To Be the Perfect Childhood Friend - Chapter 55

Anita’s leg hadn’t fully recovered, and her already calm nature made it challenging for her to keep up with the fiery and impatient Liliana. Consequently, when Anita finally reached the hall, dragged along by Liliana, she felt exhausted and wanted nothing more than to turn back.

Unlike herself, the attendees at the hall were all lined up with excited faces. While Anita waited for her line to diminish, she felt a sharp gaze from the side.

“Are only those invited allowed here?”

Anita urgently asked Liliana, pulling on her sleeve. Liliana, who was engaged in conversations with others in the line, looked at her strangely.

“Hmm? Oh, those invited? Well, for now, yes. Students on the list can naturally enter, and external guests will come in through a different entrance for identity verification, right?”

After hearing Liliana’s words, Anita glanced uncomfortably at the spot where she had felt the gaze earlier and turned her head again.

Anita’s concerns appeared unfounded. People were waiting at the hall entrance for identity verification, and with the prolonged wait, it was clear that thorough checks were in progress.

“Liliana Lifton, Anita Rodel. Both are freshmen.”

The man sitting at the entrance of the hall searched the list at Liliana’s words. After a while, he gestured for them to enter.

At that moment, Anita felt a bit relieved. No matter how persistent Charles Bennett might be, he wouldn’t go to such lengths just to get inside.

As Anita entered the hall, her eyes widened. Since the induction ceremony was held outdoors, it was her first time inside the hall. The hall at Aberdeen University was usually used for annual events, such as graduation ceremonies or fundraising activities.

From the entrance to the stage with a red carpet laid down in a straight line, to the chandeliers shaped like water droplets and adorned with jewel-like cuttings, Anita thought her outfit might look somewhat shabby.

“Lily, where have you been, exactly?”

“Sorry, sorry. Isn’t it enough that you see me now?”

“But… who’s this next to you?”

Approaching Liliana like a flamboyant peacock with feathers and a pearl necklace around her neck, a few women pretended to know Liliana. Liliana only needed to exchange greetings with them, but they kept glancing at Anita, standing next to her.

Even if their curiosity was innocent, Anita felt uneasy under their scrutinizing gazes. Seeking Liliana’s understanding, she excused herself.

The dazzling chandeliers, shimmering marble floors reflecting light, and the splendid jewels people wore strained Anita’s eyes. The commotion intensified as people flooded in through the entrance.

Anita took a step back, afraid of accidentally stepping on the long train of the woman in front of her. She focused on avoiding other people’s shoes and trailing hems, completely oblivious to what was behind her. As Anita stepped back, Anita bumped into something hard, prompting her to glance back.

“Ah, sorry.”

“…….”

Receiving no response from the person behind her, Anita turned around.

“Is it my imagination, Lately, it seems I see the back of your head a lot these days?”

She shifted her gaze from the elbow she had bumped into to the person’s face and then to the gray eyes that met hers. As their eyes connected, the woman’s eyes quickly blinked, as if attempting to identify the person in front of her.

“Did you get glasses recently?”

“Um, well, these are non-prescription glasses. I only wear them to look intellectual on important occasions.”

“…….”

“How do they look on me?”

For some reason, he hasn’t been wearing glasses these days.

Edmund asked, pushing up his glasses with his hand. The eyes visible beyond the glasses sparkled as if seeking praise like a child’s.

“Yes. It suits you well.”

He seemed to anticipate it so Anita’s words were somewhat reassuring. Edmund usually dressed casually, but today, he was wearing a dark blue suit with a pocket square.

“Oh.”

Edmund suddenly grabbed Anita’s arm. She realized she was standing in the middle of the aisle only after being pulled by Edmund. It was quite crowded, and being in the center of it all was overwhelming.

Having been in the crowded place for a while, Anita, feeling a bit dizzy, asked Edmund with a tired expression.

“When will this end?”

“…Don’t you think it’s too early to say that before it even starts?”

“…….”

In an attempt to lighten the mood, he tried to strike up a casual conversation, but when Anita didn’t respond, he seemed puzzled. Perhaps feeling a bit awkward, he received two glasses from a passing waiter.

As the red liquid swirled in the wine glasses, Anita firmly declined before he could offer her a glass.

“I’ve chosen to stop drinking alcohol since then.”

Edmund raised an eyebrow at Anita’s words.

“Alcohol? This isn’t alcohol, it’s a non-alcoholic strawberry juice?”

“…There’s no way that’s true.”

“Rodel, even if the attendees are adults, this is a formal occasion. We have to maintain decorum. What if someone drinks excessively and causes a scene? They won’t casually serve alcohol.”

While habitual liars are known for having long tongues, Anita was gradually persuaded by his words. Edmund, who usually appeared casual, seemed more trustworthy with his well-dressed attire.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Have you been living a life full of deception?”

Anita, still unable to erase her suspicions, scrutinized the glass with a doubtful expression as if searching for something. Despite not spotting any noticeable difference, she cautiously took a sip. Her expression was immediately distorted.

It had only been a few days since she made her resolution… Anita couldn’t swallow or spit out the wine in her mouth. She glared resentfully at Edmund, who was breathlessly laughing while turning away. Anita’s eyes rolled with disdain at his ridiculous behavior. She wasn’t the type to lose patience over such matters.

Perhaps Edmund found teasing Anita less amusing, as he pulled out a small booklet from his pocket and started reading, shaking with suppressed laughter. Anita wondered what he was reading in the middle of the hall but refrained from asking, sensing he was too focused. Instead, she stared intently at the back of the booklet, hoping to find some clue.

“Why, are you bored?”

Edmund, apparently catching Anita’s gaze, asked without taking his eyes off the booklet.

“Well, I’m not that curious.”

“Your face says you’re so curious you might die.”

“…….”

Anita playfully brushed her face. Of course, it was impossible to know what expression her actions were making.

“So, what are you reading?”