The sudden heavy snowfall continued straight through until early the next morning. Looking out the window revealed nothing but a vast expanse of white. Many students excitedly bundled up in thick jackets and rushed out of the dorms, pouring into the snowy landscape.
In the Loane University student council group chat, the president had just sent out a mass announcement, but not a single reply had come in.
"The snow on the campus paths is causing traffic issues. Any students interested in helping clear it? Voluntary participation only."
It was exactly what he expected—no one wanted to do unpaid hard labor in this freezing weather. He ignored a few members' minor complaints and followed up with another message. "I'll list it as a work-study opportunity through the student life office. You can join for pay if you're interested."
After coordinating with the department, they quickly filled the available spots. He posted the list in the group, and suddenly a girl who rarely spoke up volunteered.
"President, I'll come. Where do we meet?"
"But the paid positions are already full. You'd only be able to participate unpaid."
"That's okay. I still want to help."
After checking the meeting location the president sent, Lila Vale put on her thick down jacket and hurried out of the dorm.
...
Evelyn Miller hadn't wanted Noah to go, but he was unusually persistent, offering all kinds of excuses. It seemed he really needed to get out and move around.
He arrived right on time. Once tasks were handed out, he noticed an extra girl who wasn't on the original list.
She was standing amid the group, partially hidden. It wasn't until she stepped right in front of him with a bright expression that Noah realized she had come.
Lila wore sturdy winter boots. The cold wind had brushed a soft pink across her delicate cheeks. Her large, round eyes shimmered with moisture, clear and flawless like a serene mountain lake.
"You came too. I didn't see your name on the list," Noah said.
She lifted her gaze, studying his face carefully, her lips curving into a sweet smile. "I'm here as a student council member to help out. What about you? Why are you joining? Running low on money?"
"Yeah... I wanted to buy something."
The allowance Evelyn gave him was more than enough.
But buying a gift for his sister had to be with money he earned himself.
He wanted to get her a pair of warm boots, just like the ones on Lila's feet. They would look beautiful on Evelyn's legs.
"If you need help, actually I could..." Lila began, then stopped herself. From what she knew of him, Noah probably wouldn't accept. He and Evelyn were alike in that way—they disliked accepting help from outsiders.
Noah hadn't caught the full sentence. He glanced at the thick snow covering the path. "Let's get started then. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can rest."
"Mm..."
The snow was far too deep for brooms alone. The heavy shovel felt reasonably familiar in his grip.
Years of helping Evelyn with housework had built up his strength, after all.
But after half an hour, he glanced over at Lila as she bent down to work. It was obvious she wasn't used to manual labor like this. Her discomfort became clear before long, yet she stubbornly kept swinging the shovel, pushing herself as if competing against someone.
Noah walked over and tapped her shoulder. "You tired? Want to take a break?"
She looked up, wiping the fine beads of sweat from her forehead, and forced a smile. "I'm fine. Are you getting tired?"
Noah turned to look at the section of path they had already cleared. The workload was manageable, and there was still plenty of time. If he didn't rest, she likely wouldn't stop either.
"A bit... Let's sit down for a while."
"Sure, whatever you say."
The stone bench along the path was still damp, but the student council had kindly provided several folding stools, probably anticipating that the job wouldn't end quickly and people would need places to rest.
"Why did you come out here, Lila? You shouldn't be short on cash," Noah asked softly.
Given the Vale family's financial situation and how much her parents adored her, her allowance was certainly generous.
She had grown up in a loving, sheltered environment—the complete opposite of Evelyn.
"I came to see you," Lila answered directly. Since they had once been together, there was no need to be coy about it. "It's been a while. I missed you."
Noah paused, unsure whether he should discourage her. He knew what direction his future was heading, and...
He might not even have the power to choose. As long as Evelyn reached for him, he would have to follow her, whether he wanted to or not.
Besides, no matter the nature of their relationship, he truly loved Evelyn.
"What about you?" Seeing he didn't respond, Lila didn't want the atmosphere to grow awkward. "What do you want to buy?"
"I want to get my sister a pair of boots like the ones you're wearing."
"You really like wagging your tail for her. Didn't you say..."
She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing that Noah had never actually told her that. She had read it in the letter he wrote to a stranger. It made sense—his dislike of Evelyn's controlling ways didn't conflict with wanting to buy her a gift.
"Say what?" Noah blinked, looking at her curiously.
"Nothing. Buy it if you want." Lila glanced down at the tall boots on her feet. The soft fleece lining wrapped warmly around her slender calves. They really were comfortable.
"I'll send you the link."
"Thanks."
Noah opened the shopping link she sent him, then realized he didn't know Evelyn's shoe size. He quickly messaged her.
The reply came back almost instantly.
Evelyn:
Which size do you think looks best on me, Nate? I'll try to grow into it for you.
"Stop joking around, Sis. Just tell me."
"I haven't bought new shoes in a long time, so I don't remember exactly. If you really want to know, come measure it yourself later."
He shook his head, slipped his phone back into his pocket, and let out a helpless sigh.
His sister had endless creative ways to tease him, and he always fell right into her traps, letting her play with him as she pleased.
He had occasionally thought about taking more initiative in their relationship, but Evelyn knew him far too well. Combined with her position as his older sister, she was nearly impossible to outmaneuver. He had almost never gained the upper hand, and the few times he had, it was only because she had allowed it.
Luckily, he had never needed to win against her. Trying to compete with Evelyn was pointless anyway.
"By the way, Noah, where did you get that scarf?" Lila asked, her eyes on the thick scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, pulling his attention back.
He hadn't wanted to wear it outside. Evelyn had insisted. She refused to let him leave without it, acting every bit like an overly concerned mother terrified her child would catch a cold.
"My sister knitted it. Looks pretty good, right?"
"Yeah... It does."
She nodded, taking in his entire outfit. How she wished she could see him wearing something she had given him. But the clothes she had bought for him were few, and none were suitable for winter. Even the hair tie she had once slipped onto his wrist was nowhere to be seen.