With 15 minutes left, Hera slipped back into class just before the morning exam ended.
She breezed through the remaining questions, finishing the test in a mere ten minutes right as the dismissal bell rang.
"Boss, where'd you disappear to? You cut it close! Even though you're a genius and these exams are a breeze for you, have some mercy on us ordinary folks, alright? You don't have to show off quite so much," Katie grumbled playfully. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and turned around.
Hera reached into her drawer and pulled out a small gift box.
She offered it to Katie. "I left to snag this for you."
Katie's eyes sparkled as she eagerly unwrapped the package, revealing a delicate pink crystal bracelet.
"Boss, did you really get this especially for me? I love it so much!"
Seeing Katie's genuine joy, Hera couldn't admit the truth. She had spotted the bracelet displayed in a boutique window on her way back and bought it on a whim.
Katie slipped on the bracelet, snapping a few photos to share on social media. "Thanks, boss! My treat for coffee? I made plans to meet Cindy and Christopher at the food street."
The mention of the food street piqued Hera's interest. With the semester almost over, she hadn't even had a chance to visit.
They gathered their things and headed off to meet up with Christopher and Cindy at the food street.
The moment they spotted Christopher, Katie promptly presented him with the "High School Entrance Exam Simulation" textbook she'd brought along.
"Christopher, here's a gift from my boss."
Christopher's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
His idol was giving him a gift! And such a practical one at that—a classic study guide.
Hera was rendered speechless at his reaction.
"Absolutely! Such a timeless textbook is a perfect match for a top student like you," Katie declared confidently. Of course, she wouldn't say it was actually a cast-off from her own collection!
"Thank you! I'll definitely put it to good use," Christopher beamed, cradling the book protectively.
While he'd already completed the practice problems, the fact that Hera had gifted it to him made it special. He could picture himself framing it as a cherished memento.
Hera was speechless again.
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