My hands trembled as I hugged the large-sized pillow on my bed. Even though I felt the tears that escaped my eyes, and saw the black eyeliner marks on my sheets, I couldn't care less about it. The disappointment of ditching the afternoon classes made me cry more. My father would be troubled if he ever found out that what he assumed might actually happen.

I sniffed the wetness in my nose, then pulled my phone closer to me. The first thing that I saw was a message from Noel and Victoria. Victoria asked about ticking me present in the afternoon register, which I responded positively to. Thereafter, I opened Noel's message.

Pretty boy [heart emoji]
Thought I'd invite you to lunch.
Where'd you go?

• sent two hours ago •

Me : Got a headache and a flu.

I rubbed my forehead, then snorted. After I had discussed with Linyu in the morning, I couldn't control the urge to disappear. Hence, I decided to get a sick leave and rest at home. Luckily, it had to be the first sick leave I'd gotten in two years; the school nurse believed me. A smile suddenly crossed my face when I noticed the typing icon on the conversation bar.

Pretty boy [heart emoji] : Should I come over?
Class will be over in forty mins.

I stared at the watch, which read three o'clock in the afternoon. A short-lived smile stretched my lips before I remembered that father was home. Subsequently, I crossed my arms and sighed. If Noel and father bumped into each other, my grave might be dug earlier than expected. Father being overprotective and Noel's stubbornness would be the last thing I would experience.

Me : I got some medicine.
         I'll be better soon.
         Dad is with me now.
• seen

Pretty boy : Alright.
Laters.

After several hours of rest, I sat at the study desk — getting ready for the online group discussion. Luckily, Victoria and Evangeline had been assigned to be my group mates. I covered my body with the yellow blanket that Noel had used. Momentarily, my lips formed a creepy smirk when the video call started.

My attention was immediately fixed on Victoria and Evangeline — as usual, Vicky had her bedtime shaggy look whilst Evangeline sat on the sofa with a cup in her hands. "Is my connection okay?" Vicky asked when her screen randomly froze.

"It's awful." I couldn't hold the laughter that escaped when she cussed on the phone. "What's wrong?"

"I— network — again—but, I know, right?" My eyebrows pressed, then a small smile replaced the worry on my face. It had to be the first time that her network was terrible, moreover, I had experienced that too often that I assumed the applications were against me. "I—text."

"Oh, you can send a message in the chat." Evangeline shyly smiled, then placed the ceramic cup on the keyboard. "She says that her network has been unstable since last night. It got better in the afternoon today, but she doesn't know what suddenly happened. Hashtag, can you believe the audacity."

We became silent for several seconds before Evangeline laughed out loud. I covered my mouth, then giggled. "It's not fu— funny." Victoria pouted her lips when the screen glitched.

"Oh, my." Evangeline and I continued laughing until Victoria logged out. "She left?"

"She'll be back soon." I paused, then shrugged. "Her anger lasts for ten minutes maximum."

"Should we start discussing?" I noticed the hint of worry in her tone when Evangeline moved toward the screen. Her dark, doe eyes widened before she frowned. "We need to hurry and prepare the report before Thursday."

I moved away from my desk, then placed my laptop on my bed. When I stared at the screen, I noticed a pop-up, message alert on Evangeline's screen that almost made me freeze. She hurriedly swiped it off the screen, then smiled widely. "Sorry, I forgot to enable that don't disturb setting."

"It's okay, I didn't see anything." I lied. My heart beat increased at the sight of her soft smile as her fingers hurriedly replied. I had seen numerous movies and from my experience, she seemed to remind me of the multiple reactions I had when Noel texted me. But, that name wasn't Noel's. Could it be that she saved it with another name?

No, I had to trust him. Noel wouldn't be the type to roam around with different girls. Moreover, he wouldn't be that cheesy on chat. Then, who would have sent that message: I love you, come cuddle with me.

"Finally, I'm back." Victoria's voice echoed through the phone. "The connection is better now." I nodded when Evangeline placed her phone on the table.

"I was about to suggest that we make a report on the entertainment industry. Is that okay?" Immediately, Evangeline sent two files to the chat. "It will be quicker and interesting."

"That's great!" Victoria excitedly clapped her hands, then smiled. She really liked the luxury life and adventures. On the other hand, I stayed quiet as I stared at the pillow. A little unmotivated by the topic, my fingers traced the sheets when Noel's smile flashed through my thoughts.

"That's perfect!" I exclaimed. If we studied the entertainment industry, then I would have a chance to meet Noel.

"Then we'll meet on Wednesday at the Corbella mall, then head together to Avon entertainment cooperation." Evangeline wrote the details of the meeting on a piece of paper as she spoke. "I'll get our entrance passes in my name, and we should dress for the occasion, since we'll interview many important figures in the industry."

"Finally, I can role play as a businesswoman." Victoria laughed deviously until I smacked my screen. "What, you should be more excited than I am."

The discussion was prolonged by the dress code rules that Evangeline guided us to thoroughly adhere to. That also included multiple behaviours toward celebrities that we weren't familiar with daily. Simply put, the second guidelines were mine. Finally, the meeting ended after two hours.

I walked downstairs with the latest updated magazine about the Avon fashion trends. On the front cover was Arthur Von Parschel, dressed in a deep-pink suit. It was the official debut of the seven years old in the modeling industry. The first time that I saw him in Noel's room, he seemed outspoken and an outgoing kid.

I clenched the book, even the echoes of my footsteps remembered me of the emptiness within me. "Mom's child could be the same age." I threw the magazine on the couch before I walked toward the kitchen. The smile faded away when I stared at the recently bought box of healthy fruit juice. Luckily, I advised father to rid of the chemically processed juices.

At that moment, I filled the glass up with pineapple juice, which reminded me of Noel. Immediately, the phone on the couch rang, and I sighed as I rushed back to the living room. "Noel?" I quickly answered the voice call.

"I'm outside." When I heard those words, my heartbeat intensified and panic replaced the previous calmness. My shivering hands placed the cup on the glass table, then pulled on the black sweatpants. A little frowned face and shaggy hair made me scream with horror.

"Give me a minute!" I yelled — making my way toward the stairs before I slipped and fell. "Ouch."

"Aurora, if you're late by five seconds, I'll gladly take my leave." Five seconds? I gasped whilst finger combing my wild hair. I heard a soft sigh on the other side of the call before it was ended.

"I look horrible." Without hesitation, I walked toward the door as I fixed the loose, bright blue training tops. Momentarily, I unlocked the code and walked out of the house.

Noel was dressed in a graffitied, black t-shirt and dark green loose pants. He casually leaned on the stylish, black motorcycle as he played with the keys. I rolled my eyes, then walked closer — although my hands shivered, and I constantly pulled on my top. Through it all, I mastered the courage to appear confident. He could have told me about his visit earlier.

When I stood beside him, I noticed his wide-opened arms that made me blush. His arms crossed around my waist before he pulled me closer, which made me chuckle. "Wait, I'm sweaty." I tried pushing him back, which only made him tighten the hug.

"I don't mind a little sweat." He whispered below my ear. My heated cheeks immediately caressed his warm neck before I uncontrollably smiled. "Are you feeling better?"

"Was I sick?" I gasped, then hid my face against his shirt. "Oh! I'm better now."

"I noticed." Noel's fingers twisted my hair until it was tied up in a high-puff. "You look homeless sometimes."

"What? You said that you'll leave." I pouted, which made him laugh. "It's not funny." I playfully hit his chest, then succeeded in pushing him away.

"I was joking, you look so adorable." Noel pinched my cheeks. His playful tone never ceasing, and I had gotten used to it that it made my gaze slowly fix onto the ground. When did he become so easy yet hard to talk to? I pondered on the question until I felt his fingers raise my head. "I want all your attention."

"You already have it." I whispered softly, then rubbed my thumbs.

"Hm?" He tapped my chin, then smiled. "Hop on." His fingers tapped the seat on the motorcycle as he got on. For a second, I stared dumbfounded at the idea. Noel tilted his head as his gaze fixed on mine. "Trust me?" It was more of a statement than a question that required my response.

I did as he instructed — my arms around his waist and my head against the broad back when I sat behind him. The roaring sound of the engine echoed in the yard before he drove it out of the gate. My eyes closed whilst my grip tightened around his waist. Although, father would be home soon, I hoped that he would spend an extra hour at work. The view of the house got further the more the night sky got darker. Moreover, I had no idea where we were heading.

The billboard lights brightened the city nights — the colourful night seemed animated from the view through the helmet lens. Moreover, the cold breeze kissed my skin and Noel's scent began stronger the faster the bike got. Countless people walked through the night sky dressed in various styles — cars speedily bypassed us as the various music became louder. It was a silent moment between Noel and I that made me happy.

After several minutes, the bike stopped at a similar, downtown restaurant which I instantly remembered. "We are not eating spicy wings again. Right?" I frowned, then removed the helmet.

"No, we'll get whatever you want." He led me into the traditional restaurant that had various beaded curtains on the entrance. It was specialized in Asian and African traditional food, which made me wonder how he found out about it. When we were inside, I stared at the usual enclosed cubes and the lady who stood at the front desk. 

"Hey." Her bright smile directed toward Noel made a chill run down my spine. "The usual?" He hummed, then received the small entrance card. "Cube 057, first floor."

After a long elevator ride toward the next floor, we got off and walked toward the cube. Noel seemed to know exactly where it was located, which made me nervously curious. The cube had a large window that was highlighted by the city lights and beach. I walked toward the table that had colourful flower clay pots at the centre and scented coils that made me smile. The sound of the rainy, piano Instrumental softly echoed in the room as I sat beside Noel.

"This place is beautiful." My fingers traced the wall patterns that had similarities to the historical artistic patterns. Although the cube was small and had already fixed seats — the beautiful setting covered for it. "How did you find this place?"

"My sister and I usually came here." Noel scrolled through the inbuilt order pad, then stared at me — a little disappointed smile clearly on his face. "You can order now."

Thereafter, I scrolled through the menu. His order was filled with noodles and spicy wings, which made me laugh. I immediately placed an order for something opposite in case the spice got too much for him. On the night after our spicy game night, he seemed paler than usual. I hope a little creamy food would make up for the spices.

I nodded, then sighed. "You shouldn't eat too many spicy foods, or you'll lose your voice." My index finger tapped the table as I inwardly laughed at the excuse my mother gave me when I was young.

"Hm?" Noel squinted his eyes, then bit his bottom lip as he titled his head. "I actually couldn't speak until I was eight."

"Stop joking." I playfully slapped his hand. But, his smile didn't fade. Was he serious?

"It's true. I started talking when I was eight years old. That's how I got to learn music because my parents believed I was going to be mute — hm, I was born mute." Noel shrugged, but the conversation was disturbed by the sudden server who entered our cube.

The plus-sized man placed the two trays on the table. I noticed a soft smile before he quietly left without further actions. "So, how was the music, then?" I tried to continue the dropped topic.

"It was great. I was homeschooled at that time because it was a secret." He paused, then fixed the chopsticks. The ceramic bowl full of noodles made me swallow hard as I stared between his and my order. "Here."

My lips pressed into a hidden smile when he exchanged the ceramic bowl with my order. Noel took the spoon, then twisted the meat dipped in sweet vegetables soup. It was an African meal that I decided to order to avoid the spices, but I had not expected him to easily accept it. "What happened next?" I whispered.

"My music instructor taught me how to play the violin first. I actually got my first piano when I first said the word; mommy." I laughed at the sarcasm when pronouncing the latter.

"At least you are smart and good at it." I pointed the chopsticks at his plate. Noel frowned, then picked up the meat, which he ate. A smile crossed my lips when his eyes lit up. "It's tasty, right?" He nodded softly.

The conversations about our random childhood experiences continued for the whole outing. Luckily, I managed to inform him of my father's illness and medications without Linyu's part. It made me smile every time that he attentively nodded whilst my explanations went on for several minutes.

Although, Noel spoke little of his family and all I heard was about his musical life and academic experiences. After the meal, I learned of sign language, and he took me back to my home. It was a long day which I would relive for all eternity.

It felt like when I was with Noel, the outside world didn't matter. All my worries were packed away and only my happiness mattered. But, the moment I opened the door — Linyu's words echoed in my mind as I stared at the dim space. He was leading my happiness, and I had no idea on how to rid myself of him.

My shivering hands locked the door before I closed my eyes. I could hear my faint heartbeat that echoed in my ears. Momentarily, father's figure appeared upstairs, which made me flinch. I had expected him to be asleep. "Where were you?"

I clenched the sweatpants, then turned on the lights. "I went to see a friend." I mumbled softly. "Papa, are you okay? I'll bring your medicine."

"Look at the time!" My gaze wandered around the living room until I noticed the clock. It was almost ten o'clock, immediately, my palm smacked my forehead. "Is this why you missed classes?!"

I froze. "I'm sorry, I was unwell."

"You have been a good girl all these years, don't let a silly alpha lead you astray. Bring your previous term results by the end of this week." He rubbed his neck, then walked toward the main bedroom. "Be ready for school by six o'clock tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Papa." I whispered when the forceful smile made my lips quiver. When all became silent, tears slowly rolled down my cheeks. It doesn't matter, as long as he gets better. I closed my eyes, then sighed. "I was wrong."

🦋
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