Glenn said nothing, his expression unreadable as he glanced around the sealed, echoing airport.. 

Evangeline, sensing something was off, tried to cover her panic with, “My foot really 

hurts.” 

Glenn’s gaze slid to her foot–the same foot she’d only just remembered to complain about. 

Evangeline pressed her lips together, suddenly at a loss for another excuse. She knew perfectly well that even if she tried to come up with more, Glenn would see right through her. All the pretending was pointless now. 

So, she fell silent. 

Thankfully, Glenn didn’t press her or make a joke of her awkwardness. He simply noticed her eyes growing red, then picked up his pace toward the hospital. In a low voice, almost as if he were speaking to himself, he murmured, “It’ll be over soon. The pain won’t last.” 

Evangeline nodded quietly. 

Yes, just this once was enough. She wouldn’t let herself hurt like this again.. 

Fortunately, it was only a surface wound. After disinfecting it, the doctor prescribed a topical treatment and an anti–inflammatory. 

Noticing the cold sweat beading on her forehead, the doctor glanced up while. scribbling out the prescription. “If it’s really bad, I can give you something for the pain.” 

Evangeline nodded. The pain was real. 

“Alright.” 

“No, thank you.” 

They spoke at the same time–her acceptance, his refusal. 

The doctor looked up, confused. 

Before Evangeline could reply, Glenn interjected, “She’s allergic to acetaminophen.” 

“Could you give her a local anesthetic instead?” 

“Of course,” the doctor agreed, jotting down a prescription for a mild anesthetic. 

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As they were leaving, the doctor smiled at Glenn. “You’re a good man. Not many boyfriends can remember their partner’s allergies, let alone medication names like. 

that.” 

Glenn just smiled politely, not bothering to correct the “boyfriend” label. 

Evangeline didn’t comment either. She knew Glenn was always reserved, not one to explain himself to strangers. Besides, the doctor had probably just said it out of habit; there was no need to clarify. 

What did surprise her, though, was that Glenn had remembered her allergy. Over the years, she’d barely paid attention to her own health. Sometimes, even when she broke out in hives, she’d just grit her teeth and get through it, figuring it wasn’t life–threatening. In fact, she’d all but forgotten her own allergy to painkillers. 

She realized then that it wasn’t just Soren who’d neglected her–she’d neglected herself, too. 

Sitting in the hospital lobby, Evangeline watched Glenn as he darted from counter to counter, collecting her medication. She pressed her hand to her chest. For the first time in a long while, her heart–which had felt numb for so long–seemed to throb with life again. 

So this is what it felt like to be cared for. It was… wonderful. 

Airport. 

Flora dashed through the airport, weaving past crowds, breathless by the time she reached the arrivals gate. She was met with clusters of disappointed fans trudging out, heads down, empty–handed. 

Confused, she pushed against the tide, craning her neck to search the crowd. 

Finally, Flora caught sight of a girl holding a sign with “Glenn” emblazoned across it. She hurried over and grabbed her arm. “Are you here for Glenn–the founder of UME? Has he already left the airport?” 

The girl eyed her warily. “You’re here for Glenn, too?” She couldn’t tell if Flora was friend or foe. It wasn’t unusual; Glenn had plenty of anti–fans who pretended to be supporters just to stir up trouble. 

Seeing her suspicion, Flora immediately straightened up, and recited their fandom’s rallying cry in perfect English: “Glenn Leads Beyond Limits.” 

Then she whipped out her phone, opened their online fan club, and showed he 

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“Forever Glenn” account–her daily check–ins had reached 1,827 days. 

The girl’s eyes filled with tears. She squeezed Flora’s hand. “Sister, I believe you. You’re a true, die–hard fan.” 

Daily check–ins couldn’t be faked or extended. The girl considered herself devoted, but she’d accidentally missed a day once, breaking her streak. Flora’s record meant she’d been supporting Glenn since before he’d become famous. 

Before she could comment further, she glanced at Flora’s account handle and her jaw dropped. 

“Wait–are you the top admin for Glenn’s fan club?” 

Flora nodded. 

The girl nearly lost it, growing even more excited. But before she could bombard Flora with questions, Flora quickly steered the conversation back. “Did Glenn already leave?” 

The girl’s face fell. “I didn’t see him. I heard he left with some girl.” 

“Apparently, that’s his girlfriend.” 

Flora yelped, “What? Girlfriend?” 

The girl nodded and pulled out her phone. “I’ve even got pictures of them together. 

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