I opened my eyes with a smile my inspiration and creative j My brows furrowed in concentration as sketched down the ideas I was getting. In between, I would grab my bottle of water and take a refreshing sip then I would stretch my arm forward and hold out the design i had sketched on the paper before me and squint at what I had created.


    one were thoughts of Lucas and back were brought out my sketch papers and pen.


    As usual, they looked intentional, not as if I had just quickly scribbled some cheap design on paper.


    By the time I got out of my creative world and nced around me, it was already getting dark and there were now very few people around. I packed up, carefully arranging my used sketch papers in my backpack. I ced it beside me then I picked up my bottle and took another swig from it and ced it on the other side of me.


    I removed my shoes and wiggled my toes, a break from the confines of the sneakers then I put them back on and tied the ropes. I stood up and stretched my limbs, letting out a content sigh.


    I turned to carry my backpack and head home but was taken aback to see the seat empty, save for my bottle of water. Confused, I looked up and my eyes bulged when I saw someone briskly walk away with my bag.


    "Damned thief!" I screamed, "Give back my bag!" I grabbed my bottle and immediately sprinted after him when he picked a race on hearing my shout. Thank God for the sneakers I had chosen to wear, I was quickly closing in on him. "Stop right there, you thief!"


    The thief suddenly picked up pace and I found myself far behind. I hauled the bottle water in my hand at him but it missed him, falling on the floor several feet away from where he was.


    I quickened my steps too but not for long. My thighs started to hurt and slowed down, eventuallying to a halt. I sucked in air, trying to catch my breath as I bent over and clutched my knees with my hands. I looked ahead and helplessly watched the thief''s back as he turned to his


    +25 BOWE


    left and disappeared around theer


    sense of loss coursed through me.


    I dropped my head in defeat and a y If only I hadn''t put my designs in there yet.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I suddenly sprang up as a loud bell resounded in my head. My phone! Damnit! My phone was also in the bag. I felt like crying. I couldn''t believe I just lost my phone and recent designs to a petty thief. "Shit!" I furiously undid my ponytail in frustration and ran my fingers through


    1. it.


    Suddenly, I heard a honk as a sports car stopped beside me. I frowned at it as the tinted window rolled down. I raised my brows as Luigi''s face came to view. He shed me a smile and winked, "Get in, I''ll help you chase the thief."


    I


    I briefly wondered how he knew I was chasing a thief but it didn''t matter. Without hesitation, I rushed forward and opened the back door. I let out a yelp as I turned after closing the car door behind me. There was someone else in the car but I wouldn''t be staring in awe and shock if it was some random stranger I had never seen before.


    Right beside me on the car seat was the least man I expected to see Luigi hanging out with. There was a dazzling smile on his lips as he looked back.


    at me.


    I blinked and pulled myself out of my shocked state. "Lucas..." I breathed.


    What was he doing here? And why was he with Luig...


    My thoughts trailed off as everything began to click together. My eyes widened as my gaze flitted between Luigi and Lucas. I felt like I had justpleted a tasking puzzle.


    "So, you were the one that sent Luigi to protect me?!" I blurted out.


    Lucas nodded with a smile. Then he started to lean over and I held my breath. I almost pouted in disappointment as his head dropped and he fastened my seatbelt in swift motion then he sat back. "Sit tight, Luigi drives. fast."


    I felt my face burn hot as I looked away from Lucas. Gosh, what was I thinking?


    I looked up and my eyes shed with Luigi''s teasing gaze. I instinctively raised my middle finger at him. Embarrassment washed over me as I was suddenly aware of Lucas'' gaze on me then I folded my lips as I slowly lowered my hand.


    "Drive, Luigi, we''ve lost sight of the thief! We need to catch him!" I said irritably to him, yet I dared not to look at Lucas.