Upon leaving the restaurant, the trio dispersed. Gerard turned to Lilah. “Are you free tonight?"

"What's the occasion?" she inquired.

"There's an event I need to attend, and Laura will be there. Would you like to join me?" he proposed.

Lilah appreciated Gerard's considerate approach, feeling a genuine admiration for him.

"When does it start?" Lilah asked.

"It commences at half-past six. You needn't rush, you know," Gerard said.

After a thoughtful pause, Lilah inquired, "I believe I can manage it.

You can go there first. I'm concerned about running late. You needn't trouble yourself with picking me up."

Gerard's gaze held a touch of affection as he gazed at Lilah.

"Alright."

As Lilah prepared to depart, Gerard abruptly clasped her hand. She gazed at him with a puzzled expression as he swiftly slid the hair tie off her wrist.

“What's the matter?"

"You constantly wear this. It can impact blood circulation over time,"

Gerard stated with earnestness.

Lilah found his reasoning sound. “In that case, I'll tuck it away.”

However, in the next instant, she observed Gerard slipping the hair tie onto his own wrist. He declared, “I'll give it back when you need it.”

Lilah was taken aback and then burst into laughter.

This man was truly crafty.

Typically, young women presented their hair ties to their boyfriends as a public announcement of their relationship.

Yet, Lilah hadn't anticipated Gerard wanting to partake in this tradition.

“But it must be uncomfortable wearing it all the time," Lilah said earnestly. "I'll get you a looser one next time."

"Alright," he replied with a smile.

Watching Lilah depart, he touched the hair tie on his wrist. It still seemed to carry her warmth and, in that moment, he felt as though he was still with her.

Lilah returned to her workplace.