The Female Leads Truly Loves You - Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Thankfully, there was still him
It’s been a day since Sam was last seen.

For Sophie, this seemed like no big deal, a trivial matter that, in the past, wouldn’t have merited a second thought.

After all, what impact could a Sam have on her life?

The vast world doesn’t stop spinning for anyone, and up until a few months ago, the name Sam didn’t even exist in Sophie’s life.

So, even when she saw that empty seat, there shouldn’t have been any emotional stirrings.

But to her regret and irritation, Sophie found herself glancing over at that should-be-occupied seat several times during class, a behavior she hadn’t exhibited just a day before, and one she found utterly disgraceful.

Sophie even thought that having Sam join the Summer Camp Experience was a disaster.

But what was with this uncontrollable, almost expectant gaze now?

Thankfully… it seemed no one had noticed.

Until after class, when a distinctive figure appeared before her.

She was smiling, sophisticated and intelligent, exuding the supreme charm of a mature woman.

“Don’t worry too much, Sam just went out to take care of some business and will be back tonight.”

Sophie stared at Alice, her teacher, before her face took on an unnatural hue.

“Teacher, why are you telling me this? What does what Sam does have to do with me?”

Alice feigned confusion as she looked at the girl.

“Oh? It doesn’t matter?… But during class, you seemed to always be looking at his empty seat… Or is it just my imagination?”

Sophie stiffened.

How had the other person noticed something like that?

She tried to control her expression, pretending as if nothing was amiss. After all, except in front of Sam, she had always been able to manage her emotions well. It was as if she owed him a debt from a past life…

Sam was like a hurricane sweeping through, stirring up waves where there should have been calm seas.

“There’s nothing of the sort. I just felt a bit stiff from sitting too long during class, so I was stretching my neck, which is perfectly normal, right? Ms Alice, do you always pay attention to these things?”

Not only did she deny it, but she also bit back—classic Sophie.

Alice seemed not to mind, just smiling.

“It’s okay. Maybe I just saw it wrong. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now.”

Sophie didn’t intend to interact much with this woman; she wasn’t particularly fond of this female teacher, mainly because Alice was too beautiful, always capturing the male students’ attention during class with her looks.

Moreover, Sophie felt that Alice’s attractive dress sense detracted from the aura of a teacher.

Maybe it was Sophie’s bias, but why did this bias exist?

Sophie didn’t know, nor did she intend to delve into it.

At that moment, Alice spoke up.

“Um… Sophie, there’s an activity tonight… you must attend. It’s an essential part of the Summer Camp Experience. Unless it’s utterly unavoidable, attendance is mandatory for all students.”

“What activity?”

Sophie frowned.

Alice smiled at Sophie: “You’ll know if you check the discussion group’s messages. I’ve mentioned that it’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open. Don’t always block group messages.”

With a relaxed smile, Alice turned and left, leaving behind a slightly baffled and aloof girl.

Sophie unlocked her phone, unblocking the discussion group.

Blocking group messages was a habit for Sophie. Undoubtedly, life in society, whether at school or elsewhere, involves joining various groups with discussions that had little to do with her and nothing that would interest Sophie.

So, her approach was to block them outright to avoid these pointless messages.

But this time, it seemed she had no choice.

Frowning, Sophie opened the group and immediately noticed a prominent announcement.

[All students of the Summer Camp Experience, please gather at the mountaintop after dinner at 7 PM for the collective activity of this Summer Camp Experience. Please do not be absent. Due to Milo’s sudden acute gastroenteritis and his last-minute withdrawal, Teacher Cyrus will join as a replacement.]

What the heck?

So, they really need everyone to be there? Why does the activity have to be this strict?

Sophie, due to her personality, greatly disliked group activities, but she also knew the consequences of acting on her whims and not attending.

She didn’t want her personality to make her a target for everyone, so after much hesitation, she still made it to the mountaintop on time at 7 PM after dinner.

By then, the mountaintop was already bustling with many people, including students eagerly discussing in groups and teachers making preparations.

But… Sam still hadn’t returned.

Sophie, out of habit, positioned herself at the edge of the crowd, not mingling with any group, especially those seemingly simple yet complicated circles of girls.

“Wow, Sophie decided to grace us with her presence at a group activity?”

Before it even began, as soon as Sophie stopped, she heard an annoying voice.

Turning, she saw a young girl wearing luxury brands, smiling at her.

Thalia.

Of course, Sophie knew this girl… not exactly a friend, more like mutual disdain.

Thalia was the quintessential girl born into wealth, not as rich as Angel but very skilled at pretending to be amiable. Forming cliques and establishing her own little circle came naturally to her.

And Sophie was well aware that Thalia disapproved of her.

Sophie was the top student in their grade, and Thalia, in the same class, could only be second. Furthermore, Sophie had explicitly declined an invitation to join her circle.

To some extent, this led to Sophie being somewhat ostracized by the other girls in the class, under Thalia’s subtle influence. However, Sophie didn’t care much about this and preferred to stay away from such interactions.

Hearing Thalia’s words, Sophie gave no response, as if she hadn’t heard them at all.

Several girls close to Thalia whispered among themselves.

“Well, it can’t be helped, after all, the teachers explicitly asked everyone to participate, and since she’s here, she can’t completely abstain, right?”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how Sophie participates in the group activity.”

“Ha ha ha, it must be tough for her?”

“Just thinking about it is fun~”

Sophie was accustomed to such lukewarm mockery. She clearly understood that in this world, those who stand out, those with their firm beliefs, are often treated as outliers, especially someone as exceptional yet aloof as her, making her a target for others.

But it didn’t matter to her. After leaving school, Sophie would have no dealings with these people. Her life did not need their participation.

Soon, it was time, and the teacher began to announce.

“Alright, let’s not keep everyone in suspense. For this occasion, we’ve prepared an interesting group activity. Could Teacher Cyrus please bring it over?”

A slim teacher with glasses and a scholarly demeanor brought out a box and opened it in front of everyone.

Inside were several badges.

Each badge bore the name of a student, and its back was sticky, allowing it to be affixed to the back of a garment, with a feature that allowed it to be peeled off.

“Is this going to be a Badge Battle?” someone excitedly guessed right away.

The teacher at the front smiled and announced.

“Tonight’s activity will indeed be a Badge Battle. To ensure fairness in the Badge Battle, we have ten male students and ten female students. So, we’ll pair off into teams, with one male and one female student forming each team. Each participant will have their own badge.”

“The rules of the Badge Battle are simple: within the confines of this mountaintop, the last remaining team, with both members intact, will claim victory. Please note that we will have teachers supervising nearby. To ensure fairness, only females can remove other females’ badges, and males can only remove other males’ badges.

Of course, a male can capture a female for his team member to remove her badge, but if a team is down to one person… unfortunately, they can only ‘await their fate.’ Hence, it’s crucial to remember that your teammate is your ally in battle. We do not advocate for individual heroism.”

“The most, most, most crucial part is coming up. The winning team will receive a prize provided by this astronomical observation site: a commemorative badge and a domestic astronomical telescope.”

As the teacher opened a delicate box, it was clear to see a beautifully crafted telescope inside. Though not large, it was definitely something one might be compelled to collect.

There was also a dazzling gold badge, slightly larger than a coin.

“Wow, a telescope!”

“I really want it! Teacher, how do we form teams? Is it random, or…”

Someone asked the key question.

Alice smiled at everyone and said, “There are no specific rules for forming teams; it’s up to you. I suggest the gentlemen here take the initiative to invite a lady. If she accepts, then you’ve formed a team.

Of course, whether you choose to cooperate or betray each other during the game is up to you. Let’s have the ladies stand in place now, and the gentlemen can come forward to invite.”

Sophie didn’t want to participate in this game.

Even though the telescope looked nice and the badge would interest collectors, the idea of pairing up didn’t appeal to her, feeling too much like being chosen at someone else’s whim.

Before Sophie could react, the other nine girls had already lined up.

Naturally, Sophie ended up at the end of the line.

Thalia looked interestedly at Sophie.

“Sophie is so pretty… surely someone will rush to invite her? Wonder who it’ll be?”

Sophie ignored the girl. She didn’t believe she’d be left out—her appearance and unique temperament were undeniable advantages over girls like Thalia.

The team selection began promptly.

With only eight boys, even including the substitute teacher Cyrus, there were only nine men in total, still one short, though it wasn’t explicitly stated that Sam wouldn’t be coming.

The other girls seemed a bit disappointed.

“Ah, why isn’t Sam here?”

“I wanted Sam to protect me.”

The first boy quickly made his choice.

Seemingly prepared, this boy chose a girl from his class whom he was relatively familiar with, and she readily accepted, forming the first team.

Then came the second… the third… the fourth.

The selection process was relatively smooth, though there were a couple of instances where boys’ invitations were rejected by girls, leading to some teasing and laughter from the crowd.

Sophie found the noise irritating.

But as the teams formed, an astonishing fact emerged: the two remaining girls were Thalia and Sophie, the most standout among the female participants.

While Thalia was indeed attractive, Sophie’s demeanor and beauty were unmatched. Yet, the situation left everyone in shock, especially since only the substitute, Cyrus, remained unpaired.

The teachers exchanged puzzled looks, not expecting this outcome.

“Why hasn’t anyone chosen Sophie? Not even a single invitation.”

“That’s because you don’t understand. It might seem like being good-looking is an advantage, but consider this: these boys are young and in such a setting, what are they most afraid of? Of course, it’s losing face, being rejected.

They lack the confidence that Sophie would choose them, believing they wouldn’t catch her eye. Plus, Sophie’s character is quite independent, and she doesn’t seem to have many friends. Even if she’s attractive, the boys don’t have the courage to invite her, preferring to choose other girls who are more likely to accept.”

This was indeed the case, as confirmed by the whispers among the boys.

“I definitely don’t have the guts to choose Sophie. She’s known to be pretty sharp-tongued, and even if we ended up as a team, the pressure would be too much.”

“Exactly… And it would be so awkward. I feel like there’d be nothing to talk about with her.”

What was meant to be a collective honor activity also doubled as a social interaction. In the realm of socializing, mutual feelings matter. Clearly, at this moment, the advantage of physical appearance turned into a disadvantage.

Now, only Thalia and Sophie remained standing together.

Unlike Sophie’s silence, Thalia spoke with a smile.

“Ah, it’s quite unexpected, isn’t it? Sophie, not a single person chose you? I thought you’d be rejecting several of them in a row.”

Sophie hadn’t anticipated this outcome, but she could quickly guess the reason behind it. However, a sense of disappointment unavoidably surfaced in her heart.

It seemed… she really wasn’t cut out for group activities. Of course, she wouldn’t reflect on it; she knew her usual demeanor had led to this, yet she didn’t think she had done anything wrong.

Even without being chosen, she wouldn’t settle for something she didn’t want.

Sophie looked at her.

“And what’s your reason for rejecting several until you were left till last?”

Indeed, Thalia had been chosen by two boys before, but she had rejected them, including the one before Cyrus.

It seemed a bit strange.

Thalia smiled, looking forward but lowered her voice so only the two of them could hear.

“Of course, it’s to embarrass you, Sophie… After all, being the last one, what would happen to you? All eyes are on you. See, I chose to make you the center of attention; isn’t that kind?”

Sophie could imagine Thalia disliking her but didn’t realize it had gone this far.

At this moment, she wished she could send a message to Sam, asking when he would arrive. But she is Sophie, and she wouldn’t do that.

She just took a deep breath, feeling an unusual reluctance to admit defeat. She wanted everyone who wished to embarrass her to pay for their folly.

“So, you’re that sure I’d be the last one left?”

Thalia smiled.

“If there were ten boys, of course, you wouldn’t be left alone. But remember, Sophie, you’ll never be the first choice, never.”

Thalia indeed despised Sophie.

She hated how Sophie seemed independent and mature, not blending into any circles, ignoring even her own invitations, and looking at them as if they were children playing with mud using urine.

It seemed as if Sophie was awake while everyone else was drunkenly unaware, which was ridiculous.

Beyond her looks and academic achievements, what did Sophie have to offer? If she chose to be an outlier, then she had to be prepared to be isolated, disliked, and ostracized.

“Now only Teacher Cyrus is left… Who will you invite, Teacher Cyrus?”

A teacher prompted Cyrus.

Cyrus hesitated, glancing towards Alice.

“We’re one person short. What should we do with the remaining one?”

Alice responded in a very formal and somewhat cold tone.

“Sam was supposed to return before dinner, so we didn’t plan for this. However, if he can’t make it back… we can’t sacrifice the group activity for one person. So, Teacher Cyrus, please make your choice. The one left alone… unfortunately, might have to be excluded.”

“Isn’t that a bit too cruel? Even though there are no other male teachers available, but…”

Cyrus appeared reluctant.

Alice shook her head.

“Cruelty is part of life. Besides, just like in the future, each of us has to pay for our choices. This is part of life’s lessons… Now, Teacher Cyrus, please don’t delay any further.”

With no other choice, Cyrus took a deep breath and walked towards the two girls.

Thalia was still smiling, while Sophie appeared calm, looking straight ahead.

Although she was not one to give up, at this moment… she harbored no hope.

Then, Teacher Cyrus, standing before them, sighed quietly and said,

“Sophie, I’m sorry.”

Sophie’s expression was robotic, her face devoid of any emotion.

“It’s okay.”

She spoke so calmly, without a hint of disappointment.

“Then, I choose Thalia.”

“Thank you, Teacher Cyrus~”

As if it were the expected outcome, Thalia understood human nature well, which is why she was so confident Sophie would be the one left standing.

Since Teacher Cyrus was their class advisor and Thalia had always had a better relationship with him, even bringing back souvenirs from trips for the class and not forgetting Cyrus.

Who would want to hurt someone they were closer to when it was inevitable that someone would be hurt?

Whispers broke out immediately.

“Ah… Sophie is the one left, what do we do?”

“Where’s Sam? He’s been missing all day. Did he drop out? Isn’t this awkward for Sophie?”

“I don’t know… but it was probably expected, wasn’t it? After all, Sophie doesn’t really fit in with us… Anyway, she looks down on us, doesn’t she?”

“Well, I can only say she got what she deserved… It’s not like anyone intentionally excluded her. She’s the one who doesn’t give anyone face.”

The scene unfolded just as Thalia had anticipated.

All eyes were on the silent Sophie, but how could she miss this opportunity?

Thalia smiled at Sophie.

“Ah… looks like I accidentally guessed right, Sophie… How about, I give Teacher Cyrus to you instead?”

Sophie simply glanced at her, saying nothing.

Thalia took this posture as arrogance, fueling her silent rage.

She turned her head to look at Alice, not far away.

“Teacher Alice, it’s about time to start, isn’t it?”

Alice looked over calmly.

“Indeed, it’s about time. However, Sophie doesn’t have a partner yet.”

Thalia expressed her dissatisfaction.

“Well, there’s no one else now. Since Sam is absent for some reason, are we supposed to wait for him? There are so many of us.”

This was a clear hint.

The other girls quickly picked up on this, whispering their agreement.

Alice shook her head.

“Then, Sophie, it seems you’ll have to be a spectator since you can’t participate alone… For the sake of fairness…”

“I can participate alone.”

Sophie’s unexpected response surprised everyone.

Thalia could barely contain her laughter.

“Are you sure you want to be this stubborn? Giving up isn’t shameful… Especially since you usually don’t like participating in group activities. Isn’t it strange that you want to join now?”

It was like she was seeking trouble for herself.

Deep down, Sophie understood, but she was immensely frustrated.

Even though she had hoped for Sam’s appearance, she knew that expecting some miracle was akin to admitting defeat.

Besides, why should Sam appear now? He had no obligation to solve her every problem, and she had no right to demand such.

She was clear that her own choices led to this situation, but that didn’t mean she would just accept it quietly.

She could disregard others’ opinions, but that didn’t mean she had no fight in her.

She refused to give up, never wanting to.

No matter how difficult or impossible it seemed, she wanted those who laughed at her to see that she could manage on her own.

Sophie would never exit the stage as they hoped, defeated and with a look of grievance.

Alice sighed.

“There’s really no need… Participating in this activity alone is too difficult.”

Thalia struggled to keep her smile in check.

“Sophie always likes to prove herself… If you really want to join, why don’t you ask other teams if they’re willing to swap with you or accept you? Being alone… it just seems too pitiful, I couldn’t bear to target you.”

Sophie was indeed provoked, but she knew she couldn’t afford to lose her composure.

That would truly be pitiful and embarrassing.

She didn’t need anyone’s pity, but what could she do at this moment?

Withdraw and concede?

Sophie didn’t like that; she disliked admitting defeat.

It seemed as if life’s challenges had surfaced once again.

Her usual independence seemed to bear bitter fruit at this moment.

Yet, she didn’t think she was wrong. People should be able to choose their own paths. Why must she care about fitting in? Why must she don a smiling face and conform to others’ circles? Why should she?

A great sense of injustice seemed to brew into tears of grievance.

Sophie didn’t want to feel this way, but she was also just an 18-year-old girl.

What could she do? How should she persist?

Her fists seemed uncontrollably clenched, her calm on the verge of collapse, yet still without any solution.

Those glances… those whispered judgments… those who enjoyed the spectacle…

And then there was Thalia, with her victorious smile right in front of her…

How infuriating…

“Sorry for being late. Um… Sophie, looks like you’ll have to team up with me.”

As if parting the clouds to let through a ray of light.

A beacon in the night, an impossible brightness in the darkness.

The voice she typically found annoying now seemed like the sound of hope…

Sophie lifted her head to see that familiar figure, approaching from afar, becoming a reality…

Why him again?

But thankfully, there was still him…