Chapter 10: New Beginnings, Familiar Faces
The morning sunlight filtered gently through the large windows, casting warm, golden patterns across the polished wooden floor. Leon stirred beneath the soft sheets, a sense of unfamiliar comfort tugging at him even before he fully opened his eyes. The room around him felt different from the small, cramped space he had occupied yesterday—a subtle elegance, a lightness that he could feel without being able to name it.
He blinked, slowly taking in the surroundings. His gaze swept over the neat corners of the room, the muted colors of the walls, the faint scent of fresh paint and newly polished wood lingering in the air. A quiet, almost surreal feeling settled over him. It wasn't just the size of the house or the sunlight; it was something deeper, something that resonated with him in a way he couldn't immediately explain.
Stretching, he rose from the bed and made his way toward the wardrobe. The movement felt natural, effortless, as if the house itself were inviting him to take ownership of this new chapter of his life. He opened the wardrobe, selecting simple but neat clothing—dark jeans, a soft black hoodie, and sneakers. After dressing, he paused, looking at his reflection in the tall mirror. Messy black hair, sharp eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. This was him, and yet… it felt like a version of him ready for something more.
After brushing his teeth and splashing cold water on his face to shake off the lingering grogginess, Leon grabbed his bag and stepped toward the door. The house seemed to hum quietly around him, a gentle reminder that this space was now his.
As he passed the front door, the garden caught his attention. The greenery was meticulously trimmed, small flowers lining the edges of a cobblestone path. A light breeze stirred the leaves, carrying the faint scent of morning dew. For a brief moment, he paused, mesmerized by the calm beauty. Then, with a decisive nod, he stepped outside.
The streets of Nyser were already bustling with activity, though the pace of the morning felt different today. Leon's footsteps were easy, confident, as he made his way to the university. It was only a few minutes' walk from his new house, but each step carried a sense of purpose that felt new, invigorating.
By the time he reached the gates of Nyser University, students were beginning to trickle in. Leon's pace slowed slightly as he observed them—groups laughing and chatting, a few rushing with their books clutched tightly to their chests. He moved smoothly through the crowd, passing familiar landmarks, the gates now feeling less like a threshold and more like a gateway to his growing world.
Entering the department building, Leon noticed the silence that greeted him. He was the first to arrive today, the emptiness of the space amplifying the subtle echo of his footsteps. He walked down the hall with easy confidence, the sound of his shoes clicking against the polished floor. When he reached his classroom, he slipped in quietly, settling into his seat near the window.
For several minutes, the room remained quiet, save for the faint rustle of papers and the soft murmur of students arriving one by one. Leon leaned back slightly, stretching his arms over his head, and allowed himself a small, contented smile.
The quiet was broken abruptly by a sharp, familiar voice. "Hey, Leon! What were you busy with yesterday? You were absent!"
Leon's eyes widened slightly as he turned to see Lenora standing just inside the door, her brows furrowed and her eyes blazing with curiosity and mild frustration. He gave her an awkward smile, scratching the back of his head. "Well… you know. I was… moving to a new house."
Lenora's eyes widened in shock. "You moved? From where? Where is your new house? I want to see it!"
Leon chuckled lightly, his hands sliding casually into his pockets. "It's not far from here, just a few minutes' walk."
Her expression shifted to one of disbelief. "What do you mean 'just a few minutes'? Houses here cost millions! I thought you only had two million!"
Leon's smirk deepened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, you know… the investment I made paid off. I managed to pull together at least 200 million from it."
Lenora blinked rapidly, her mouth opening and closing slightly as she tried to process the information. "Two hundred million? Seriously? And the house? How much was it?"
Leon shrugged lightly, as though the numbers were nothing more than a casual detail. "One hundred and fifty million."
Her eyes widened further, incredulous. "Are you crazy? Why so luxurious? Shouldn't you be… careful?"
Leon smiled faintly, a hint of mystery in his gaze. "The investment is still growing. Who knows how much it could be by the end of the year?"
Lenora's voice softened slightly, though her astonishment remained. "So… you're telling me it's not over yet, and you're still going to get more? But… what if it crashes?"
Leon's mind raced, weighing the situation carefully. He couldn't tell her the uncertainty that loomed over the system. "…I don't know if it will crash," he thought, keeping his tone calm. Instead, he leaned closer, lowering his voice into a playful whisper. "That's why I'm going to pull everything tonight."
Lenora's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I see… so, what will be the exact amount then?"
Leon chuckled softly to himself, glancing toward the clock. "…I don't know yet."
Her brow furrowed in thought for a moment. "So… when is the party?"
He paused, realizing the context of her question. Was she talking about a housewarming? He hadn't even mentioned it to his parents yet. "…Should we do it today?" he asked, though only in thought.
Lenora's smile returned, subtle and knowing. "Just us?"
"Yeah," Leon replied quietly. "Everyone else will probably be busy with their own things."
Lenora nodded. "Then let's do it."
Before Leon could respond further, a familiar voice spoke from behind. "What are you two talking about?"
Leon turned to see Rina, her calm presence contrasting sharply with Lenora's energy.
"Well… I moved," he said simply. "She wants a small housewarming party."
Rina's eyes twinkled faintly. "I see,
Lenora. Want to join us
Rina said with a sad look , I'm busy ?"
"I have to practice acting," Rina replied promptly. "Tomorrow we have auditions for the theater club."
Lenora's lips pursed thoughtfully. "I see… should we postpone then? We can do it after the auditions, all together."
Leon understood immediately. "Yes, that makes sense," he replied, his tone calm and decisive.
The classroom began to fill, and soon their female professor arrived. Blue hair, brown eyes, and an aura of quiet authority—this was Livia, the professor known for her support of the theater club.
"Class started," Rina whispered, nodding toward the front. "Let's focus, Lenora."
Leon gave a subtle nod, noting that Rina's dedication to acting was as fierce as ever. She hadn't even paused her own focus for social interactions, her eyes fixed on the teacher, sharp and observant.
After the lecture, the three of them made their way to the canteen, settling into their usual spot. Leon leaned back slightly, watching the bustling cafeteria, and finally asked Rina, "What do we have to do at the auditions tomorrow?"
Making eye contact, Rina replied plainly, "Acting, obviously."
"I mean… I know that," Leon said with a faint smirk, "but what kind of acting? Are there lines? Scripts?"
"They'll give the scripts and lines," Rina said calmly. "You just have to act them out."
Leon groaned quietly. "Not even practice first? That's brutal."
Rina shrugged lightly. "The president of the theater club wants to see raw talent. That's why so many people apply."
Leon smirked inwardly. Ah, of course… she's stunning, so naturally everyone will join. And all the boys… that's the competition.
Rina added with a faint smile, "Well, we just act, that's all."
"Right," Leon agreed, relaxing slightly.
Lenora looked at him with a playful glint in her eye. "What about me, then?"
"Well, you can discuss that with Senior Mia tomorrow," Rina said.
"Ah, I see… Mia is handling makeup, huh?"
Leon nodded. "Hm… and my sister is there too?"
Rina glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Your sister?"
Lenora tilted her head, confused. "I didn't know about that either."
Leon's mind wandered briefly to the past—he had only learned about her after a year, and she was focused, skilled, and as composed as ever.
Class ended, and the three of them left together. Lenora finally asked, "Leon, can I come see your house? We can do the party another time."
"Sure," Leon replied, leading the way.
The walk was brief, Lenora's eyes widening as they approached. "Whoa… it's so close!"
Leon nodded with a faint smirk. "Yeah. Just left of the gate."
The house came into full view. Light green and white, two stories, wider on the inside than it appeared outside—a spacious, welcoming home.
"Let's go to my room," Leon said, leading her upstairs. "It's on the second floor."
Lenora inhaled softly. "Hm… the smell is nice."
Leon nodded. "Yeah… just moved yesterday."
Lenora's eyes wandered across the other rooms. "So… there are three rooms, but only you live here? Aren't you scared?"
Leon chuckled lightly, shaking his head. Scared? How could I be? I just sleep here. "Of course not."
Lenora's gaze softened. "So… did you tell uncle and aunt?"
Leon shook his head. "Not yet, but I will. Okay?"
"Okay," Lenora replied, standing gracefully. "I'll take my leave then."
Leon hung up on Lenora and let out a small, satisfied sigh. The afternoon sunlight spilled across the living room, warming the pale green walls. He smiled faintly, feeling that quiet sense of achievement settle over him.
He pulled out his phone and dialed his mother's number. The line rang twice before a gentle, familiar voice answered.
"Hello? Leon, is that you?" his mother asked.
"Hi, Mom. It's me," Leon replied, his tone calm. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, my child. And you? How's everything over there?"
"I'm good too," Leon said, smiling softly. "Actually… I moved yesterday."
There was a brief pause on the other end, and then his mother's voice rose slightly in surprise. "You moved? Who tolds something important like this? And… where did you get the money?"
Leon chuckled softly. "It's from an investment I made a while ago. It's still growing, and it worked out well."
His mother's tone was cautious but curious. "I… don't quite understand, Leon. But… it's legal, right?"
"Of course, Mom," Leon reassured her. "Nothing illegal."
"Oh… I see," she said, relaxing slightly. "So… will you invite us to see the new house ?"
"I will, Mom. After some time, once things settle down. I know you're busy with the farm right now."
"I see… okay, then. Take care of yourself, my child."
"You too, Mom," Leon said warmly, hanging up the phone.
He leaned back against the sofa, the sunlight warming his face, and let a small smile linger. It's really happening… he thought. A new house, a fresh start… and everything feels… right.
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