“Could it be Tiffany?”

That day, he was severely injured and barely escaped. In a dazed state, he sensed someone saving him. Struggling to open his eyes, he saw a partially obscured face, but its eyes—bright as stars—stood out clearly.

Kenneth’s heart sank. Given Tiffany’s hatred and distaste for him, she wouldn't risk facing those assailants to rescue him.

“What about Melody?” he thought. That familiar figure and those eyes were unmistakably the same he’d seen in his memories.

Lost in thought, he suddenly noticed a pair of hands waving before his face. “Kenneth, what’s wrong? You’ve spaced out several times today,” Melody said.

“I’m fine,” Kenneth said softly, forcing a smile. “You can’t risk yourself for me anymore. Next time, if something like this happens, you must avoid it. Do you understand?”

“And that night I was injured, I was being hunted. Saving me was dangerous—you know those people were desperate criminals.” His worried gaze shifted toward Melody.

His words were a roundabout way of probing her. He wanted to know how Melody, barely capable of defending herself, had saved him from those assailants.

However, Melody smiled brightly, her eyes curving with joy, stars seemingly dancing within them. “Even if I had to do it all over again, I’d still make the same choice. Before or now. Even knowing I’d be overmatched, I still wouldn’t want to see you hurt.” Her words were clear, sincere, with a hint of shyness in her smile. She’d laid her feelings bare.

Kenneth was momentarily surprised, then overwhelmed by joy. Of course. Just as this time—when danger struck, her instinct was to protect him. That action alone spoke volumes. He realized there was no reason to doubt her.

Kenneth scolded himself inwardly, then gently helped Melody to her feet. Under the bright sun, they gazed at each other with deep affection. The scene radiated harmony.

Some envied them, others sighed, and some quietly felt sorry for Tiffany. She’d been pursuing Kenneth since she was twelve or thirteen—at least five or six years. She endured countless embarrassing moments, from her first stirrings of love to becoming his fiancée. Yet, it all seemed futile, overshadowed by Melody’s mere days of presence.

While others felt sympathy, Zoe seethed with anger.

“Kenneth Harper, you absolute jerk! You are making me sick! What a special breed of utter foolishness! It’s infuriating!” she thought. [The sentence about finding novels online is irrelevant and has been removed.]

Feeling thoroughly annoyed, Zoe remarked sarcastically, “If Mr. Harper is still so tough, then could you please show a bit of responsibility? It’s ridiculous to be all lovey-dovey with someone while letting your family pressure Tiffany into acknowledging the marriage. Don’t you think that’s pretty pathetic?”

Kenneth frowned instantly. “What do you mean, pressuring her to acknowledge the marriage?”

“Oh, you don’t know? Just yesterday, Tiffany was forcefully invited to your house and pressured to choose a wedding date,” she replied.

“What?” He hadn’t known, and no one had mentioned it.

Kenneth turned his questioning gaze toward Tiffany. Some things were better expressed openly.

Tiffany leaned against a tree trunk, closing her eyes, and replied casually, “Could you please explain things to your grandfather?”

Kenneth fell silent. “I understand…” The implications were significant.

While others eagerly watched the drama unfold, Melody stepped back in shock. “You… you all…” Her disbelief was evident; her eyes quickly filled with tears. “So you already had an engagement? I’m so sorry; it was my mistake. I shouldn’t have shown up.” She turned and ran.

Kenneth panicked and hurried after her. The two quickly vanished from sight.

Zoe clapped her hands. “I’m utterly amazed! How well they act! I admire that!”

Tiffany gave her a bemused glance and waved her hand. “Stop staring and let’s go.” She liked the place, but the crowd spoiled it.

Tiffany led Zoe and Ged away, continuing to explore the village. The others watched, apprehensive and wanting to follow.

Though reluctant, they admitted they’d feel safer with Tiffany. No matter the danger, she could handle it. However, they weren’t welcome. They exchanged glances, realizing they lacked the courage to approach her.

The village, known for its beautiful scenery, attracted many visitors. Farmhouses offered food and drink. It wasn’t until three in the afternoon that everyone gathered to board the bus for the return trip.

The excited chatter on the bus was relentless. Tiffany settled into her seat, yawning lazily. She pulled down her cap, closed her eyes, and drifted into a light sleep.

The bus remained parked for about ten minutes. Everyone was on board except Kenneth and Melody. “Where did they go? Are they coming back?” someone wondered aloud.

No one answered, and some impatient people began urging, “Come on, maybe they’re just enjoying the scenery together in the mountains. Why are we worrying? Let’s go, let’s go.”

Waiting wasn’t an option. The driver decided to leave, planning to arrange another vehicle to pick them up later.

Kenneth and Melody finally arrived. “Sorry for the wait,” they said, hurrying onto the bus.

When they saw them return, someone teased mischievously, “Oh, did you two make up? Are you done throwing tantrums?”

Melody blushed. “I’m sorry for holding everyone up…”

Kenneth laughed. “They won’t blame you. Come on, take a seat.”

The others dared not say anything further. Given Kenneth’s status, they had to give him face. The matter was brushed aside amidst laughter and teasing.

The bus started moving. After navigating two winding mountain roads, it was about to cross a stone bridge when a loud bang echoed, and both tires burst simultaneously.

The sudden noise startled everyone; the bus tilted slightly, and most passengers screamed. “What the hell just happened? What was that sound?”

“Did we get a flat tire? How could this happen all of a sudden?”

The startled driver quickly pulled the handbrake and got out. He discovered that both tires had been pierced by sharp triangular spikes.

He thought, How could something like this be on the road? Is this some prank? He quickly called to report the situation.

The school hadn’t expected this. Given the long distance, sending another bus would take until dark. They arranged a dozen small vehicles to pick up the students.

The vehicles arrived quickly, but there weren’t enough for everyone, leaving nine students behind.

The driver said, “You all wait here. I’ll take them back to the main road and then return to pick you up.”

Tiffany, Zoe, Ged, Kenneth, Melody, and four classmates had no choice but to wait.

Melody seemed scared, clinging tightly to Kenneth’s arm. “Do you think something will happen?”

“Don’t worry,” he reassured her. “I’ll have my driver come and get us.” He pulled out his phone, but the signal was disrupted. He thought, What is going on here?

Kenneth was stunned, unaware of the scheming glint in Melody’s eyes.