The story reveals Jayson’s complex emotions toward Ariel through a series of self-recorded video clips. Initially, his frustration and youthful pride are evident as he expresses disappointment over Ariel’s graduation, where his thoughtful gesture of sending flowers was misunderstood and unappreciated. His anger deepens as he recounts moments of feeling ignored and unacknowledged, showing a side of him that is intense and rarely seen by others.

Jayson reflects on significant events, including Ariel’s family troubles and her stubbornness in dealing with unfair treatment. Despite his irritation, there is a protective and mischievous side to him, promising to handle the Sanderson family’s interference. He also shares lighter moments, teasing Ariel about her college life and romantic interests while revealing his own sacrifices, such as frequent trips just to see her and his grandfather’s attempts to bring them together.

Throughout the footage, Jayson’s affection and concern for Ariel are clear, especially when he worries about her safety and late nights in the lab. His jealousy surfaces when Matt compliments Ariel’s beauty, highlighting the tension between him and Matt. The crowd watching the videos experiences a range of emotions, from laughter to surprise, as they see Jayson’s raw and vulnerable side.

In the final moments, Jayson expresses a poignant vulnerability, questioning whether Ariel will ever reciprocate his feelings. His mix of frustration, longing, and tenderness paints a vivid picture of unrequited love and the emotional complexity of their relationship. The story ends on a note of uncertainty, emphasizing Jayson’s deep but unfulfilled desire for Ariel’s affection.

Jayson’s frustration was unmistakable, yet beneath it lingered a tender indulgence. That unique blend of annoyance and affection felt distinctly youthful, a reflection of someone brimming with pride and raw emotion.

The video shifted to a new scene.

Once again, Jayson was filming himself, but this time his expression was sharp, his brows deeply knit with anger.

“All my effort, wasted,” he said bitterly. “I flew all the way from Merinia just to be at your graduation and hand you flowers. And you thought Lucas sent them? He’s still out of town! Then you just passed the flowers around to your classmates without even glancing at the card?”

This side of Jayson was a revelation—no one had ever witnessed such intensity from him before. The room fell silent, the audience struggling to absorb what they were seeing.

Matt sat frozen, almost convinced he was hallucinating in broad daylight.

The footage cut again, revealing yet another self-recorded clip.

“September 27th,” Jayson began, voice heavy with frustration. “You had that massive argument with your dad at the hospital because the Sandersons’ illegitimate daughter stirred up trouble. Your mom was so upset she passed away, and there you were, just sitting and crying. Ariel, you’re way too stubborn for your own good. Why keep it all inside when people are treating you unfairly?”

He paused, then continued with a hint of mischief. “You should’ve just slapped them both in the face and seen how they liked it. Whatever, I’ll take care of it. Making the Sandersons lose a few projects? That’s nothing.”

The video kept playing.

“I just happened to be at your university for a guest lecture. Total coincidence. You were in the fifth row, and you fell asleep the moment you got there. I was up on stage, talking my head off, and you weren’t paying attention at all.”

Jayson’s tone softened slightly, teasing. “And the second you woke up, some guy started hitting on you. You just started college and you’re already thinking about dating? You should be focusing on your studies. By the way, you really need to work on your taste.”

As Jayson’s recorded words echoed, laughter bubbled through the crowd.

“Today was Grandpa’s retirement party. We ran into each other again. You gave him that perfect fake smile of yours. He was genuinely pleased, and so was I.”

He added, almost proudly, “Turns out you’re studying aerospace engineering too. I’ve got so many scholarships I can’t even keep track, plus some savings. Donating an aerospace lab to your school? That wouldn’t be a problem.”

Jayson’s voice grew reflective. “I did the math. Back when I hadn’t even finished my PhD, I was flying back from Merinia twice a month just to see you. I’ve kept every boarding pass. You were always so independent.”

He chuckled softly. “Grandpa kept trying to set us up, but you never played along. I knew you didn’t want it, and I wasn’t about to lower myself chasing after you. But sneaking around to see you? That, I could manage.”

The crowd burst into another round of laughter.

The room was alive with flashing cameras as reporters swarmed, capturing every moment with relentless energy.

Even Evelyn found herself smiling, though a complex wave of emotions soon clouded her face.

This was the wild, reckless Jayson she had never truly understood before.

“Ariel, you won another award. Bet that came with a nice scholarship too. You’re good at everything. We actually make a pretty great match. How about this? Once you graduate, just say yes and marry me.”

Jayson’s tone shifted, softening with concern. “Ariel, what are you thinking? You spend so many late nights in the lab. Aren’t you scared of running into danger? Don’t you have even a shred of caution? I have to wrap up my work early and sneak over just to make sure you get home safe on that beat-up yellow bike. If you’d just ride with me, I wouldn’t have to act like a thief.”

He added with a hint of jealousy, “Matt said today that you’re beautiful. I wanted to gouge his eyes out. But, well… he’s not wrong.”

Matt, who had been laughing along with the videos until now, suddenly froze. He was completely overwhelmed. Jayson was undeniably a talented actor.

Back then, Jayson had smiled at him, but was he really thinking about gouging his eyes out?

The footage continued.

“The Sandersons got to you again and made you cry. I was right there. Couldn’t you, just once, act on impulse or out of revenge? Cling to me and ask me to marry you so I could help you get back at them? But no, you’re too slow. You don’t even know how to use people.”

Jayson’s voice softened, almost vulnerable. “Ariel, I don’t think you’re ever going to fall for me, are you?”

The chapter delicately unveils the complex layers of Jayson’s feelings, blending frustration, affection, and vulnerability into a poignant narrative. Through his candid recordings, we glimpse a young man caught between pride and tenderness, struggling to reconcile his intense emotions with the reality of Ariel’s independence and stubbornness. The interplay of humor, jealousy, and genuine concern paints a vivid picture of unspoken longing and the bittersweet nature of their connection.

As the footage plays on, the emotional tension deepens, revealing Jayson’s earnest desire to protect and be close to Ariel, even as he grapples with the fear of rejection. The chapter closes on a note of quiet uncertainty, highlighting the delicate balance between hope and resignation that defines their relationship. It leaves the reader with a tender sense of anticipation, wondering if Ariel will ever recognize the depth of Jayson’s feelings and what the future holds for them both.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions that swirl beneath Jayson’s seemingly playful yet intense exterior. As the layers of his feelings unfold, expect to witness the fragile balance between pride, frustration, and genuine affection that defines his connection with Ariel. The tension between what is spoken and what remains unspoken will grow, revealing cracks in their relationship that neither of them fully understands yet.

Meanwhile, Matt’s reaction hints at a brewing internal conflict, caught between admiration and unease as he processes Jayson’s complex persona. The atmosphere is charged with unspoken questions about loyalty, jealousy, and the true nature of the bonds that tie these characters together. Prepare for moments that will challenge their perceptions and force them to confront the consequences of past actions, all while navigating the fragile terrain of trust and desire.