Chapter 370
I was somewhat shocked that Hayden agreed so quickly, but honestly, it only intensified my heartache. He clearly wasn't enthusiastic, doing it solely because Yuna wanted him to.
Yuna, as if fearing Hayden might change his mind, immediately pulled out her phone and began filling out the organ donation form. Watching her focused concentration, I realized how much light and positivity this girl possessed. Her spirit was truly admirable.
"Hayden, let's do it too," I blurted out before I could stop myself.
Both Yuna and Hayden froze, their eyes fixed on me. "Keira?" Yuna asked, concern lacing her voice.
"Okay," Hayden replied without hesitation, producing his phone.
Yuna glanced between us, a mixture of excitement and worry evident on her face. It's curious how we can make momentous personal decisions without flinching, yet hesitate when it involves someone we care for.
Still, Yuna didn't dissuade us. Instead, she grinned, transforming her worry into playful banter. "Alright, we'll do this together. But let's hope none of us need these forms for, like, the next hundred years."
Her joke instantly lightened the mood, prompting laughter from both Hayden and me. I couldn't resist teasing her. "So all that talk about selfless love was just for show, huh? Not as profound as you made it sound?"
Yuna laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Keira! You're supposed to be clever enough to see through me, but polite enough not to say it aloud! Right, Hayden?"
The heavy atmosphere shifted to something far lighter—almost fun.
"Let's toast," Yuna said, raising her boba tea as if it were champagne. "To being good people and staying safe and healthy."
Hayden and I raised our drinks, clinking them against hers.
"Mmm, so sweet," Yuna sighed, taking a sip, a smile spreading across her face.
Watching her find joy in something so simple made my heart swell. I silently prayed for her surgery's success and a long, healthy life for her.
Later, Hayden prepared a wonderful meal for Yuna. We intended to stay and eat with her, but Yuna waved us off with a grin.
"Don't stay! If you eat with me now, you'll ruin your dinner later. What a waste!" she said with a playful smile that only enhanced her adorableness.
"Go have your dinner. I've been eating alone for years; I'm totally used to it," she added casually. But her words resonated deeply.
It struck me just how lonely she must have been, even surrounded by people. It mirrored my feelings after losing my parents. No matter how busy the Johnston household was, a part of me always felt incomplete.
Hayden and I left to meet Ron at the restaurant. He was quiet during the entire ride, clearly lost in thought. I knew Yuna's decision weighed heavily on him, even though he'd agreed.
"Why'd you say yes if you didn't want to?" I asked as we approached the restaurant. "If you said no, I don't think Yuna would have pressed the issue."
Hayden stared ahead. "I had no reason to say no. Why should she be allowed to receive a donation but not give one if it comes to that? It's only fair."
His words were imbued with his characteristic logic and belief in reciprocity.
I understood. I reached over, squeezing his hand. He looked at me, and we shared a small smile—no words were needed.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I saw the familiar logo and sighed. "Mr. Shane invited us to dinner at one of the fanciest spots in town. Think it's a setup?"
Hayden chuckled. "Kiki, you always expect the worst."
"Or," I teased with a smirk, "maybe I just like the perks of rolling with a VIP," hinting at his secret identity.
"Maybe," Hayden retorted with his own smirk, playing along.
I'd stopped expecting him to reveal his true identity. If he wished to continue this game, I'd play along.
Ron hadn't mentioned a room number, but at places like this, you simply state the host's name, and the staff handles the rest.
Sure enough, Hayden mentioned Ron's name, and the staff escorted us to a private room.
Before we could knock, Ron opened the door, as if possessing some sixth sense. "Come in," he greeted, smiling broadly.
The room was enormous, with an elegant round table in the center. But the oddity? Ron was sitting there… alone. As I looked at the extravagant table setting, my first thought was: 'What a waste.'