The Girl They Ignored Returned as the Woman Seven Men Would Die For novel Chapter 157

Lucas had an afternoon class in the finance department. Since he had plans to grab dinner with Mika that evening, he headed back to campus.

At six o'clock, Lucas walked out of the lecture hall and spotted Mika waiting for him in the corridor.

Mika had noticeably slimmed down recently.

Dappled shadows from the trees played across the second-floor balcony. Her slender silhouette leaned casually against the railing, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.

With her delicate arms resting on the ledge, she gazed aimlessly into the distance.

She didn't seem to notice that classes had ended. Junior finance students filed out of the rooms, a few casting curious glances at her back.

Mika kept staring off, her head bobbing slightly in a relaxed, joyful rhythm.

A gentle breeze teased her silky hair. Lucas saw she had a wireless earbud tucked into her small, delicate ear.

She was listening to music.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Lucas's lips. He deliberately softened his footsteps, creeping up behind her. Leaning in until his jaw practically brushed her shoulder, his deep, rumbling voice carried a teasing note.

"What are you listening to?"

Startled, the girl by the railing stumbled backward, crashing right into his solid chest.

Mika spun around, a flash of deer-in-the-headlights panic in her gorgeous eyes.

When she realized the culprit was Lucas, she let out a massive sigh of relief. Bending over with laughter, she balled her slender fingers into a fist and lightly punched his arm.

"You scared me to death."

The moment her hand connected with his arm.

A nameless flutter stirred in Lucas's chest. He hid it perfectly, leaning against the railing beside her with a roguish grin. "What's got you so captivated?"

Mika paused. Without thinking, she pulled the earbud out and reached up, slipping it into his ear.

Her cool fingertips brushed his earlobe, leaving behind a faint, tingling sensation.

An unconscious trace of fondness bled into his lazy smile.

"So, what is Mika treating me to tonight?"

Mika's cheeks were still flushed.

She kept her head down, quickly stuffing the earbuds into their case before spinning on her heel and marching off, her steps as frantic as a thief caught in the act.

"You'll see when we get there."

Mika ended up taking him to Maggie's Grill, a bustling, authentic local joint famous for its BBQ, spicy wings, and cold draft beer. It was nestled in the middle of a narrow, packed food street near Hudson University.

The street was swarming with people. Lucas managed to find a parking spot just outside the chaos, and they walked the rest of the way.

The moment they stepped inside, Mika cheerfully waved at the owner.

"Maggie, I'm here!"