Late into the night, the ambiance in Edward's room was tranquil, with only the soft glow of the lampshade illuminating Max's workspace. Textbooks on architecture were scattered across the desk as Max diligently typed away at his thesis, his tired eyes straining to stay focused. Nearby, the remnants of their earlier ham feast lay abandoned on the floor, plates bearing the traces of their culinary indulgence.
Carlo, still awake for reasons unknown, observed Max as he massaged his tired neck. Concern etched on his face, Carlo inquired, "Hey, Max, are you okay?"
Max met Carlo's gaze and sighed deeply, fatigue evident in his eyes. "It's just that without that book, finishing my thesis feels impossible," Max confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.
Carlo nodded in understanding, his curiosity piqued by a mischievous glimmer in Max's eyes. "You've been awake this whole time, haven't you?" Max asked, a playful tone creeping into his voice.
Startled by the question, Carlo sat up abruptly. "Huh?" he responded, caught off guard by Max's teasing inquiry.
Max's smile broadened as he continued his friendly banter. "Come on, Carlo, I can tell. You've fallen for Honey at first sight, haven't you?" Max teased, his playful demeanor on full display.
Carlo's surprise turned into a brief moment of denial as he rolled over on the floor, attempting to brush off Max's insinuation. "No, it's nothing like that," Carlo insisted, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his voice.
Max, always observant, persisted in his line of questioning. "Then why were you awake, unable to sleep? Thinking about her, perhaps?" Max prodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Carlo conceded, his voice betraying a touch of admission. "Alright, maybe I am," he confessed, recalling his encounter with Honey by the pond earlier that day. "There was something about her, a certain air that intrigued me," he mused. "But I couldn't bring myself to talk to her today, and I wonder what her voice sounds like," Carlo pondered aloud.
Max, ever the optimist, reassured Carlo. "Don't worry, Carlo. You'll have another chance to talk to her," Max encouraged, his tone filled with playful confidence. "I'll even laugh if you can't muster the courage before we graduate," he added, lightening the mood.
Carlo chuckled at Max's jest, finding solace in the camaraderie of their friendship. He settled back onto the floor, preparing to embrace the embrace of slumber. Meanwhile, Max refocused his attention on his thesis, resuming his diligent work.
As Carlo began to drift into sleep, his hand reached into his pocket and retrieved a small item. It was the button that Honey had given him earlier. Gazing at the button, a gentle smile crept across Carlo's face, as if he held a secret treasure. In the quiet stillness of the room, he felt something stir within him—an inexplicable connection to the girl who had captured his attention. With the button nestled in his palm, Carlo allowed himself to surrender to the peaceful embrace of sleep, dreams of possibility and newfound courage guiding his restless mind.
The following morning, Evie embarked on her quest once again, this time stepping into a different used bookstore that held the promise of hidden treasures. The early sunlight cast a warm glow on the shelves, illuminating the rows of books that lined the walls. Evie's heart fluttered with anticipation as she entered, her determination undeterred by the previous day's disappointment.
With a determined stride, Evie explored the aisles, her eyes scanning the spines of countless books. She encountered stacks of novels, volumes of poetry, and even ancient tomes on art history, but her focus remained unwavering.
Her search led her to a table piled high with boxes of books waiting to be sorted. Evie carefully lifted one of the boxes, placing it gently on the table, its contents a mystery yet to be unveiled. With eager anticipation, she began to untie the strings that held the books together, her fingers moving with practiced grace.
As she removed the books one by one, her excitement grew. Each volume revealed a new possibility, a potential treasure waiting to be discovered. Evie's determination paid off when, nestled between the pages of an unassuming hardcover, she finally found what she had been searching for— "Jason McCurry English Modern Architecture."
A surge of joy coursed through Evie as she clutched the book in her hands, her smile stretching from ear to ear. The morning sunlight danced upon the pages, illuminating the knowledge and inspiration within. She could hardly contain her excitement, knowing that she had succeeded in her mission.
With the precious book safely in her possession, Evie made her way to the counter, where the store owner greeted her with a knowing smile. Their eyes met, and a shared understanding passed between them— the joy of a book lover finding the missing piece to their collection.
Leaving the bookstore, Evie breathed in the crisp morning air, her heart brimming with a sense of accomplishment. With each step that carried her closer to Max, her anticipation grew. She couldn't wait to share her triumph with him, to see the smile on his face as he held the coveted book in his hands.
Edward sat on a worn-out chair inside his cluttered sculpting room, savoring the taste of a pack of biscuits. The room exuded an air of creative chaos, with half-finished sculptures scattered across the floor and tools strewn about haphazardly. It was in this moment of solitude that a mysterious figure stepped into the room, interrupting Edward's peaceful reverie.
Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, his hair meticulously styled and a neatly trimmed mustache adorning his upper lip, the man exuded an air of confidence and authority. He approached Edward with purpose, his voice carrying a tone that demanded attention.
"Great Artist Edward," the man began, his voice smooth yet authoritative, "it's time for you to cease these playful antics at the university and consider signing a contract with us. Your talent is too great to be confined within these walls."
Edward, a bemused expression on his face, looked up from his biscuits and met the man's gaze. Taking another bite, he chewed thoughtfully before responding in a casual tone, "Contracts and tactics are not my cup of tea, my good sir. I'm here to create, not to be tied down by formalities."
As the man's eyebrows furrowed in surprise and frustration, Edward absentmindedly scratched his head, his gaze drifting toward the scattered sculptures that surrounded him. Carlo and Max, hidden beneath the door of Edward's sculpting room, watched the interaction unfold with curiosity.
Carlo turned to Max, his voice hushed, "Who is that man, Max?"
Max, his eyes glinting with mischief and knowledge, leaned closer to Carlo and replied, "That is Mr.Terabori. A prominent art dealer in the industry. It seems he has set his sights on introducing Edward's work to a wider audience overseas."
Their attention refocused on the ongoing conversation as Terabori's eyes fixated on a particular sculpture, an intricate representation of a muscular figure holding a sack on one arm and another on his shoulder. Curiosity laced his words as he inquired, "Edward, does this sculpture have a name?"
Edward rose from his chair, setting his biscuit aside, and approached the sculpture with a proud grin. He stood beside it, a twinkle in his eyes, and declared, "I call it the 'Ham Moving Warrior.'"
A mix of surprise and amusement danced across Terabori's face as he pulled out a wad of cash from his briefcase. With a flourish, he extended it toward Edward, who accepted it with a mix of excitement and disbelief. Terabori's voice rang out in the room, a triumphant proclamation of "very good!"
Carlo and Max, their eyes wide with astonishment, exchanged glances. Carlo couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Why doesn't Edward consider giving up being a student? Opportunities like these seem to come knocking at his door."
Max, his gaze fixed on Edward counting the cash, chuckled softly and replied, "I don't know. I don't even understand him nor his motivations."
The room seemed to crackle with a blend of confusion and amusement. Edward, still clutching the cash in his hands, contemplated the sudden turn of events, while Carlo and Max stood in awe of the peculiar circumstances that surrounded their friend.
The trio sauntered through the bustling school hallway, their banter filling the air with lightheartedness. Carlo, unable to resist the temptation, nudged Edward with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Carlo playfully nudged Edward as they strolled through the lively school hallway, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, Edward, since you've hit the jackpot, it's only fair you treat us to a fancy lunch, don't you think?"
Max, seizing the opportunity, added with a sly grin, "Yeah, Edward, remember your grand plans for a group date with the stewardess? This could be your chance!"
Edward, pausing for a moment to contemplate their proposal, drew their anticipation. "I'll think about it," he finally responded, his tone teasing and filled with intrigue. Max's face lit up with anticipation, a victorious smile spreading across his lips.
Carlo's disappointment was evident as he muttered under his breath, "Unfair, that's what it is."
As the trio approached the campus exit, a familiar voice sliced through the air, "Max!" Carlo, caught off guard by Evie's sudden appearance, instinctively dropped to the ground in a comical defensive position, his body folding in on itself like a crumpled paper.
Evie's arrival startled Max, his eyes widening in surprise. Carlo, still crouched on the ground, mustered the courage to speak, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and old wounds resurfacing.
Unfazed by Carlo's peculiar response, Evie triumphantly presented the book that Max had been desperately seeking. Max's surprise was palpable, his jaw dropping as he struggled to comprehend the miraculous turn of events. Carlo, unable to contain his excitement, interjected with a gleeful remark.
"Isn't that the book Max has been searching high and low for?" Carlo exclaimed, unable to hide his delight.
Max, still in a state of disbelief, sputtered, "Where did you find it?" His voice carried a mix of astonishment and gratitude.
With a nonchalant shrug, Evie replied, "I stumbled upon it at the bookstore near the train station. It was just lying there, waiting for me."
Max's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "That's impossible," he murmured, struggling to comprehend the extraordinary stroke of luck.
Carlo, seizing the opportunity to playfully tease Max, gestured towards Evie with a mischievous grin. "Well, Max, it seems like Evelyn has come to your rescue." he said, a twinkle in his eye.
Edward, always quick to join in the banter, couldn't resist the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. He smirked at Max and quipped, "Indeed. Perhaps give Evelyn a hug, Max? It's a gesture of gratitude that is the least you could do."
Evie's annoyance flared, her determination clear as she assumed a defensive stance, ready to unleash her roundhouse kick. However, before her foot connected with its intended target, Edward sprang into action, deftly evading her strike. In an unfortunate twist of fate, Carlo, who had inadvertently positioned himself in harm's way, became the recipient of Evie's unintentional blow, his head colliding with a nearby garbage can.
Carlo winced in pain, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. "Can't a guy catch a break around here?" he cried out, a comical combination of anguish and exasperation in his voice.
"Thanks." Max expressed his gratitude to Evie for finding the book he had been searching for. With anticipation in his eyes, he reached out to take the book from her, but Evie skillfully evade his grasp, teasing him about the reward she desired in return.
"Who said I was giving it to you for free?" Evie said playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'll give you the book on one condition. Take me out for some delicious Italian food tonight."
Max chuckled, enjoying Evie's playful banter. "Alright, you've got yourself a deal," he said with a smile. Evie's eyes widened in surprise and delight, as if she couldn't believe her ears. It was as if a dream she had secretly harbored was coming true before her very eyes.
"Really? You're really going to keep your promise?" Evie asked, her voice filled with excitement. Max nodded, reaffirming his commitment to their dinner date. Evie's smile grew wider, and a sense of happiness enveloped her.
Edward suddenly appeared between them, injecting himself into the conversation. "Count me in too," he said with a smirk. Evie playfully responded, "It's okay if you don't want to come." Edward, never one to back down from a challenge, retorted, "One more person wouldn't hurt, right?" Laughter filled the air as the three of them enjoyed their lighthearted exchange. Carlo, who had been observing from the sidelines, finally rose to his feet, joining in on the laughter.
However, their joy was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of Max's phone. He excused himself and stepped out of the building to answer the call. Evie's happiness began to wane as she observed Max's conversation, sensing a change in the atmosphere. Edward and Carlo also turned their attention towards Evie, curious about the sudden shift in her demeanor.
"Hello?" Max greeted the caller on the other end.
["Hello? Max."] A woman's soft voice responded, and it was evident from the urgency in her tone that this was an important call.
["Max, I'm sorry to interrupt your plans,"] the woman said, her voice laced with concern. ["The construction schedule has been moved forward, so it would be great if you could come and help out. Are you free?"]
Max's voice brimmed with enthusiasm as he confirmed his availability, assuring the woman that he was up for the task. "Yes. I'll be there soon. Please wait for me," Max promised, determination evident in his voice.
As Evie watched him during the call, a realization washed over her. She understood who was on the other end, and a mixture of emotions flooded her heart.
As the call ended, Max turned to face Evie and expressed his apologies. "I'm sorry. We'll have to postpone our dinner plans for now."
Confusion filled Evie's expression as she questioned, "Huh?"
Max faces Evie with a hint of regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he began, his voice filled with sincerity. "Something unexpected came up at work, and I have to go."
Carlo interjected, adding to the confusion. "Isn't today your interview?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"No, I decided not to go," Max admitted.
Evie's shock was palpable as she tightly clutched the book, her sadness intensifying. "But didn't you want to get into that class?" she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief and concern.
Max sighed, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I did, but sometimes life presents unexpected opportunities, and I need to seize them."
Evie's tears began to well up as she struggled to comprehend Max's decision. "It's okay if you don't work for a day, but you're sacrificing your future!" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
"Sorry." Max apologizes once more and swiftly walks away, seemingly unfazed by Evie's words. She chased after him, desperately calling his name, but her cries were lost in the sound of the rain pouring down.
"Max!" Evie's voice cracked with emotion. "Wait, please!"
But Max continued to run, the distance between them growing wider with each passing step. The rain fell relentlessly, mirroring Evie's teardrops as they mingled with the downpour. As the rain poured down, Evie's tears mixed with the drops, mirroring her sorrow. She watched helplessly as Max turned and walked away, his figure fading into the distance.
An overwhelming sadness engulfed Evie as she stood there, left behind and filled with longing. Carlo and Edward observed her, their own hearts heavy with the weight of her sorrow. Carlo's mind began to churn, thoughts swirling like the rain outside the campus.
"Max had easily given up the class he had yearned for, all with just a phone call..."