The Quiet Between Joy and Sorrow

"Dear Ms. Ingram, your application for the overseas exchange program has been accepted. Kindly confirm your participation."Kayla Ingram stares at the message for a long time. Her fingertip hovers above the screen, slightly trembling. Finally, she takes a deep breath and types out her reply. "Confirmed."Just as she hits send, a cool, low voice sounds behind her. "Why are you standing here alone? Aren't you going to watch the fireworks?"She spins around to see Darren Tate right behind her.Under the night sky, his silhouette is sharply outlined by the distant lights. His features are striking and refined. Even in a plain white shirt, he carries himself with an effortless, poised elegance.She doesn't get a chance to answer before a loud boom cracks through the air.A burst of fireworks explodes across the sky. Everyone around lifts their heads in awe, but Kayla keeps her gaze fixed solely on him.This is the 1001st time she's looked at him like this—quietly, from the shadows.And it will be the last.