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nVillain Ch 413. Larissa’s Hope

nAmy exchanged a swift glance with Larissa, her expression revealing an unspoken understanding. “You know what, I’ve just remembered, I’ve got something I really need to take care of,” she said with a casual wave of her hand, making a swift exit.

nLarissa’s heart raced as Amy disappeared, leaving her alone with Allen in the corridor. She couldn’t help but feel a flush of embarrassment, her cheeks slightly tinged with pink. Nevertheless, she put on a brave smile and greeted him warmly.

n“Hey, Allen. What a surprise to see you here,” she said, her voice laced with a touch of astonishment. She couldn’t help but notice that he looked exceptionally put-together, no longer in his gym attire. It was clear he had taken a shower. “Where’s Gerry?”

nAllen returned her smile, his eyes locking onto hers. “Gerry left a bit earlier; he had something to attend to,” he explained. “I checked the lobby, but I didn’t find you. I figured you might still be here, so I came to check.”

n“I see. Anyway, you should cool down first before going to bathe,” Larissa said, trying to maintain a sense of composure, though her heart was pounding in her chest.

nAllen nodded in response. “Yeah, I did. I cooled down for about 15 minutes before I took a quick shower,” he explained, his surprise apparent since although it had taken quite some time, he didn’t spot her in the lobby as usual. Normally, he took just 5 to 10 minutes to shower and get ready.

nLarissa couldn’t help but fidget nervously as she offered her explanation. “Uh… my hair gave me a lot of trouble today,” she reasoned, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She had been caught off guard by Allen’s unexpected presence, and now her planned invitation to her apartment felt like it was slipping further away from her grasp. 𝘦𝘯𝑜𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝗇𝓔t

nThey walked side by side through the well-lit corridor of the gym. Larissa couldn’t help but feel a sense of awkwardness hanging in the air. She wanted to engage Allen in conversation, to bridge the gap between them and bring up the topic that had been on her mind, but the words seemed to elude her.

nLarissa cleared her throat, desperately searching for a topic to break the silence. “So, um… how was your workout today?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

nAllen glanced at her, offering a warm smile. “It was good, actually. Got in a decent session,” he replied, seeming relaxed.

nLarissa nodded, her mind racing as she tried to think of something else to say. She felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, knowing that the moment was slipping away and she needed to seize it.

nAllen, sensing the need to break the unusual silence that hung between them, spoke up with a friendly tone. “Got any plans after this? Maybe we could grab a bite somewhere else?” he suggested, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

nLarissa knew this was the perfect opening, the opportunity she had been waiting for, but somehow the words didn’t come as easily as she’d hoped. She sighed inwardly, her regret palpable as she replied, “Sorry, Allen. I’ve got a guest coming over for an interview about healthy eating patterns and detox in about an hour,” she explained, her tone filled with genuine disappointment.

nAllen’s face fell slightly, his disappointment mirrored in his response. “Ah, that’s a shame,” he said with a hint of regret. It was a missed opportunity, but he couldn’t help but understand the importance of Larissa’s commitment to her work.

nThe silence between them stretched on, hanging heavily in the air. Larissa, determined not to let this opportunity slip away, felt a growing urgency to express her feelings to Allen. She wanted to invite him to her apartment, to spend time with him beyond the confines of the gym and the game world.

n‘Come on, Larissa, just say it,’ she urged herself silently, her thoughts urging her to break through the barrier that held her back. But the words felt trapped in her throat.

nJust as she wrestled with her own hesitation, it was Allen who finally spoke up, his voice light and inviting. “How about next time? I can swing by your apartment and pick you up, maybe for dinner?” he suggested, a warm smile playing on his lips.

nLarissa’s heart leaped with joy at his words, and the excitement in her voice was palpable as she replied, “Yes, yes! I agree. I don’t mind at all!” The relief and elation were evident in her response, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She couldn’t believe that Allen had taken the initiative, offering her exactly what she had been longing for.

nAllen’s surprise was evident in his raised eyebrows and the subtle widening of his eyes. He hadn’t expected Larissa’s enthusiastic response, and her words only added to his astonishment.

nLarissa, catching on to Allen’s expression, couldn’t help but press her lips together in a shy smile. “I mean, this is the first time you’ve asked me out outside of the gym,” she explained, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness and a touch of bashfulness.

nA warm and genuine smile formed on Allen’s face as he responded to Larissa. “Well, you know, you can always let me know when you’re free,” he offered, his tone inviting and reassuring.

nLarissa felt a surge of happiness and relief at his words. It seemed that their connection was moving in the direction she had hoped for, and she couldn’t wait to see where this new chapter would lead them. “I will, Allen,” she replied, her voice filled with anticipation. “I’d really love that.”

nHer hope and expectation bubbled within her like a fizzy, effervescent feeling. She could feel her heart beating just a little faster, a flutter of excitement coursing through her veins. This unexpected turn of events had ignited a spark of anticipation she hadn’t felt in a long time.

n‘I hope it will turn out well,’ she thought.

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