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Chapter 80 - Chapter 77: Lost, Found, and Dragged Away!

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Los Angeles Institute of Technology was one of the world's most prestigious engineering universities.

With a history spanning over a hundred years—practically ancient by American standards—it had a student body of just over two thousand, adhering to an elite education model. It was also a frequent producer of Nobel Prize winners.

Naturally, this meant an insane amount of academic pressure. Especially during exam week, where countless students were practically pulling their hair out—both figuratively and literally, as stress-induced white hairs sprouted overnight.

The campus roads were filled with students of all kinds, all moving hurriedly, noses buried in books, notebooks, or tablets as they walked.

With exams just around the corner, every second of last-minute cramming mattered.

Once this academic meat grinder was over, they could finally breathe easy. During the upcoming break, most would return to their usual, exhausted selves, while a smaller portion would completely burn out.

Yet, even amidst this intense exam week atmosphere, a stunning presence stepping onto campus was enough to make countless eyes unconsciously drift away from their books.

She wore an oversized white hoodie, paired with light gray shorts that exposed her smooth, porcelain-like legs.

Her long, soft blue hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her adorable face carried a look of innocent curiosity. Hands stuffed in her hoodie pockets, she casually glanced around as she strolled.

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As Lemu walked through the campus, her graceful figure naturally drew countless gazes.

Male or female, students instinctively looked up from their books, their eyes unknowingly following her until she disappeared from sight.

Many were puzzled—Wait, I've never seen her before. Is she a visiting high school student? Thinking about applying here?

If she ends up as my junior… that wouldn't be bad at all.

Los Angeles Institute of Technology was as picturesque as ever.

The tree-lined paths were filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, meticulously maintained. There were even rumors that certain spots on campus had hidden stories tied to famous historical figures.

The atmosphere was equally outstanding—everywhere, students were immersed in their studies, their dedication almost palpable.

Lemu nodded in approval. He liked people who pursued knowledge.

Though… was his return rate too high? All this attention was making him a little self-conscious.

This was his first time walking around campus while being openly stared at. The last time he came, most students were probably in class, so he didn't get this kind of reception.

Hey, you over there—stop staring, you're about to walk into a tree!

…Oof. Too late.

A poor, distracted student smacked their forehead right into the trunk and fell straight on their butt. The scene was almost too painful to watch.

After wandering around the campus paths for a while, Lemu leaned against a large oak tree and dialed Professor Amick's number.

"Hello? Professor Amick, it's Lemu. How have you been lately?"

"…Yeah, I'm on campus to visit you. You're proctoring an exam in A303? Got it, I'll head over soon."

"No rush. I'd like to take my time enjoying the scenery—this is actually my first time properly exploring the school."

Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, casting a warm, dappled glow on his face. It felt nice.

Just as he hung up, a familiar voice sounded from behind.

"What are you doing here?"

Lemu turned around, surprised. Standing nearby was someone he hadn't expected to see—Alice Black.

Three months ago, at the Stark Foundation Gala, he had met this hardworking upperclassman. She had helped him quite a bit that night.

But now… she looked different.

Her expression was cold, her tone distant.

Did something happen during these months?

Lemu hesitated, his fingers instinctively tightening for a brief moment before relaxing again. Her attitude made him a little uneasy.

"…It's been a while, Alice. I'm a student here—wait, don't tell me, you are too?"

"Yes. I'm a junior in the Mathematics Department."

Alice was dressed in a crisp white blouse and fitted denim jeans, clutching a small white bag against her chest.

The way she held it made it look like two white objects were pressing into each other—quite an attention-grabbing sight.

She had been in a rush to her exam when she unexpectedly ran into the person she had been thinking about for months.

"…I still don't know your name. What should I call you?"

Wait, I never told her my name?

Lemu froze for a moment.

He was surprised.

Just surprised. Nothing else.

"You can call me Lemu—Lemu Echeverría."

Alice pulled out her pink phone and glanced at the time, taking a deep breath. Though her expression remained cold, there was a clear urgency in her voice.

"I need to talk to you about something, but my exam starts in just a few minutes. If you're free, we can talk after the test."

She hesitated, then added, "By the way, I've never seen you around campus before. Are you here to take an exam too?"

Los Angeles Institute of Technology was notorious for having a small student body. Someone with Lemu's striking features—his cool-toned, sky-blue hair and delicate but eye-catching appearance—would be impossible to forget after even a single glance.

"I… have only been here once before. Right now, I'm heading to A303 to meet—"

Before he could finish, Alice cut him off.

"You're lost again, aren't you?"

Her face remained impassive, but her tone carried a hint of concern, an odd contrast to her cold demeanor.

"A303 is far from here, and you're walking in the wrong direction. How do you keep getting lost?"

She recalled how, during the Stark Gala, Lemu had managed to lose his way barely a hundred meters from the venue. It wasn't surprising that he was wandering the wrong way now.

Without waiting for a response, Alice reached out, grabbed Lemu's hand, and briskly pulled him in the opposite direction.

"Come on, hurry up! We're running out of time!"

Her hand was warm and soft—Lemu couldn't help but recall how she had pulled him along just like this the last time they met.

A faint fragrance drifted back to him as the wind shifted.

Jasmine… no, this time it's lilies. Did she change her perfume? Or maybe just her body wash?

They sprinted across campus, weaving between students and dodging bicycles, until they finally arrived at the base of Building A, right beneath Room 303.

Alice bent over, hands on her knees, breathing heavily. It took her a few deep breaths before she could even straighten up.

"This is Building A. Room 303 is on the third floor. Just go up on your own."

Then she fixed him with a serious look.

"Wait for me at the front gate after the exam. I need to talk to you—it's important."

"Alright. Are you okay, though? Do you need to rest a bit?"

Lemu wasn't even slightly winded, but Alice looked exhausted. He was a little concerned.

She waved a hand dismissively, forcing herself to take in another sharp breath before turning and jogging away.

As she disappeared down the hall, her voice drifted back, growing fainter with distance.

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+15 chapters on patreon.

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If you want to read 15+ chapters ahead and unpublished fanfics you can check out my patreon or just take a visit.

[P].[A].[T].[R].[E].[O].[N]

http://patreon.com/Kazuma_trash

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