Chapter 212: A Day by the Lake

Luke walked through the park, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. He had spent countless hours here, exploring the trails and playing with his friends. But today was different. Today, he was meeting new friends, people he had met in his college classes. As he approached the lake, he spotted them sitting on a blanket, laughing and chatting. There was Emily, the cute girl with long, curly brown hair and bright blue eyes, and Matt, the guy with the charming smile and effortless charm. Luke's heart skipped a beat as he approached them. He had been looking forward to this all week, and he was determined to make a good impression. He had to keep his true nature hidden, at least for now. "Hey, guys!" Luke called out, trying to sound casual. Emily and Matt turned, smiling, and Luke's heart fluttered. He felt a pang of nervousness, but he pushed it aside. "Hey, Luke! Come join us," Matt said, patting the blanket beside him. Luke sat down, trying to relax. They chatted about colle