Serenity looked up, and their eyes met. His eyes were like the eyes of a phoenix – narrow and deep with slightly raised tails. When those eyes stared at someone intently, they're capable of stirring the target's heart.

For some reason, Serenity's nose felt a bit stuffy; it could be because he was the "Luke" from her childhood, or it could be because he wanted to share her pain.

Before this, she had always endured her pain alone. This time, someone was there with her.

"Don't be too good to me, Lucas. I'm not worth it," she murmured. She knew she couldn't repay his kindness.

"That's up to me to decide," he replied. "Even if it hurts, I believe it's worth it."

She stared at him in a daze. There was an inexplicable sensation in her chest.

After driving Serenity home, Lucas gazed at her back as she vanished from sight before lowering his head to inspect the band-aid on his right arm.

"Serenity..." he whispered her name. Then, he pressed his lips tenderly on the band-aid.

No woma