CHAPTER 32 He's Helpful To Every Pretty Girl

　　Calista

　　Right now, I found myself in an awkward moment with Cedric. His expression was unusually serious, leaving me uncertain if he was joking. The idea of him possibly liking me sent a wave of discomfort through me, like ice threatened by warmth.

　　Cedric was known for his charm and flirtatious nature, but I distinctly remembered him warning me not to fall for him, claiming he was a heartbreaker. It seemed unlikely he had changed his tune.

　　"Come on," I chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

　　I hoped he would break into a smile or laugh, shifting his serious demeanor into playful banter. The thought of someone genuinely liking me right now was unsettling, especially amidst all these awkward jokes.

　　He watched my reaction intently before bursting into laughter. "Come on, Calista," he chuckled again. "You know I'm always messing around. Don't take it too seriously," he said, his laughter easing the tension between us.