Shrouded Seascape

Back in Hope Island University, located in the heart of the island, Lily was seated in the library, quietly poring over an array of textbooks and notes.

Her long hair flowed down her back, the sides neatly pinned back with a pearl barrette.

She was dressed in a simple beige knit sweater paired with a light-colored skirt. Despite the simple outfit, it highlighted her natural grace and poise.

Maya, her best friend and classmate, sat next to her. She had been a tremendous help to Lily all these while. It was all thanks to her that Lily could now hold her own in her studies.

After being in school for such a long while, Lily had not only matured a lot in knowledge, but also in maturity.

Sometimes, when she reflected on her younger self, it suddenly dawned on her how naive and impulsive she had been back then. Her thoughts were too simplistic and childlike. She had never thought in the shoes of others.

But now, she was a completely different person from a year ago. Her innocent features had given way to a serene and composed demeanor.

Of course, Lily welcomed this change and was happy to embrace it. After all, this was the reason why she had attended the academy—to grow, to mature.

To avoid drawing attention to her outstanding looks so as to focus on her studies, Lily had even taken to wearing a light layer of makeup in the hopes that it would make her appear more ordinary.

However, her efforts seemed to be in vain as admirers still flocked to her. Male classmates often vied for her attention with the allowance given by the Governor.

Bu, Lily regarded them with open disdain. How could they squander their money on frivolous pursuits rather than dedicating themselves to their studies?

Just as Lily was engrossed in her textbook, Maya nudged her lightly with an elbow. She looked up to see Maya pointing with her pen at the mechanical clock mounted on the library wall.

It was dinner time, time for them to leave the library.

Lily nodded in acknowledgement and began to pack her belongings. Placing the books and pens on the table into satchel slung over the back of her chair, the two girls then left the library.

As soon as they left the library, their arms interlocked as they started chatting about only girls their age might find interesting.

Studying was stressful and this was their way of relieving the pressure weighing upon their shoulders

Just as they approached the school cafeteria, Lily pulled Maya back by the arm gently and proposed, "Let's go out to eat instead? How about the Red Claw Bistro? You helped me so much with my thesis defense last week. I owe you a proper treat."

Actually, it was just a mere justification that Lily cooked up. She knew her friend well enough. If she hadn't said so, Maya, thrifty by nature, wouldn't agree to eat out.

Moreover, Lily had even picked a modest restaurant to ensure Maya wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

Though she could have easily taken her friend to a more extravagant restaurant, or even one of those upscale, private dining establishments frequented by Hope Island's elite, she hadn't suggested so.

She was aware that balance was the key to any relationship. If one party were to give too much into a friendship, it could upset the natural equilibrium.

Friendships needed to be maintained as well.

"Sure!" Maya readily accepted Lily's offer. "I would splurge there every now and then as well. Their salted lobster meatballs noodles are really delicious!"

The two girls hopped on the tram and left the island's central district. They journeyed toward the island's outer edge and eventually arrived at a small, timeworn bistro tucked into a quiet corner near the harbor.

A massive crab claw sign hung above the shop's entrance. It was a little family-run restaurant. The father worked in the kitchen, the son waited tables, and the mother handled supplies.

Despite the simplicity, the food was flavorful and valuable for its affordable price point. As such, business thrived despite its tucked-away location.

Now that the island's supply chains had fully restored, even a small eatery like this offered a wide variety of dishes.

Lily and Maya placed their orders before they sat back and slurped on their sweet, creamy banana drinks, chatting away happily as they waited.

As it often did with girls, the topic naturally shifted to boys. A sly grin played on Lily's lips as she leaned in and asked, "So, what's going on between you and Ike? I heard that he's your boyfriend now."

Without a single hint of embarrassment, Maya shrugged lightly and admitted. "Yeah, we came to know each other during the Governor's birthday. He's okay, plus the Navy's already got him lined up for a strategic post.

"There probably won't be any wars in the near future so being in the Navy is a stable job. The pay's good and he gets decent vacation leave. He is even qualified to get allocated a house. Though it's just a studio apartment, at least I won't need to worry about rent after leaving the academy."

"Ugh, Maya!" Lily groaned upon hearing Maya's practical assessment of Ike. Disappointment painted her face as she said, "You clearly know that's not what I want to know."

"Then what do you want to know?" Maya asked with an arched eyebrow.

"I want the juicy details of your love life! Has he done any romantic gesture for you? What did he do to win you over?"

Maya took another sip from her straw before she answered, "There's no romance. I'm not even into his looks. He even picks his nose. I'm dating him purely out of practicality. After all, I'm not exactly the prettiest girl out there. I think I've grabbed a rather good one for myself."

She lifted her gaze to meet Lily's and continued, "Don't look at me like that. Honestly, he doesn't feel much for me either. He tried pursuing you previously. He only chose me after he did a logical assessment and realized he didn't stand a chance with you.

"I like logical people; they're predictable and controllable," Maya concluded.

"Uh…" Lily was at a loss for words. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Maya quickly changed the topic.

"Anyway, it's nothing, Lily. You are so pretty that if I were a guy, I would like you too. But seriously though, you have so many suitors but you haven't given anyone a chance. What kind of guys do you like?"

A hint of helplessness flickered across Lily's face. This question had become a constant topic of conversation between them. "Dear Miss Maya, can't we talk about something else? Why are we back onto this again? The world is full of things more important than love, you know."

The corners of Maya's eyes twitched in amusement. "Isn't this exactly the age when we talk about things like love? What? Are you going to wait till you're twenty before thinking about this? By then, we'll be working and who would have time for romance? Besides, wasn't it you who brought up this topic in the first place?"

Lily let out a sigh and rolled her eyes. "I haven't given it much thought. Also, for the record, all those boys are too immature."

"Immature?" Maya's eyes widened in surprise, "So you like the older, more mature types? But you didn't agree when Dr. Milan tried to ask you out for a meal."

"Argh, I'm not talking about maturity in terms of age. I'm talking about the way they think. Their minds are so empty. They have no ambitions, and no depth to their souls. Their only vision for the future is limited to a better job and a bigger house."

Just then, their food had arrived. As soon as the waiter set down the plates in front of them, Lily grabbed her metal fork and knife and started eating quickly.

Her cheeks puffed up as she chewed to resemble a tiny hamster. Even though she had changed much, some of her rodent habits from the past still lingered and she required even more time to fully adjust.

Maya stabbed her fork into the round brown noodles on her plate, twirling them into a neat bundle before popping them into her mouth.

"Ambition? Lily, have you been reading too many novels? Those stories are fake, made up by people to earn money."

Lily flashed a smile at her friend but said nothing in response.