Morning always came early for some.
While most people were still asleep, she was already awake.
Elena came from a well-off family, and because of that, she was expected by her family to maintain a disciplined attitude.
Posters depicting models and films adorned her bedroom walls.
Books were neatly arranged in her mini library.
Somehow, it felt very warm to see all of that.
Elena was the only child in her family, so her parents tried their best to provide the very best for her.
Her door was knocked on by someone.
Elena opened it.
"Miss, please come to the dining table. Madam and Sir are waiting."
"Alright... Auntie," said Elena.
Elena went downstairs and headed to the dining table.
She took her seat.
The meal was already served, ready to be eaten.
Elena enjoyed the food thoroughly.
After eating, they took a moment to chat briefly before each got busy with their own worlds.
"Lena... have you thought about it?" asked her mother.
"About what?" Elena asked, confused.
"Your engagement... to our friend's son."
"Hm... not yet," Elena said hesitantly.
"Think about it again, Len... He's kind, smart, handsome... ideal."
"It's not that I'm refusing... I'm just not ready for an engagement yet."
"Well... you have to be ready whether you are or not. Why? Because the world's direction can't be predicted," her father joined the conversation.
Elena let out a long sigh. "Alright... I'll think about it again later."
"Okay. Think it through carefully."
Elena was conflicted. Doubt lingered in her heart—whether to follow her parents or her own heart.
She stood up and bid farewell to her parents.
Elena got into the car, and it began to move.
Throughout the journey, Elena was lost in thought, pondering the engagement.
"Miss... why so quiet? Deep in thought?" asked her chauffeur.
"Oh... it's nothing, really," Elena replied.
"That's clearly a lie, Miss. Your face shows you have something on your mind," the chauffeur said playfully.
"Hm... actually... I'm thinking about Mother's plan for my engagement," Elena finally opened up about her hesitation.
"Oh... about love, then."
Elena remained silent.
"Let me tell you, Miss. If you truly wanted to get engaged, you could just accept it, right?" said the chauffeur.
Elena thought... that was true.
"Miss... love isn't something that can be forced... not even by one's own parents," the chauffeur continued. "Love is... when two people feel a mutual need, love, and respect... not just mere desire."
"Then... I can refuse the engagement?"
"Of course... but through a good conversation. Because parents only want... their child to be happy."
Elena fell deep in thought.
Just as she was about to ask another question...
"We've arrived, Miss."
Elena looked out the window, and sure enough, she was already at the school gate.
"Thank you," Elena said to her chauffeur.
Elena stepped out of the car and walked into the school.
Greeted by the warmth of the morning sun.
The air was still cool but carried a hint of warmth.
The pond water still reflected a faint light, as if mirroring human life itself.
Elena finally arrived at her classroom. As usual, it was still empty.
She sat there, lost in thought about that issue again.
A few minutes later, others began to arrive besides her.
Elena decided to step out of the classroom—not to avoid anything, but to get some fresh air.
When she felt relaxed and her gaze drifted forward, a familiar figure appeared.
Julius walked leisurely. Very leisurely.
For some reason, Elena felt something different about Julius compared to other boys.
Julius arrived at his classroom.
...
The bell rang, signaling the start of class.
As usual, every day was just about studying, studying, and studying.
Until...
Last period: Sociology.
"Form groups with someone of the opposite sex. And ask a question that feels truly unsettling to your hearts."
That was likely the assignment. Julius wasn't really listening.
Julius ended up in a group with Elena.
He looked into Elena's eyes, and at that moment, for some reason, Elena felt something unsettling in her heart.
"In your opinion... what is love?" Elena asked.
"Wait... are we allowed to ask about romance?" Julius asked in return.
"Hm... it seems universal. The assignment is just to ask an unsettling question," Elena answered.
"So... love unsettles your heart? But sorry, I'm not someone obsessed with love," Julius said. "But... in my opinion, love is an attraction to the opposite sex... involving deep feelings that develop slowly yet intensely."
"Is that... your definition of love?" Elena asked.
"Yes," Julius replied.
"Don't you have a question for me?"
"Hm... no need. Not to sound arrogant... but there's nothing unsettling in my heart right now."
...
The dismissal bell rang.
All the students returned to their respective homes.
Elena waited for her ride.
During the journey, she finally found the answer to her question.
At the family dinner that evening, Elena spoke to her parents.
"I need more time... a little longer... to think about the engagement."
Her parents nodded, and for the first time, she felt the crossroads of fate.