Chapter 92

That night, while Hansel worked on his accumulated tasks, Calvin called. "Hans, we haven't seen each other in a while. Shall we grab a drink?"

"Sure," Hansel replied.

He left his study, changed his clothes, and went outside, only to find Ingrid at the front door. Their eyes met, surprising them both.

"Why did you come back?" and "Dear, are you on your way out?" they asked simultaneously.

"Yes," Hansel answered.

Ingrid bit her lip. "Then… did I arrive at a bad time?"

Hansel remained silent.

"I came after class," she stammered, "I didn't skip. You were…rough last night, and I'm… uncomfortable. I'm afraid to go to the pharmacy; I'm scared people will tease me. I remembered we have some anti-inflammatory ointment in the first-aid kit, so I came…" She feared he'd think she was bothering him.

After a long pause, she gritted her teeth and started toward the gate. "I'll go back to school!"

As she took a couple of steps, Hansel said, "Come here."

A smile flickered across Ingrid's lips before she suppressed it, turning to him. "Dear…"

Hansel retrieved the first-aid kit and examined the ointments. "These won't work," he said, reading the instructions. "They're not suitable for that."

Ingrid's eyes welled up. "Then what should we do? Should I go to the pharmacy? But… how can I even say that…" She was mortified.

Hansel sighed and stood. "Come on, I'll take you to the hospital."

"There's no need… I don't want to inconvenience you…"

Hansel picked up his car keys. "It's nothing important. Calvin just invited me for a drink; I can go a little later."

"After the doctor, can I still go with you?"

"Sure."

Chapter 92

Ingrid's face was as red as an apple as she left the hospital.

"Sorry," Hansel said.

"It's alright," Ingrid replied, her eyes sparkling with innocent naiveté. "I…liked it. As long as it's with you, everything is enjoyable."

Hansel was captivated by her nonchalance, especially considering he'd mistaken her for someone else. He couldn't bear to imagine her reaction to a breakup.

"Get in," he said, opening the car door.

"Huh?" Ingrid asked, dazed. "Where are we going?"

"Didn't you want to come with me to see Calvin?"

"Oh," she said, nodding and getting into the car.

In the lively private room, heavy metal music blared. Calvin raised his glass, singing along, lost in his own world.

Zach kicked him. "Cut it out. Don't do that in front of me; it's disgusting."

"You should try these new disco moves I learned!"

"No way, I'm not that shameless," Zach said, recoiling. "Where's Hans? You called him, right? Why isn't he here yet?"

"I don't know. He said he'd come," Calvin replied.

Zach paused. "Did you invite Sam, too?"

"Yes."

"You're nuts!"

Everyone knew Hansel and Sam were estranged, yet Calvin had invited them both. Was he suicidal?

"Think I'm stupid?" Calvin snorted. "Sam said no, that's why I called Hans. Speaking of the devil… he's here."

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