Chapter 6

Before Claire could even utter a word, the roommate beside them chimed in with righteous indignation, "I was wondering why you were being so generous all of a sudden, giving away a scarf you knitted so easily. Turns out, you dumped something on it!

"Spill it! What did you sprinkle on this scarf when we weren't looking? Were you trying to hurt Shirley on purpose?"

Faced with this barrage of accusations, Claire didn't rush to explain herself. Instead, she put down her packing box, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number.

The roommate grabbed her arm. "What are you doing? Don't play dumb and ignore us!"

Claire finally raised her eyes, her expression completely calm. "I'm calling an ambulance. Since you're all so worried about Shirley, let's just have the paramedics come over and see what's actually on this scarf."

Shirley's expression shifted instantly, and she quickly interjected in a panic, "I'm fine. It... was probably just too painful when it brushed against the open wound. I must have misunderstood..."

Everyone froze, caught off guard.

Floyd knitted his brows, looking at her. "Shirley, are you really okay?"

"Yeah..." Shirley forced a frail, pitiful smile. "I just made a mountain out of a molehill and made everyone misunderstand Claire."

Her words instantly plunged the room into an awkward silence. Looking awkwardly at Claire, Floyd slowly released his grip on her arm, whispering, "Sorry."

In all the time they had known each other, this was the second time Floyd had ever apologized to Claire. The first time was when Floyd lost a textbook, and his classmates claimed that the only person who had been near his desk was Claire, who had dropped something off.

It was only after Claire insisted the teacher pull up the security footage that they discovered a girl who had a crush on Floyd had stolen it.

Back then, Floyd had offered a quiet "Sorry."

How had Claire reacted that day? Floyd remembered clearly. With tears brimming in her eyes, the girl had forced a smile and teased, "I don't want your apology. If you really feel guilty, why don't you marry me instead?"

Floyd half-expected Claire to make another shameless remark like that in front of everyone today. Yet she merely picked up her box from the floor and replied indifferently, "It's fine."

Floyd stood frozen. Before he could process it, she had already turned on her heels and walked away. He stared blankly as her silhouette vanished down the end of the hallway, feeling a sudden, strange sensation that something fundamental had shifted.

That evening was the senior class's graduation party.

Claire hadn't planned on going, but after her classmates practically begged her, she eventually agreed, realizing that since she was leaving for Farrowdene tomorrow, she had no idea when she would ever see them again.

However, when she arrived at the lounge, she was surprised to find students from Floyd's class there as well.

Claire's desk mate pulled her over excitedly. "How about that? Glad you came, right? We bumped into Floyd's class at the entrance, so we decided to pool our money together for a massive VIP room. Seize your last chance, girl!"

Claire sat down, absentmindedly sipping her water until someone asked about her scores.

"I don't know," she answered honestly.

The scores for the top 20 students statewide were locked in the system, hiding their exact numbers. But based on the attitude of the admissions officers from top universities who had called her and the hint from her academic counselor, she was almost certainly this year's top scorer.

Everyone fell silent at her answer, until a sharp burst of laughter erupted behind them. Turning around, Claire saw the girl sitting beside Shirley.

Her eyes were filled with pure mockery. "What's that supposed to mean, Claire? The scores were published yesterday. The only people who don't know their scores yet are the top 20 students of the state, like Floyd. Are you trying to tell us you are among them?"

Laughter rippled across the students from the AP class.

Shirley held back a smirk and spoke up. "Alright, guys, stop messing with her. Maybe she is just nervous and hasn't dared to check her scores yet?"

She then turned to Claire with feigned concern. "Honestly, Claire, you don't have to be afraid. In the worst case scenario, you can just retake the exam, right?"

The surrounding laughter grew even louder, but Claire didn't bother explaining anything. Unless something went wrong, the school would issue an official announcement tomorrow, celebrating her as this year's top scorer.

By then, the truth would speak for itself.

Oblivious, Claire's classmates regretted bringing up the topic and hurriedly called for drinks to divert the subject. Most of them were already adults, and with finals finally over, letting loose with a few drinks was harmless.

However, as the alcohol flowed and the reality of farewells set in, emotions began to run high. It was especially true for the sports team captain in Claire's class, who had harbored a crush on her for years.

Intoxicated, he shoved a drink in front of Claire. "Claire, I know you don't like me, but I've liked you for three whole years. You have to drink this with me today."

As the crowd cheered him on, Claire found herself in an awkward position. Unable to decline, she reached out to pick up the glass.

Before her fingers could touch it, a well-defined hand reached out from behind her and pressed down on her glass. She turned her head, meeting Floyd's handsome yet gloomy face under the flashy lights.

"You're allergic to alcohol," he barked coldly. "Claire, have you lost your mind?"

A sudden hush fell over the room, leaving only the music playing from the speakers. Everyone watched in dumbfounded silence as Floyd picked up the glass and faced the sports captain with a blank expression.

"I'll drink it for her."