Mark Reed's empty stomach was protesting fiercely.
He took out his phone and easily found the number to dial.
"Hello."
Before long, a cautious voice as soft as a whisper sounded from the other end.
It was gentle, like a clear stream flowing into his heart, instantly soothing him.
With a smile on his lips, Mark Reed said loudly, "I heard the snacks at the school gate are pretty good. Come out, my treat."
There was silence on the other end, and Mark Reed's world fell into quietness. He seemed to hear his own heartbeat, eager to leap from his chest, his hand holding the phone slick with sweat.
After a while, Valentine Teller finally responded, "I... have already eaten."
Mark Reed was surprised; she rejected him.
Although he didn't know what kind of mental struggle she might have gone through during the moment of silence, she still rejected him. Was it because of last night's kiss?
He only felt a tightness in his throat, and in his mind were images of her hibiscus pink face.
