Never Tired of Mr. Leon's Love

Cillian and Lucy were walking next to each other, keeping just the right amount of space between them. Neither of them said a word.

Lucy started to feel a little awkward as she walked by his side. She thought to herself, 'Oh no, Cillian and I are just people who know each other. At best, we're just former classmates. Why did I even come here to see him?' she wondered.

The silence was getting so awkward that Lucy wished she could just disappear.

Just then, Cillian looked at her with a warm smile and asked, "Did you come to see me today to have some fun? I can show you around."

Lucy was relieved and replied quickly, "It's been ages since I've been back to the campus. I don't even know what it looks like around the university anymore. Could you give me a tour?"

Cillian smiled politely and said, "Sure, I'll give you a great tour.

"There's a really cool amusement park that opened up near the university. The haunted house there is supposed to be amazing," he added casually.

Cillian knew Lucy well enough from their first year to know she loved haunted houses. He was right. Lucy's eyes sparkled at the mention of it, and she forgot all about feeling awkward. She grabbed Cillian's arm excitedly.

"Where is it? Show me! I haven't been to a haunted house in forever!"

Cillian looked down at Lucy's gentle hand on his arm, feeling something stir inside him. However, he took a deep breath and pushed the feeling away.

He and Lucy were just regular friends, nothing more. He reminded himself not to read too much into it as he led the way.

"Come on. We've only just got to the campus, and we're heading out again," he said with a light-hearted laugh. He was trying to brush off his earlier mood. Lucy did not notice anything odd and nodded eagerly in agreement.

"Let's go!"

Together, they left the campus grounds and had a blast at the amusement park. Lucy braved the haunted house, soared on the roller coaster, and even enjoyed the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. Before getting on each ride, Lucy would glance at Cillian, looking a little shy. "Is it silly for me to like these rides?"

"Not at all," Cillian reassured her warmly. "Merry-go-rounds aren't just for little girls. Even 20-year-olds can enjoy them. That just means they've kept their youthful spirits."

Lucy beamed at his words. He always knew just what to say. With a happy bounce, she hopped onto the merry-go-round.

Time flew when you were having fun. Soon, it was around four o'clock. Lucy checked her watch and told Cillian, "I need to head home. Matthew's waiting for me."

Cillian's smile hid a flicker of sadness. He could not spend more time with her. Well, he thought he should just be grateful for the moments he got. "I'll walk you home," he offered with his usual grin.

Lucy was thrilled. She gave him a friendly pat on the back. "You're awesome, Cillian. From now on, you're under my wing," she said, teasing him with a laugh.

Cillian could not help but smile after the playful banter. "Okay, okay. From now on, you're gonna look after me."