The children were growing up fast.
The Halloween Ball.
The Yule Ball.
Those were more than enough to teach them what it meant to be a "single dog."
Since they'd missed their chance at the Halloween Ball and the tail end of the Yule Ball, they couldn't afford to chicken out on Valentine's Day.
Besides, Valentine's Day had one very good custom: you didn't need to worry about whether your feelings would be returned!
By contrast, White Day came a full month after Valentine's Day.
People gave gifts on Valentine's Day and received return gifts on White Day.
There was a whole month in between.
Even if you didn't get a gift in return, other people would soon forget about it.
So you wouldn't lose face.
As for those who couldn't help themselves and confessed publicly on Valentine's Day, all he could do was wish them luck dying of embarrassment on the spot.
Dark had never been fond of this so-called Valentine's Day.
Chocolate, roses, and all the ceremony.
It was exhausting in every way.
Two parallel lines were forcibly bent until they crossed, but in the end, they would only drift farther and farther apart.
It was too contrived!
Unfortunately, life was contrived at every turn.
If you couldn't rise above it, you could only compromise.
The years flowed by, and the road ahead was long and arduous.
He still had to learn to accept it.
This year, he'd probably have to clear out a cabinet.
[Image: smile]
As he walked down streets full of ribbons and hearts, Dark bought all sorts of materials with practiced ease. He even received some stationery and little cards as free gifts.
He made it back to the dorm with bags and bundles just before dinner.
Then he ate, rested, and took care