The next day, Bonnie emerged from the dormitory with dark circles under her eyes. She hadn't slept most of the night and could barely open them. It was her own fault for watching a horror movie; she was so terrified she couldn't even go to the bathroom. If Yvette hadn't returned, she might have held it all night. She swore she'd never watch another horror movie—it was too torturous.

So tired she could have fallen asleep walking, Bonnie moved purely by instinct. Her head bumped something soft, fleshy, small, and springy. She felt around, trying to figure out what it was, oblivious to Andrew's stiffening face.

"Bonnie," Andrew said, "if you want to take advantage of me, just say so. No need to beat around the bush. You could have just asked."

Bonnie was instantly awake. She looked up, jumped back three feet, and thought, Where did Andrew come from? Did I bump into him? What did I just touch? She stole a glance and noticed two conspicuous red marks on Andrew's chest. "Oh my god, what did I feel?" Bonnie's face turned bright red.

Andrew wanted to tease her, but seeing her head nearly touch the ground, he felt embarrassed too. After all, no girl had ever touched that part before.

They stood under the tree, silent and avoiding eye contact. Finally, Andrew spoke, prompting Bonnie to look up. "Come on, it's no big deal. You're usually so confident. You touched me, and I didn't say anything. Why so embarrassed?"

Bonnie looked like a startled cat. "I'm not embarrassed! I wasn't fully awake! What's it got to do with you? Hmph."

For once, Andrew didn't argue. "Okay, let's just say you were waking up. You're fully awake now, right?"

Bonnie nodded, her face still red. "What's up? Why are you here so early? Don't you have class?"

Andrew had something important to do. Jeremiah had received orders early that morning and left for Southeast Aploth on a military plane, with no time to pack. Jeremiah hadn't specified the mission, but Andrew suspected it was significant. A rushed dispatch suggested a national matter. He dared not ask; military personnel like his father and Jeremiah treated such things as confidential. He didn't even know how many missions his father had undertaken over the years. Before leaving, Jeremiah had written a note for Yvette and asked Andrew to deliver it.

Andrew was speechless. What era is this? Can't he send a text? Why do I have to deliver it myself? Men in love are crazy. No, this looks like unrequited love. Older men in unrequited love are even crazier. It's just the pits! he thought.

He'd woken early, skipped breakfast, to wait for Yvette. Instead, the unreliable Bonnie appeared, carrying orange juice and sandwiches from the cafeteria.

The campus paths bustled with people. Andrew spotted Yvette immediately; her striking appearance made her hard to miss. "Yvette, over here!"

Yvette saw Andrew and Bonnie, pausing before approaching. "You're here! What's up?"

Andrew handed her Jeremiah's note without delay. Yvette frowned, not understanding his intentions. Jeremiah was here, but a note?

"Jeremiah asked me to give this to you," Andrew explained. "He left for a mission this morning and isn't sure when he'll be back."

Yvette glanced at the note: "Something urgent came up. Wait for me, and we'll have quiche together. Call me if you need anything." A phone number followed. She memorized it instantly. "Got it."

She looked at the sleepy Bonnie and the bewildered Andrew, then handed over her bag of food. Andrew was flattered. Bonnie didn't react; Yvette often brought her breakfast after morning exercise.

"For me?" Andrew asked, unsure.

Yvette kicked a pebble, giving Andrew a look that clearly said, Is this guy out of his mind? Look at this fool.

Andrew realized he was the fool and chuckled awkwardly. "Ms. Zeller, I'm so touched… You're sharing your food with me? How generous!"

Bonnie, munching on her sandwich, watched Andrew's performance. Why do those two always hang out together? Look at Top Dog—classy and subtle. You can tell he's got substance. Then look at this guy… a total airhead. What a difference, she mused.

After they parted, Yvette and Bonnie went to class. Andrew, with Jeremiah absent, felt no inclination to be a librarian, booking a flight back to Betrico. A big bed, sports car, fine wine… Andrew’s back, baby, haha… he thought.

His happiness was short-lived; a message from Jeremiah ordered him to remain on standby as a librarian in Seacrity. Andrew plummeted from heaven to hell, resigning himself to packing and returning to his library cabin.

Invitations to Argrol University's Art Festival had arrived—four per department. In the physics classroom, Ryan took one, signing up for chess. Of the remaining three, Yvette's lay untouched. One student signed up for piano, another for calligraphy, leaving painting—Winona's forte—unclaimed.

News of Yvette's participation sparked secret betting pools. The odds heavily favored Winona (ten to one). With the festival three days away, betting was intense, mostly against Yvette.

"What a joke," people said. "Winona's been a painting prodigy since she was little and won countless awards. Mr. Griffin is set to take her as his apprentice. Who would be dumb enough to bet on Yvette? That's just asking to lose."

A few from other departments bet on Yvette, likely for the small stakes. Jolin, however, bet all his savings, much to the amusement of others.

Bonnie, finishing her sandwich and orange juice, told Yvette, "Yve, there's a rehearsal for today's Art Festival opening ceremony. Everyone participating needs to attend. I heard the rules have changed this year."

Yvette twirled her pen, distracted. Jeremiah went to Southeast Aploth today, and Eagle King rushed over there yesterday. Those two… she thought.