Chapter 198 Eating in Cafeteria
Athena watched with an open mouth as she saw her best friend linking arms with Leo. She had already noticed their chemistry and closeness during the closing of the Variety Show yesterday, and seeing them together now confirmed her suspicions—they truly looked perfect together. Athena wholeheartedly approved of Hera being with Leo. Having lived longer and experienced love herself, Athena could tell that Leo was more than just interested in Hera. In fact, he seemed completely in love with her.
She could see the stars in Leo’s eyes as he gazed at Hera as if his entire world revolved around her. Athena knew that her best friend sensed it too, but not to the extent that Athena could. No matter how much Athena taught Hera about life and love, she couldn’t impart the wisdom that comes from experience. So, even though Hera was sensitive to others’ feelings and thoughts, she couldn’t fully grasp the depth of those emotions, especially when she was the one involved.
They say that bystanders can see more clearly than those involved. Athena watched as Leo affectionately followed Hera to her table, his smile innocent but full of love, like a child savoring his favorite candy. She felt a pang of sympathy for Leo, knowing his love might not bear fruit. Still, she decided to let him enjoy these moments. At least, he would have cherished memories to look back on once Hera finally tied the knot with the male leads.
Hera, unaware of her best friend’s thoughts, sat opposite Athena with Leo in tow. She introduced Leo to Athena, and they exchanged polite nods. Athena had only ordered food for herself and Hera, so Leo had nothing in front of him. Hera was about to stand up to order food for Leo but hesitated. Although Leo was from a branch of the Hendrix family, he had grown up in privilege and had likely never experienced eating in a common cafeteria before.
As if reading her thoughts, Leo stood up faster than Hera and said, "Do you girls want to add some more dishes? I’ll go order some more." Hera, momentarily tongue-tied, could only smile in response.
Athena, however, chimed in, "Could you please get us a strawberry yogurt drink too? I forgot to order one earlier. Thank you!" Hera shot Athena an incredulous look, but Athena met her gaze squarely, acting as if she hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary.
Leo, not offended in the least, smiled warmly at both Hera and Athena before heading back to the counter to place the additional order. Once Leo was out of earshot, Hera turned to Athena with a questioning look. "What was that all about?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Athena teased, giving Hera a knowing look. "You’re being overprotective of him, you know." She paused before adding with a smirk, "I think ordering food is much easier than lifting things in the village." she reminded Hera that Leo had worked with them in the kitchen during the victory celebration. Hera seemed to have forgotten how capable he was.