(BONUS) HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!


    ----


    Because he''d been waiting to be alone with Saya for quite some time, Leonel thought that he was ready to probe her. However, seeing the gloating look on Saya''s face stumped him, and he didn''t know what question to ask her.


    To think of it, he didn''t even have a single idea about the whole picture. Maybe he should start with that.


    "So, Saya," Leonel started, and before he could finish his words, Saya had already answered his first question.


    "If you''re going to ask how Ren and I got together, then you should ask Ren about it."


    ". . ." Leonel forced a smile. "How did you even know what I was going to say?"


    Saya rolled her eyes while keeping a smile on her face. "I''ve known you since high school, Leo. And besides, I already saw the dozens of messages you sent me, asking about the same thing . . . indeed, how did I know what you were going to ask?"


    Leonel sheepishly rubbed his nose. "I didn''t realize that I already sent dozens."


    His face then turned serious. "Now that we''re alone, I want to take this opportunity to tell you this. . . if you and Ren got together because of your mutual feelings with each other, then fine. I will be truly happy from the bottom of my heart.


    ". . . I have nothing against you, Saya, and I was even secretly rooting for you and Ren back in high school . . . However . . . If I find out that you forced him to have a rtionship with you and that you have done something . . . know that I will do everything in my power to stop you and set things right."


    ". . ." Saya was speechless, shocked by Leonel''s words.


    In the past, he would only give her a smile and look away without saying anything. He was usually like a puppy, wagging his tail and taking orders.


    Leonel looked so mature and confident now. When did he grow wings and learn to fly on his own? He was even confronting her now.


    Saya recovered and hid her uneasiness behind a sweet smile. "Rx, Leo. You know Ren. Nothing could force him to do something that he doesn''t like." Except if it involves the people he loves.


    Leonel''s pupils constricted into a dot, and with his height, he looked intimidating.


    "I hope so. Saya, I know you as a kind girl. Hopefully, you don''t do or haven''t done anything that will make me look at you in another light."


    ". . ." Guilt ate Saya from the inside and out, and she looked on the other side, unable to meet Leonel''s gaze.


    There was nothing wrong in fighting for love. All was fair in love. Saya repeated in her head.


    She didn''t like to feel guilty, but in the end, she was unable to stop herself. If she didn''t act, she would truly lose Ren.


    Her chosen method was very risky, and she didn''t know how long this wouldst or how much impact this would cause, but she still went for it out of her determination to get what she wanted.


    Nothing and no one could stop her from reaching her goal. Without Ren, she would really have nothing left. Ever since she broke up with Mike, her mother never talked to her. She couldn''t get back with Mike either because he already had another girl in ck Lion.


    Ren was all she had left. She couldn''t lose him now.


    "Saya," Leonel called out to her. "Are you okay?"


    Saya turned around and faced him. "Y-yeah. Just the weather . . . it''s a little hot."


    Leonel''s face crumpled with worry. "Stay in the shade. I''ll get you something cold."


    "It''s okay." Saya weakly smiled. She felt touched that Leonel was genuinely worried about her despite everything else. "Ren is already fetching me something to drink."


    Leonel sighed deeply. "Where is he anyway?" He hovered his eyes on the surroundings and spotted Ren at one of the bar tents, talking with a girl.


    Leonel frowned. Oh, for the love of . . .


    When did Ren be such a cheat? Leonel thought as he stomped his way to Ren.


    "Stay here. I''ll go and fetch him," Leonel said before he marched to where Ren was.


    Saya opened her mouth but closed it again when she realized she couldn''t think of anything to say. She just watched Leonel''s back as he approached Ren.


    Saya sighed, and, for a moment, regret crossed her eyes.


    If Leonel knew what she did, what would he think of her then? If all things failed in the end, would she lose Leonel and Ren too?


    Then she would really have nothing left.


    "Where did Leo go?"


    Saya turned around and saw Isolde approaching her with a surfboard in one hand. She was as tall as Leonel and had an intimidating pair of big dark eyes. Her face was also neutral, and she looked like the unapproachable type.


    "Oh. Your boyfriend is fetching my boyfriend," Saya said without a care.


    Isolde was confused. "Boyfriend?"


    Saya was confused. "My boyfriend, Ren?"


    "No. You said, my boyfriend?"


    After a while, Isoldeughed a little when she realized what Saya was talking about. "No. Leonel isn''t my boyfriend."


    Saya frowned. "No? But everyone in World Conqueror said that you are."


    ". . . Isolde was baffled. "Huh?" When did she and Leonel be an item? Did they look that way in the eyes of everyone?


    Saya crossed her arms as she peered at Isolde''s confused face. "Ren even said that you two are dating."


    ". . . Ren?!" Isolde was shocked, and her mind went nk. She couldn''tprehend the whole situation and wrapped her mind around this.


    "Ren said that?" It couldn''t be just a joke or a misunderstanding if Ren himself said it.


    Saya slowly nodded with a frown on her face. She was just as confused as Isolde. "Yeah . . . wait . . . aren''t you and Leo dating?"


    ". . ." Isolde didn''t say anything. She left Saya and went straight to Leonel and Ren for answers.


    She didn''t know what answer she wanted to hear, but her heart was beating so fast that it hurt, and the loud thumping deafened her ears. Not even her ex, Sky, who tried to block her way, could break her stride.


    Isolde''s focus was on Leonel and Ren. And when she was in front of them, unblinking and holding her breath, she blurted.


    "Leo, are we a couple?"