Semua Bab The Quiet Was Final: Bab 1 - Bab 10

"Except this time, I'm one step ahead of you."He flipped open the box, and there it was, a silver-white necklace with a pendant that was understated yet chic. It was totally my vibe."Our one-month," he said, a smile playing on his lips, his tone all warm and fuzzy.I blinked, caught off guard, and stepped back a little. "This... You didn't have to.""Why not?" He closed the gap between us, his voice a soft rumble as he said, "Imagine us at tomorrow's class party, rocking matching necklaces. It'll look awesome. Let's show them we're an item."I parted my lips, words teetering on the edge.He caught my hesitation and let out a chuckle. "I get it. I can't splash out on something fancy... It's just a token. You won't hold it against me, right?"He paused, his words hanging like a vow in the air. "One day, I'll get you the real deal."Before I could protest, he slipped behind me and clasped the necklace around my neck, his fingers lightly brushing my collarbone.I looked down, my

I lifted my head slowly, my gaze icy as I asked him point-blank for the first time, "Do you actually like me?"He paused, taken aback. Then, he broke into a smile. "Of course I like you, you goof."That night, he steadied me, his care feigned as he tucked my drunken body into bed, cooing softly."Sleep tight. You need to be up early tomorrow."Soon after, the door clicked shut.Time passed, and then the door swung open again. A few boys' snickers slithered through the gap. "Where is she? In here? Don't worry, we've got this covered."The following day, the school auditorium was filled to the brim.The presentations from top-tier universities were about to start, and the whole school, including many parents who had come especially for the occasion, was abuzz with anticipation.Someone scanned the room, puzzled. "Where's Tessa? She's one of our stars, and I've heard top universities around the world are fighting over her!"In the crowd, Jocelyn stood with her arms crossed, a smu

The tech guy said, "Looks like they're still on the remote end, and they've just sent us a live video call request."The cop gave a dismissive snort. "Pretty bold. Let's take the call! I'm curious to see who's behind this."Jocelyn's face twisted with desperation. "Officer, you've got to catch her! Don't let her slip away!"The next second, the video was live.The high-def feed showed up on the big screen in the hall.There I was, standing in the airport lounge in a plain white dress, a suitcase by my side, and the flight info scrolling behind me.I looked right at them through the camera, a slow smile spreading across my lips, and gave a casual wave. "Bet you didn't see this coming, huh?"The room went wild."Tessa?! She's behind all this from the airport?!""No way! She set this up ahead of time!"Jocelyn went white as a ghost, pointing at the screen, her voice filled with rage as she shouted, "I knew it was you! You're behind all this trouble! I wasn't wrong about you, was

The room went silent. Everyone was caught off guard.I lifted my hand, signaling to the tech crew. "Can you pull up the original video file we just watched? Zoom in on that part, please."The big screen flicked to life again.The video slowed to a crawl, crystal clear.People crowded forward, squinting at the screen, until someone let out a surprised yelp. "Whoa, hold up! Something's definitely off here.""The movements are all jerky...and the skin texture's way off...""Looks like some kind of computer animation, doesn't it?"I kept my voice steady as I explained, "That's a dynamic animation model I created. I used a game engine I got to know back when I was dabbling in game design. It's been tweaked a bit, with algorithms to make a simulated video. Sorry for the mix-up at today's meeting."However, if I hadn't stepped in with my own broadcast…" I paused, my eyes locking on Jocelyn. "Well, the footage you'd be watching would've been of the actual me."The crowd inhaled sharpl

"I used to see you topping the class and thought you were just a nerd, buried in books, clueless about life's subtler points."However, once I really got to know you, I realized you're a blast to be around, super smart, and just plain fun."He gave a wry smile. "I knew you had been keeping tabs on me back then. Every time I hit the court, you'd act like you were just walking by, but I caught you every time."I played my heart out because I knew you'd be there, showing off on purpose, hoping you'd notice me... I had cared about you in secret for a long while."He inhaled deeply, his gaze falling. "I didn't come here to beg you to take me back."I never deserved you, not really. That month we had was a gift, a chance you had given me. The fact that you liked me at all was the luckiest break I've ever had."And now, I'm even less deserving."He finished speaking and slowly reached out, opening his hand.I looked down to see a tiny ring: the custom ring I had lost at his place a ye