Chapter 11
Life studying abroad seemed less unbearable with Oliver’s companionship.
Two adjacent seats in the lab became their regular spots as days flowed by peacefully and productively,
Nina immersed herself in the academic world, trying to fill every gap in her thoughts with busyness.
Soon after, registration opened for a significant international competition.
Nina hesitated, but Oliver gave her courage.
“You’re excellent. Why not try? This is a great opportunity.”
Finally, with his support, Nina submitted her application.
The preparation process was far more grueling than she’d imagined.
Countless late nights found Nina still hunched over her computer screen in the lab, modifying proposals.
This particular evening, Nina was at her wit’s end when the lab door opened softly.
Oliver walked in carrying late–night snacks, gently placing them by her side.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. Watch your health.” His voice was especially gentle in the quiet night.
He didn’t interrupt too much, just sat at a nearby workstation, opened his laptop, and quietly kept her
company.
The lab filled only with soft keyboard clicking and their steady breathing.
Nina occasionally looked up to see his focused, serious profile, his features especially clear and soft under
the lighting.
In that moment, an indescribable sense of security and strange flutter crept into her heart.
Her heartbeat picked up slightly for no reason.
Mid–competition, Nina’s project hit a bottleneck. Days of failures left her physically and mentally exhausted, nearly ready to give up.
Oliver silently stayed by her side. Seeing her terrible condition, he shut her computer without argument.
“Take a ten–minute break.”
Boyfriend vs Future Boyfriend–Pick Your Fighter!
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Nina leaned back in her chair, eyes closed in exhaustion, while Oliver gently massaged her shoulders and
neck from behind.
“You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately. Even if you don’t place, this is still a challenge worth taking.”
His voice carried a trace of all–nighter hoarseness, yet he still thoughtfully stayed with her.
Thinking of the hot milk and pain relievers that had appeared on her desk recently, Nina’s voice caught
slightly.
“Thank you… I’ve been such a bother…”
Oliver looked at her exhausted face still forcing strength and felt his heart soften completely.
He spoke gently, his tone carrying unprecedented tenderness and concern: “Nina, you don’t need to be strong all the time when you’re with me.”
Those words instantly shattered all of Nina’s pretend armor.
The loneliness, pressure, and forced strength she’d been suppressing for so long seemed to find an outlet.
Her eyes immediately reddened with a layer of moisture. She quickly lowered her head, not wanting him to see her losing composure.
This was the first time since leaving Declan that she’d shown vulnerability to an outsider.
Oliver didn’t say anything more, just silently handed her another tissue, then sat back beside her, gently embracing her and patting her back.
After days and nights of effort, Nina’s project successfully won first place in the competition.
Standing on the podium hearing thunderous applause, Nina felt momentarily dazed.
She looked toward the audience and immediately spotted that familiar figure.
Oliver stood in the crowd clapping for her, his gaze cutting through everyone to land precisely on her, eyes bright and focused, filled with undisguised admiration.
Nina’s heart skipped.
After the ceremony, Nina came down holding her certificate. Oliver was already waiting nearby with a bouquet.
“Congratulations, Nina.” He smiled.
Nina took the flowers, looking up into his smiling eyes. They gazed at each other and smiled, an unspoken
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understanding flowing quietly in the air.
To celebrate, Oliver took Nina to a restaurant with great atmosphere.
Oliver looked at the girl across from him, hesitating briefly before speaking gently: “Nina, if it’s okay… could you tell me why you came so far to study alone? You always seemed really down before.”
Nina’s grip on her cup tightened slightly.
She was quiet for several seconds, looking down to hide the emotion in her eyes.
When she looked up again, her face carried a faint, bitter smile.
“There was someone once… I really liked.” Her voice was light, like she was telling someone else’s story.
“Liked him for years, thought it would be forever. Later I realized it was all just wishful thinking on my part. That whole past… wasn’t worth it.”
She didn’t give details, but the deep disappointment in her words came through clearly.
Oliver keenly sensed her discomfort.
He didn’t ask who that person was or probe into specifics.
After paying the bill, instead of taking her straight back to her apartment, he gently suggested: “It’s still early. There’s a park nearby–want to take a walk?”
The park was peaceful at night. They walked side by side on the quiet path as Nina’s tense emotions gradually relaxed.
Suddenly, Oliver stopped, turning to look at her seriously, his voice especially low and reliable in the night.
“Nina, people and things from the past–whether good or bad–aren’t worth your continued worry. They’re just one chapter in your life’s journey.”
He paused, his gaze gentle but firm as he looked at her. “Your future is long. You’ll see broader landscapes, meet better people, have a better life. You deserve all the best things.”
His words were like a warm breeze. She looked up, her eyes gradually misting.
“Thank you, Oliver…”
