Wednesday Noon – Author's POV
Naya was at Nora's house, getting dressed for the welcome party. Well… more like being forced into an outfit by Nora.
Nora dressed Naya in a red slim gown, paired with golden jewelry, red heels, and bold red lipstick.
Naya (frowning): "I don't like this dress."
Nora (dramatically gasping): "What?! Why?! It's beautiful!"
Nora stared at her friend like she had just committed fashion blasphemy.
Naya: "It's too short. And tight. I feel like I can't breathe."
Nora: "So?"
Naya: "So… I can't wear it!"
Nora: "Yes, you can. And yes, you will!"
Naya: "Don't you think this is too much for a welcome party?"
Nora: "Nope. It's perfect."
Naya: "Also, I'm not even a new student. I don't think I should go."
Nora (clutching her heart like she's been betrayed): "Excuse me?! Pls pls pls, okay, fine—you can wear whatever you want… on one condition."
Naya (suspicious): "What condition?"
Nora (grinning): "I'll tell you later."
Naya: "I really hope it's something I can actually do."
Nora: "Oh, it will be."
Moments later, Nora swapped the dress for something Naya was more comfortable with—a shirt, trousers, and a simple bun hairstyle.
Before they knew it, it was party time. Nora's butler dropped them off at the venue and drove away as instructed.
---
At the Party
The bass from the speakers was so loud, it could probably be heard from space.
Nora (excitedly): "WOOOOOO!"
As they stepped inside, Kelvin immediately spotted them and made his way over.
Kelvin (grinning): "Naya, you actually came!"
Nora: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Have you seen Lucien?"
Kelvin: "Uh… he should be around there somewhere. So, Naya—"
Nora (grabbing Naya's arm): "Sorry, gotta go!"
Before Naya could protest, Nora dragged her straight to Lucien.
Nora: "Lucien!"
Lucien (raising an eyebrow): "Yeah?"
Nora: "Naya has something to tell you."
Lucien turned his gaze to Naya, who was now desperately tugging at Nora's sleeve like her life depended on it.
Lucien: "What is it?"
Nora (grinning): "She'd like to speak to you. Privately."
Lucien (skeptical): "Privately?"
Naya (quickly): "Let's just go."
She turned to glare at Nora and whispered under her breath.
Naya: "I am going to kill you."
Nora just beamed at her.
Lucien: "Alright."
As Lucien and Naya walked away to a quieter part of the venue, Nora smirked and turned away.
Nora: "Mission complete."
---
The Confession – Naya's POV
Lucien leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
Lucien: "So? What did you want to say?"
Naya took a deep breath. Okay, this is it. You got this.
Naya: "I… I… I… like you. Uhm… It took me three years to say this but…"
Before she could even finish, Lucien laughed.
Not a small chuckle. Not a nervous laugh.
A full-blown, loud, humiliating laugh.
Lucien (mockingly): "Ha ha ha! You and me? No way."
Naya's heart dropped.
Lucien (coldly): "You? An ugly, lowlife girl? What did you expect by telling me this? You're not my type."
Naya felt like she had been punched in the stomach.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Naya (whispering): "I'm… so… sorry…"
Little did she know, Lucien's heart was aching too. He felt terrible, but he had to say those cruel words—to protect her from his father.
---
Nora's POV
Twenty minutes had passed.
Naya still hadn't returned.
Nora (pacing): "Did he say yes? Are they kissing? Ugh, I need to know!"
Just then, she spotted Naya walking out… with red, puffy eyes.
Nora rushed over.
Nora: "How did it go? Did he say yes? Did something get in your eye? Answer me!"
Naya gave a weak smile and shook her head.
Naya (quietly): "I don't want to talk about it. I'm going home. You should have fun."
Before Nora could stop her, Naya turned and walked away.
And just like that, the party no longer felt fun anymore