Ian momentarily surprised even herself, and she bit her lower lip.

Is it because Ive been too nice that he sees me as easy?

That was the reason.

A hairline crack appeared in Linas kindness, as small as the expectations she had for Ian.

Unconsciously, she directed her frustration at Ian.

Are you giving me this lunchbox to eat?

Yeah.

Why?

The question was cut off in single syllables so coldly that even Lina herself was embarrassed.

.Huh?

Ian stupidly asked.

His stupidity seemed to mock her, fueling her anger even more.

Why are you giving it to me?

Ian Blackangers acting, which was supposed to be cool, was immediately shattered.nove(l)bi(n.)com

The guy started stuttering.

Thisthis is. Well. I, Im alone. That, I-I had leftovers.

Oh, I see. Youre alone making it. Did you want to take care of others from a different class like you did for me?

No. Its not that. The lunchbox is only for you.

Ah. This lunchbox is only for me?

Lina smiled habitually.

But the corners of her lips trembled.

Thats really an honor. But why me?

Um?

Why me?

Well, thats. Its just that, somehow, I found out that your family situation is difficult. So, I wanted to take care of you a little.

To take care of her.

Normally, she would have felt grateful for the good intention.

But why did he have to do it in such a way?

Ha!

Her insides boiled.

Irritation surged.

For some reason, she felt these emotions for the first time.

And so, words just burst out.

Do you think Im a beggar?

Oh, no its not like that.

Then what is it? Why are you giving me this?

That, um. Because you looked hungry.

Ian was visibly embarrassed.

It was infinitely pathetic.

Lina grabbed the offered lunchbox.

Aha, I see. Youre just pitying me.

Ah.

Well, friends can take care of each other like this, right? Isnt that so?

Uh, yeah. Because were friends.

Friends.

He came here in person today to confess.

She could tell by looking at his attitude.

Lina could tell. Thats why she deliberately laughed.

Ah~ Sorry, hahaha! I think I misunderstood a little. Were you trying to confess to me by any chance?

Friends wouldnt do that, right?

Yes.

Thats right. Thanks, Ian. Ill gladly accept your sympathy.

He betrayed you. What about your will? Do you think he can be your savior?

Come to think of it, she originally disliked Ian.

She loathed him.

Lets get rid of him.

She nodded in agreement with the whispers.

He seemed to be a suitable target.

Lina woke up from her thoughts.

She looked around.

Everything was pitch black.

It was still the space inside her consciousness.

Then she realized.

What she just experienced was like a near-death experience.

The emotions settled as if it were a lie.

In the end, I didnt want to be kind.

Being kind to herself was too difficult.

She had suppressed various dark emotions within her heart.

Ian had pierced through it, and they burst out.

All the emotions poured out towards him, even those he hadnt stirred up.

In this process, she listened to the whispers.

The result was this situation.

She lost her reason due to hatred towards Ian.

She succumbed to the whispers, and perhaps she was about to die soon.

Ah

Ian was just the first badly fastened button.

If only she had been more honest when he confessed for the first time,

I appreciate this, but I cant accept your feelings.

It could have been resolved more honestly.

In the end, Lina herself was cowardly.

She needed the items Ian gave her, she needed the lunchbox, and she needed him to take care of her.

So, unable to express it verbally, she stored it deeply within her heart.

That became a small hole in her chest, and through that hole, all the previously unexpressed negative emotions burst out.

Even if she hated Ian.

Linas reaction to him pouring out her emotions was excessive.

If you think about it.

She realized it.

Ultimately, it was because Ian BlackangERs seemed kinder than her, perhaps a bit more approachable.

Wake up, Lina Rosewell.

Ians voice faintly echoed.

Was it from outside her consciousness?

Suddenly, tears flowed from Linas eyes.

I want to live.

She didnt want to die like this.

She wanted to go outside and be more honest now.

So, she wanted to talk to Ian first.

Im sorry.

Taking for granted what he did for her, ignoring only him among many people, and pouring out hatred and attacks on him alone.

So, she apologized.

It seemed her mind was getting strange or weird sounds were heard, or something felt wrong.

But there was no need for such excuses; she knew it was all because the things she had stored in her heart became stronger.

Im like trash.

Because she was a fool who only pretended to be nice to fool others.

After all, she was a piece of trash who took out her anger on Ian, who was nicer.

She wasnt just a person who was always kind.

Ive always wanted it

She always wished for someone to scold her, correct her, and firmly point it out.

So.

I should have not been just foolishly kind.

Now she knew, and thats why she wanted to apologize.

Sincerely.

Im sorry, Ian. Im sorry.

And she would probably have to face the consequences.

Because she was no longer the kind Lina Rosewell.

Come on, scold me.

She had done something wrong, so she needed a painful punishment.

Linas eyes were filled with tears.

Please save me just this once.

Then she leaned on Ian again.

It was really shameless, as she thought.

However, if that wish reached someone.

The surroundings began to brighten, as if a ray of light was falling into the deep sea.

As if being pulled up by a fishing hook,

Linas consciousness slowly surfaced.

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