Chapter 554
Chapter 554:
By the fourth day, the bruises on Bonita’s face had faded, leaving only a faint wound on her forehead, easily concealed with a band-aid. She checked out of the hotel and insisted on covering the bill herself.
Soon, final exams came and went, quickly followed by the start of the break.
On the first day of the holiday, Sloane organized a gathering with friends. Levi mentioned that Neal hadn’t been around campus recently, prompting Sloane to invite Bonita along as well.
Fernanda led the group to the restaurant she had dined at with Evie. With a table brimming with delicious food, everyone was enjoying themselves.
Midway through the meal, Levi received a call from Neal. “Where are you guys?” Neal asked.
Levi, in high spirits, enthusiastically praised the food there and invited him to join.
Neal happened to be nearby and agreed without hesitation.
It wasn’t until Levi hung up that he suddenly remembered Bonita’s presence.
“Ah… uh…” Levi stammered, his enthusiasm faltering. “Sorry, Bonita, I forgot you were here.”
Bonita smiled gently, masking her unease. “It’s fine. It’ll be nice to see Neal.”
Outwardly composed, Bonita’s emotions churned beneath the surface. Her recent online interactions with Neal had been going well. They’d been chatting more often, their conversations peppered with playful, flirtatious banter.
Even though she knew Neal’s flirtation often carried little weight—just the casual charm of a streamer—she couldn’t help but blush and grin when they talked, feeling as if they were an actual couple. But she hadn’t expected to see him in person again so soon.
Neal arrived shortly after, looking rumpled and half-asleep.
He slouched into the chair next to Levi, offering a quick glance at Bonita, who was intent on her plate, before turning his attention elsewhere. “Everyone got your tickets home?” he asked lazily.
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“Yep,” Levi replied. “Alex and I are leaving this afternoon, and Gifford’s heading out tomorrow. What about you, Neal? Going home?”
“Nope,” Neal answered casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Bonita’s ears perked up. He wasn’t going home?
What a coincidence—neither was she.
Still, curiosity gnawed at her. Why wasn’t he going?
She resolved to ask him subtly online later.
As the meal progressed, the atmosphere grew more festive. Levi encouraged everyone to have a drink, handing out bottles with a grin. When he placed a drink in front of Bonita, she hesitated. Alcohol wasn’t her strong suit.
.
.
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