(Iyra's POV)
The moment I stepped into Rose's house, the scent of vanilla candles and expensive perfume hit me.
The place was as grand as ever—modern, sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city.
A maid greeted me at the door with a polite nod before disappearing down the hall, and within minutes, Rose and I were sprawled out on her oversized couch, buried in books.
For an hour, we actually focused. Then, like always, Rose got bored.She tossed her pen onto the table and started pacing, arms crossed, ranting like she was delivering a TED Talk on Why Kian Is Annoying."And then," she huffed, "he just stormed off like I committed a crime!" She threw her hands up.
"Like, seriously, it's not like we were together or anything! Ugh! Kian is so dramatic.
"I hummed, half-listening, my fingers tapping absently against my notebook.
Finally, I took a deep breath and looked up."I don't know much about relationships, situationships, or whatever it is you two had, but…" I shrugged.
"If you never gave him a commitment or promised anything, then it's not really your fault. As far as I know, Kian has always been like this with girls—he should be fine.
" I paused, tapping my pen against the book. "Just don't expect him to be all cool and collected about it.
He's hurt, Rose. Whether you meant to or not, you hurt him."She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
Instead, after a long silence, she muttered, "I just don't like when things don't go according to me."I quirked a brow. "You mean even people's reactions?"Rose only shrugged, but I already knew the answer. It sounded toxic—because, honestly, it was.
But it wasn't shocking. In this place, everyone had a little toxicity in them, a little narcissism mixed into their DNA.
Even me, for judging.Before I could say more, her phone rang, cutting through the silence."We're having a blast! You have to come!" a voice on the other end yelled over loud music.Rose's lips curled into a grin. "Sure!" She grabbed her car keys and turned to me, opening her mouth—only to stop midway, giving me a once-over."You wanna jo—" She cut herself off, tilting her head.
Then, with a smirk, she said, "Never mind. I'm going. You should head back to your hostel."And just like that, she walked out.I stared at the door for a second before rolling my eyes. "This bitch."
Not the first time. Definitely wouldn't be the last. One moment, she treated me like her best friend, and the next, she reminded me exactly where I stood.I exhaled sharply, stuffing my books into my bag. I swear, I keep punching my own self-respect just to survive here.With that, I grabbed my things and headed back to my hostel.
Author's POV
Rose strutted into the party like she owned the place—because, honestly, she kinda did. The bass thumped through the walls, neon lights casting wild shadows across the crowd.
As she stepped inside, her gaze effortlessly scanned the room.Kian saw her instantly.
His grip tightened around his glass, knuckles turning white as he watched her throw her arms around Mark, laughing like nothing had happened.
Are you kidding me?
His jaw clenched. He barely heard Nick beside him, shoving another glass into his hand. His thoughts were too busy spinning, fueled by the way Rose carried herself—like he was just another forgettable name in her history book.
She turned, her sharp gaze locking onto him.Kian didn't hesitate.
If she wanted to act like nothing happened? Fine. Two can play that game.
He downed the drink in one go, the burn searing his throat, and muttered under his breath, "Game on.
"Then, with his signature, heart-melting smirk in place, he strolled over to a group of girls like he had all the time in the world."Hey, ladies," he drawled, his voice smooth as silk.
The reaction was immediate. They practically melted. One of them—a brunette in a scandalous red dress—twirled a lock of hair between her fingers, her lips curling into a playful smirk."Well, well," she teased.
"Kian finally decided to have some fun?""Maybe," he mused, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down her spine.
"Depends on how good of a dancer you are."She arched a brow. "Guess you'll have to find out for yourself."
Kian chuckled, offering his hand.
She took it without hesitation, practically dragging him toward the dance floor.
Meanwhile,
Rose's heels came to a dead stop.Her breath hitched as she watched Kian slip into the crowd, hands resting lightly on the brunette's waist, their faces inches apart.
Mark nudged her. "You good?"Rose's fingers clenched around her purse, her nails digging into the fabric. "Yeah," she said, forcing a smile. "Totally."Without another word, she spun on her heels and disappeared into the crowd.
(Iyra's POV)
I paced back and forth on the terrace of my hostel, gripping my notes like they were my lifeline.
My eyes burned with exhaustion, but I forced myself to keep reading out loud—if I stopped moving, I'd pass out on the spot.
And I couldn't afford that.
Not with so much left to study.A burst of laughter echoed from below, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I leaned against the railing, peering down at the street.
A group of drunk couples, probably from my university, stumbled their way home, whispering and giggling like the world didn't hold a single problem for them.
My grip on my book tightened. Must be nice. To live without worrying about grades,
money,
the future.
To have the luxury of just being. For me,
even stepping into college felt like walking into a battlefield, every day another fight to survive.
I exhaled sharply, biting the inside of my cheek. If only I had parents, maybe life wouldn't feel like this endless race to nowhere.
I didn't even notice the tear slipping down my cheek until a voice called out.I looked down again.
One of the guys from the drunk crowd was waving at me—clumsy, awkward, like he wasn't even sure why he was doing it.
Then, out of nowhere, he struck a ridiculous pose, fingers forming a wonky smile.I blinked.
He mumbled something I couldn't catch before stumbling off with his friends, the moment fleeting as quickly as it had come.
For a second, I just stood there, stunned. Then, without meaning to, a small smile tugged at my lips. I should've waved back.
My gaze lingered on his retreating figure, my eyes catching on the bright, goofy smiley-face cap he was wearing. Maybe that's why he did it.
Like some random drunk angel dropping by to remind me the world wasn't just stress and deadlines.
I let out a breathy laugh before shaking my head, snapping my attention back to my notes.
No time for angels. I have a war to win.
(Kian's POV)
The music thumped through my skull, but my head was spinning for an entirely different reason.
Maybe it was the alcohol. Yeah… definitely the alcohol.Why the hell did I drink that whole glass in one shot? Well i know but still I wasn't a drinker—never had been.
And now? Now I was paying for it.
I pressed my fingers to my temple, trying to steady myself.
The brunette I'd been dancing with immediately picked up on it."You okay?" she asked, her brows knitting together in concern."Yeah… yeah, I'm fine,
I just—" My words trailed off as my eyes flicked to the spot where Rose had been standing.She wasn't there anymore.Something inside me twisted."I think I need some air," I muttered.
The brunette took a step closer, tilting her head. "Want me to come with you?"I could see it written all over her face—she wasn't just offering out of kindness.
She was hoping for something else.I forced a small smile, shaking my head. "Oh, no, I mean… sorry if I'm disappointing you, but I think I just need a moment alone.
"She laughed lightly, waving a dismissive hand. "No worries. Didn't expect the infamous Kian Hayes to tap out first, though.
"I chuckled dryly, grabbing my jacket and making my way outside.
(Author's POV)
The brunette watched him leave, sighing dramatically. "How is he this sweet? I thought he was supposed to be a heartbreaker
"Meanwhile,
Kian stepped out of the club, the cool air hitting him like a slap to the face.
Nick spotted him immediately, jogging over with a smirk plastered across his face.
The second he got close, he burst out laughing.
Kian groaned. "What now?"Nick wheezed, barely able to get his words out. "Dude… your cheeks are red.
"Kian frowned, touching his face. Damn. It's warm.Nick clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"You really drank that, huh? First time getting buzzed—understandable.
"Kian shot him a glare. "Shut up."Nick snickered. "Nah, man. You're wasted.""I'm not drunk," Kian said firmly, standing up straighter. "I'm Kian Hayes."Nick raised a brow, full of sarcasm. "Oh, right. My bad.
"Kian rolled his eyes. "I'm fine."Nick ignored him, glancing around. "Yeah, no. You're not driving. Taxi's not an option either…" He scanned the area before suddenly snapping his fingers. "Wait here."Kian watched as Nick sauntered over to a group of their friends, exchanging a few words.
Then, he came back grinning."Alright, you're going with them. And for the love of God, walk carefully."Kian muttered under his breath, already annoyed. "Like I have a choice.""Wait," Nick stopped him, pulling something off his own head.
Before Kian could react, he shoved a ridiculous smiley-faced cap onto him.Kian blinked. "What. The. Hell."Nick smirked.
"Can't have my boy getting preyed on by some random chick while he's tipsy.
"Kian ripped the cap off. "I swear—"But Nick had already bolted back into the club, laughing.
Kian sighed, shoving the cap back on begrudgingly and following the group.
(Kian's POV)
A few minutes into the walk, I was already plotting Nick's downfall.
Couldn't that asshole just take a break from partying and drive me home?
I shoved my hands into my pockets, half-listening to the group's chatter while my gaze wandered over the empty streets.
The city at night had this weird way of making you feel small.
And then, out of nowhere, I spotted her.A girl, standing on a rooftop terrace, staring down at us.She looked… sad.I don't know why, but something about the way she stood there made my stomach twist.So, naturally, I did the dumbest thing imaginable.
I waved.Not just a normal wave. Oh no. My brain, already slightly intoxicated, decided to throw in a stupid finger-gun pose with an over-the-top grin.I looked like a complete clown.
The girl didn't react.I internally cringed.
Jesus, Kian, you just made yourself look like an absolute creep.Muttering to myself, I kept walking, stumbling slightly as I followed the group.Yep.
Definitely gonna kill Nick tomorrow.