Rewriting My Heart's Fate (Ethan and Evelyn)

I looked up at Kevin. I smiled wryly as I shook my head.

"The hardship isn't the issue. It's just that so many things have left me feeling lost."

Kevin gently patted my shoulder without pressing further. "That's life. Unexpected turns are bound to happen. But what's important is what we learn from them."

I nodded in agreement.

He smiled and raised his glass. "To the brave Evelyn, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

I raised my glass too. The sound of our glasses clinking marked the start of something new.

After dinner, we took a stroll around the campus.

The night was soft. The streetlights cast a gentle glow that stretched our shadows as we walked side by side.

"By the way, Kevin, I haven't asked. Who's your other partner for the competition? From what you've said, they must be impressive."

Kevin grinned mysteriously. "Take a guess."

I raised an eyebrow and ran through the possibilities in my head. Then, a familiar name popped into my mind.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Could it be... Lianne?"

Kevin looked surprised. "How did you know?"

I grinned. "Women's intuition."

Lianne was the top student of our department. She wasn't only academically brilliant but also had a unique perspective on design.

And more importantly, she seemed to be the object of Kevin's secret admiration.

"Looks like you've really struck gold with this competition." I teased Kevin.

His face turned bright red, and he stammered, "No, we're just partners."

"Right, and the sky's green." I stifled a laugh.

I decided to give him a little push. "Partnerships are a kind of fate too. I'm rooting for you both!"

Kevin shyly laughed and quickly changed the subject. "It's getting late. Let me take you back. We need to head to class tomorrow." "Okay."

Back at my place, I collapsed onto the bed and let out a long sigh.

A new chapter with new challenges. I was ready for them.

...

The next morning, Kevin and I made our way to the university. As we entered the design faculty, I saw a familiar figure walking toward us. "Evelyn, you're back!" Lianne hurried over and gave me a big hug.

I smiled and hugged her back. "Yes, I'm back. Thanks for everything while I was away."

Lianne waved her hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. It's what we are supposed to do. But how was it over there? Did you adjust well?"

I nodded. "It was fine since it is my hometown. But some things... are more complicated."

Lianne understood what I meant and patted me on the shoulder. "If you need any help, just let me know. We're friends after all." "Definitely."

The three of us chatted and laughed as we walked into the classroom, drawing curious glances from our classmates. "Hey, Evelyn is back!"

Several classmates came over to greet me. The atmosphere became lively in no time.

I smiled and responded to each one, feeling a gush of warmth in my heart. It was nice to know that no matter where I went, there was a group of people who cared about me

The morning classes soon ended, and the three of us went to the cafeteria for lunch.

"By the way, I heard we have a new guest professor at the school. A big shot in the industry," Lianne said while helping herself to some food.

"Really? What's their background?" I asked curiously.

Lianne smiled mysteriously. "A

10

regular at Melando Fashion Week They have a unique design

philosophy and are quite we w

in the industry."

"Wow, that's impressive!" Kevin exclaimed.

"Yeah, and I heard this professor is especially interested in students from our department, especially..." Lianne teased and trailed off.