Chapter 445

"Not yet." Adrian Klein replied calmly.

"Oh~ I see, I see!" The guys exchanged knowing glances. "Still chasing her, huh?"

He pressed his lips together in silence.

The boys shared conspiratorial smiles.

"How long have you known her?"

Adrian tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. "One year and three months."

"That long and still no progress?" One guy widened his eyes dramatically. "Dude, your game needs work!"

Adrian shot him an impassive look.

"Here, let me teach you some moves." The guy leaned in, lowering his voice. "Guaranteed to work..."

Adrian appeared indifferent, but subtly leaned forward when key points were mentioned.

......

On their way home, Evelyn Langley animatedly reenacted the scene. "That three-pointer was amazing!"

Adrian walked beside her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Passing a pharmacy, he suddenly stopped. "Wait here."

He emerged holding a bottle of medicated oil.

"Your forehead will bruise." He pointed. "This will help it heal faster."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "That's not necessary..."

"Don't girls care about these things?"

"Girls?" She arched an eyebrow.

"Mhm." His expression remained unreadable. "My sister does."

"...Thanks." She reached for the bottle.

But Adrian had already opened the cotton swab package.

His slender fingers brushed aside her bangs with surprising gentleness.

The warmth of his touch made Evelyn's breath catch.

"It smells nice." She sniffed. "Not like medicine."

Adrian made a noncommittal sound as the swab glided over her reddened skin.

He'd deliberately chosen the floral-scented variety.

"Done." He stepped back, discarding the swab.

Evelyn touched her cooled forehead. "Thank you, Professor."

They parted ways in the hallway.

The medicated oil went home with him.

Late that night, Adrian lay in bed.

The boys' advice echoed in his mind:

"If you like her, make the first move."

"Create more opportunities to be together."

"Casual physical contact is key."

"Gentleness is your secret weapon."

Staring at the ceiling, his gaze darkened with determination.