Chapter 364

Benjamin crossed his arms, smirking with arrogance. "Even if you do like him, it's pointless. You two won't last long anyway. Take my advice—walk away now before you get your heart broken later."

The bus screeched to a halt at the station just as he finished speaking.

Evelyn stood up, brushed past him without so much as a glance, and stepped off the bus.

Benjamin blinked, then scrambled after her, irritation sharpening his voice. "Hey! Evelyn! Did you even hear what I said? Evelyn!"

She ignored his nagging completely, pushing open the door of a nearby café. Undeterred, Benjamin followed, still ranting. Moments later, Evelyn emerged with an iced latte in hand and strode purposefully into the shopping mall ahead.

Benjamin trailed behind, relentless. He was determined to convince her to back off—to leave Nathaniel free for his sister. Evelyn, however, acted as if he didn’t exist, sipping her drink while browsing store after store. She moved from the ground floor all the way up, picking up small items here and there.

By the time they reached the top floor, Benjamin was hunched over, panting. "Wait up! How are you not tired? Girls always complain in gym class, but shopping for hours? No problem?"

Evelyn wasn’t even winded. She arched a brow at him. "Already worn out? Then stop following me and go do something useful."

Benjamin straightened, indignant. "What’s wrong with me tagging along? A girl like you shouldn’t be wandering around alone. You should be thanking me for the free protection!"

Evelyn gave him a slow, skeptical once-over. "You? Protect me?"

His pride stung, Benjamin flexed his arms, rolling up his sleeves to show off what little muscle he had. "Got a problem with that? I’m plenty strong!"

Evelyn pressed her lips together, amusement flickering in her eyes before she turned away.

Benjamin bristled, ready to prove himself—until a chorus of high-pitched voices cut through the air.

"Benjamin!"

He froze, turning toward the sound. Three girls stood by the entrance of an escape room, eyes wide with excitement.

The one in the middle—long hair, flowing skirt—bounced forward, cheeks flushed. "It is you! We thought we were seeing things!"

Benjamin barely spared them a glance. "Oh. Hey."

They were classmates, but he couldn’t recall their names.

The girl’s gaze darted to Evelyn, who stood a few feet away, sipping her latte. Suspicion darkened her expression. "Benjamin… is she your girlfriend?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her drink.

Benjamin’s face twisted in horror. "What? No!"

The girl relaxed, then studied Evelyn again, tilting her head. "Oh! Is she your sister? You kind of look alike."

Benjamin recoiled. "Are you blind? We look nothing alike!"

The girl flinched, eyes watering.

Benjamin didn’t even notice. He was too busy scowling at the absurdity of the comparison.