At 8 AM sharp, the cabin alarm blares, dragging me out of a restless sleep. Partially half-asleep, I stumble into the shower first, enjoying the rare peace before the rest of the cabin wakes up.

And by the time I get dressed, the others are up and moving like clockwork; Suwi heading into the shower while Willow searches through her bags.

All while Hayden sits on her bed, giving me these odd looks.

But to my surprise, Hayden doesn't ask about last night. I can tell she wants to by just looking at her expression, but, it's as if she isn't ready for me to question her in return.

So we just........watch each other until I break away to finish dressing.

Throwing on my usual overalls, say to her a quick goodbye and head straight to the cafeteria for breakfast, feeling oddly pampered for the first time since arriving. As expected, it doesn't disappoint.

And when I am finished, I retreat to a quieter corner, waiting for the club meeting scheduled to start in half an hour, glancing up from time to time, to watch the people around me.

I've always had a knack for observing. Though being in such a crowd feels overwhelming, I sometimes find it oddly satisfying, but not in the way you'd expect.

Watching people was meant to teach me how to be one of them. But it eventually became an excuse to retreat into my head, where the noise of the world fades, even if only for a moment.

And that my people, is how my love for zoning out in noisy places began.

However, this time, I zone out for so long that I don't even realise the room has cleared.

"Earth to human," Hayden's voice cuts through my haze, paired with light shaking of my shoulder.

I blink rapidly, coming back to reality. "I'm here," I grumble, leaning forward to rub my temples.

She squats beside me, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. "I called you at least ten times. Where did you go?"

I sigh and cover my face with my hands. "Would you believe me if I said everywhere and nowhere?"

For a moment, she stares at me and then glances over her shoulder at the rest of the group before standing. "Knowing you? A hundred per cent," she says, stretching out her hand. "Come on, everyone else is here."

"Yeah," I mutter, my voice a little rough. I take her hand and follow her to the front of the room, where people are setting up.

Hayden pulls out two folding chairs and motions for me to sit, then hands me one of her green juices. That's when I noticed her eye.

The bruise isn't as bad as I'd imagined, but a blackish-blue circle frames her eye, with red hues along one side of her face.

"Does it hurt?" I ask softly, reaching out to touch it.

She catches my hand, guiding it to lightly pat the bruise. "Not really. Only when there's pressure. Give it three days. A week tops."

"I hope so. Otherwise, someone here is getting a black eye." She chuckles and drops my hand, turning her attention to Andre and Suwi. Little does she know, I'm not joking

Looking forward, I see Sebastian and Willow laughing. Mmm, I guess their talk went well. Good for them.

Unwilling to let it get to me, I turn back to my book, pushing the uneasy feeling away.

Probably just the meds, I think. Hayden convinced me to start taking them again after my meltdown, and I'm still figuring out if it was the right call.

Some days, it feels like a fog lifts, and I can breathe again. But on days like today......it's different. I feel stuck; half alive, half dead. Irritable, restless, like I'm not even in my own skin. It's exhausting, but at least I'm trying.

In her groove, Willow begins the meeting, repeating the morning's agenda. Search parties, woods....and many other stuff that I blocked out. Halfway through, her voice fading into the background until she mentions the catering service.

Instantly, I look up at her with a curious gaze as my stomach matches it with a loud growl so loud that it causes everyone to pause and turn to stare at me.

"What?" I mumble, unfazed, before they all resume as if nothing happened.

Unfazed, she continues. "Okay so as I was saying. The meal plans for today are set. I think that I picked great options but just in case I would like your thoughts on a few of my choices." She picks up a pile of pamphlets and hands them to Sebastian who begins passing them around.

Person after person, he gives them out with a joke and a warm smile. Yet, when he gets to me that is, his demeanor changes.

Eyes glued on the book, I extend a hand to take the pamphlet, but he doesn't hand it over.

"Nightowl," he says softly.

"Mmm......"

"We good?" by we, he means me.

"Yes," I answer, adding a smile he can't miss, even with my head down. Urging him to move on, I give my hand a little shake.

But instead, he crouches to eye level, his palm brushing my cheek before tilting my chin up to meet his gaze.

Then he studies me, his eyes narrowing and searching mine as if he's trying to search deep into my soul for the truth.

Regardless, I keep my expression neutral, refusing to let him see past the surface.

And after a few moments, he stops and looks back at me unsuccessful. "Are you sure?" He asks again, softer this time, his voice as smooth as velvet.

My composure almost cracks. Almost.

So to convince him. I take a play out of his book, offer him a charming smile and then gently remove his hand, placing it back in his lap. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Mmm," he mumbles. Something flashes in his eyes, causing him to relax them, but he doesn't push further. He just straightens with a soft sigh and places the pamphlet in my hand. "Okay."

As he moves on, I roll my eyes. Not at him, but at his actions. I'd never admit it to his face, but I hate public displays of affection. Any affection, really, that draws unnecessary attention.

Turning my attention to the pamphlet, I study it as a chill runs down my spine. I am zoning out again.

Sensing a wet sensation along my chin, I snap back to reality. I quickly wipe the drool and place the sheet of paper on my lap pretending to be a normal person.

And Willow continues. "Well people, I don't know about you, but I don't think that it would be justifiable of me to speak about this without letting you meet the artist behind the art." She turns and points to the kitchen. The clatter of pots and pans echoes from the kitchen, followed by muffled voices and hurried footsteps signalling that someone is coming. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour to introduce to you, Chef Orion."

The room erupts in a soft array of cheers, with a few roars here and there. Mainly from me though because anything food equals cheer.

I first see the chef hat and my roars grow louder causing me to stand up to get a better look, dropping my book carelessly onto the chair.

But as soon as I see the man behind the hat, the air gets knocked out of me. My breath catches and my body freezes as my mind races.

In a silent panic, I turn to Hayden and our eyes lock. The look on her face confirms it. She recognises him too.

To not cause a scene, she stands abruptly plastering a fake but straight smile on her face, clapping as though nothing is wrong

I mentally question her, but follow suit, giving him a strained smile. Soon everyone follows suit, unbeknownst to the brewing tension in the room.

I try my best to avert my gaze, but as fate should have it, I eventually find myself locking into those deep black eyes. They look as dark as ever, reflecting his non-existing soul.

His hair is longer now, the fringe falling over one side of his face, barely hiding the scar my bat left behind.

He stares back at me with a smug smirk, the revenge practically radiating off of him.

"Thank you for the warm welcome," he says, his voice smooth and calculated. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Some of you more than others."

My throat tightens as that faint memory creeps in, taking me back to when it all started.

*******

A few months ago

Hayden's obsession with us driving to school had been a terrible idea. After the whole trunk fiasco, things only got worse.

Since we started off at night, we decided to rest at a hotel. Or at least what I thought was a hotel before Hayden broke the news that it wasn't.

On the way there, we stopped by a convenience store to buy snacks for the night, or rather, Hayden did. I spent the entire time in that tiny mart, wandering through its eccentric aisles, searching for any defensive weapon I could find. I tested each one on an imaginary assailant, oblivious to Hayden's disappointed stares.

Some might have called me dramatic, but I couldn't have cared less. We were in the middle of nowhere, with the nearest town at least five kilometres away. Of course, I was on edge.

What would Dad think? All these years spent mocking horror film victims, only for me to end up doing the same things they do. I would never be able to show my face in public again.

Eventually, we got back into the car in silence. I shot her a side-eye every few minutes to make it clear that I did not approve of this plan.

45 minutes later, we pulled up to the motel.

The building was a faded shade of pink, spanning three stories, with rooms spaced barely five inches apart. A small yellow reception area stood off to the side of the parking lot. Three dim lamps lit the area; one at the reception, one by the entrance, and a smaller one on the main building.

As Hayden parked between two SUVs, I took a deep breath, letting the scene sink in. The air was cooler here, likely because of the dense forest surrounding us.

She was the first to get out of the car, inhaling deeply and practically vibrating with excitement. "I can see all the memories already."

I sighed and stepped out, flinging my small purse over my shoulder. "If I get murdered, I'm haunting you."

"Don't be so pessimistic. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'?"

"Yeah, I have, but God knows I'm the last person who should be saying that," I shot back, walking ahead toward the reception. I could feel her frown behind me, but I didn't care. I was right.

The yellow-walled reception was small and rustic, with a petite woman sitting behind a counter window. Her pale skin, greyish-blonde hair, and garish red lipstick gave her an otherworldly look. She also wore a black mesh top that barely qualified as PG.

Hayden, ever the responsible adult, handled the check-in while I sat on one of the wooden chairs by the wall. She returned a few minutes later, keys in hand, doing a little dance.

Finding our room was anything but straightforward. All because Hayden apparently couldn't tell the difference between the ground floor and the first floor.

By the time we found it, I was half alive, dragging along the bags with me.

"Are you excited?" Hayden asked as she jammed the key into the door.

I managed a tired smile. "Sure."

"I'll take that as a yes!"

What followed was an hour-long struggle to unlock the door. Hayden kept going back and forth between the room and reception, arguing over whether we had the correct key or not, while I made a makeshift bed out of our bags. Who knew Hayden's makeup bag made for such a great pillow?

When the door finally opened, I wanted nothing more than to collapse on the bed. Dumping the bags in the corner, I took a giant leap onto the mattress.

Hayden, however, decided to shower first, mumbling something I purposely didn't hear.

By the time she came out, I was fast asleep.

"Tae," she called softly. No response. "Tae." Still nothing.

When that didn't work, she resorted to shaking me.

"Mmmm..." I mumbled, half-annoyed.

"Have you seen my phone?"

Opening one eye, I glared. "There's no way you woke me up for that."

"I've checked everywhere, but I can't find it," she said, already rummaging through her things again.

I turned back, ready to resume my sleep, but she caught me mid-roll.

"Tae!" she shouted, startling me.

"Hayden James, before I smack the common sense out of you, leave me the fuck alone!"

"Please, I have checked everywhere and I can't find it."

"That honestly seems like a you problem."

"Tae, please! It has all the pictures and contacts. If it's lost, we're stranded. All our money's there too!"

That got my attention. Sighing, I sat up. "Fine. Let me call it."

I reached into my jeans pocket, but my phone wasn't there. That's when it hit me. "I left it in the car."

"Okay, I'll-"

"I'll get it," I interrupted. "The last thing I need is another one of your adventures that ends with me deleting selfies from my phone."

"Yeah.....great idea."

Grabbing my bat, I mumbled, "In and out. Nothing more, nothing less."

The cold air hit me as soon as I opened the door, sending chills down my spine. IAlready feeling uneasy, I made my way down the stairs, gripping the bat tightly.

And once I was on the ground floor, I hurried to the car, unlocked it, and eventually found both phones on the dashboard. Relieved, I muttered to myself, "See? That wasn't so bad."

Then I heard it. A soft tapping on the passenger side window.

I didn't make the mistake of turning my head. Instead, I made my way to the driver's seat, crawling over the stick and crouching low, hoping whoever, or whatever it was couldn't see me through the fogged-up glass.

My hands shook as I fumbled with the keys, trying to jam them into the ignition as the tapping grew louder.

Then, the worst thing happened. I dropped my keys. "Shit, shit, shit," I cursed under my breath.

Then out of no where, I am met with an intense silence.

I froze, holding my breath, and hearing the footsteps circling the car. The person stopped by my door and began jetting at the handle violently.

In that moment, all my common sense left the roon. Grabbing the keys, I finally started the car and floored it, forgetting two crucial things: one, I couldn't see, and two, I couldn't drive.

But instead of looking like an F1 driver, I looked like a drunk driver on a bad day.

"Shhhhh....it!, I can't see!" I shouted, spinning the steering wheel wildly until I finally managed to clear the windshield. Just in time to swerve away from a tree. The crisp air was replaced with the smell of burnt tyres.

Trying not to die, I slammed on the brakes and prayed.

When I did finally come to a stop, I rested my head on the wheel, taking a deep breath and allowing my soul to make its way back to my body. That's when I saw him.

A tall figure with black hair, a beard, and piercing eyes stood in front of the car, staring at me coldly.

Before I could react, he pointed at me and began walking closer. Panicking, I hit the gas. But instead of reversing, I drove straight into him throwing him to the ground with a sickening thud.

"No....!" I jumped out of the car, trembling. I reached out to check on him but quickly pulled back, not wanting to leave fingerprints.

Not sure of what to do next, I ran back to the only person I knew could help, Hayden.

"Took you long enough," she mumbled, turning to face me. Her expression hardened instantly when she saw my panicked state. "What's wrong?"

"You need to come with me."

I grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the car, silently praying I'd imagined it all. But no, he was still there, sprawled in front of the car, completely motionless.

Hayden stopped dead beside me, her body going rigid. I crumbled saying, "I'm going to prison, aren't I?" As I sank to my knees, my mind spun back to how my life had looked ten minutes ago.

"No. No, you're not," she said firmly, pulling me up. "We can fix this." Marching to the car, she rummaged in her bag, grabbed a wad of cash, and tossed it onto him. "Hospital bill sorted. Pack your bags. We're leaving."

I stared at her, appalled. "No. That's...... that's wrong. We can't just throw money at him and assume everything's fine."

"Why not? It always works in those dramas you love."

"Hayden, I killed him," I whispered, barely able to get the words out.

"I can see that," she snapped. "It's not like I am not here with you. I need a moment to think."

"Hay-"

"I said I'll fix this!"

"But Hay-"

Her slap landed out of nowhere, the sting silencing me.

"Get a grip," she hissed before kneeling beside the body to assess the damage. She was careful, her hands steady as she checked him over. Meanwhile, I was spiralling, biting my nails until I ripped into the skin. Hayden leaned closer, raising a finger to his nose.

My heart pounded so hard I thought I might pass out.

"Oh thank God, he's breathing," she said, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Oh, thank you, Lord," I breathed, practically collapsing in relief. I crouched beside her and pulled her into a hug. "What now?"

"We take him to the hospital to make sure he stays breathing," she replied, grabbing the keys from my hand. "And this time, I'm driving. Help me get him into the car."

"Okay, great idea." But as we moved to pick him up, he beat us to it.

"U-uh...hhh............." he grumbled. I froze, panic surging through me. Without thinking, I grabbed the bat and swung, sending him back to the ground.

"Tae!!! What the hell?"

I dropped the bat and stumbled back. "I-I'm sorry! I panicked! For a second, I thought he was a zombie, and I just-"

"Stop talking," she threatens, her voice dangerously low. "Just help me get him in the car."

Grabbing one of his arms, she throws it over her shoulder and I mimicked her, helping him in.

As expected, the drive to the hospital was suffocatingly quiet. Two hours of silence, except for my spiralling thoughts. When we arrived, I filed a police report, my voice trembling as I recounted every detail. Relief washed over me when the doctor confirmed the damage wasn't severe. Most of the force had come from the bat, not the car.

The drive back to the motel was even worse. Hayden didn't say a word, and I was too drained to try. Sleep was the furthest thing from my mind now.

But the nightmare wasn't over.

As we pulled into the lot, I spotted unfamiliar cars parked in a line near reception.

Inside, the receptionist was chatting with two men. They were enormous, their arms covered in matching tattoos. If the bandanas didn't scream gang, the cold, calculating looks in their eyes did. But the receptionist was too busy showing them the colour of her bra to notice.

"Shut up and pack your bags," she said, yanking me toward the stairs.

We were back in the car within minutes, speeding off without looking back. But in our rush, we forgot to check the gas. The car sputtered and died halfway down an empty stretch of road.

"Perfect," Hayden muttered.

With no other choice, we walked. For hours, through the dark, until we finally spotted a bus stop.

*******

"Well, thanks for that, guys," Willow says, snapping me back to reality. "Since we're done here, I guess we can wrap things up, unless anyone has something to share......" She trails off, scanning the group. When no one responds, she claps her hands lightly. "Great. Take a break, and we'll regroup in three hours to prep for the talent show."

I don't need to be told twice. I practically sprint out of the hall, dragging Hayden with me.

"Tate, wait!" Willow calls after me.

I freeze mid-step but don't turn around. "Yes?"

"Well, since you were on cafeteria duty, I was hoping you could show the chef around?"

Wide-eyed, I glance at Hayden for help, tugging at her arm like it's a lifeline. She tugs back with a deadpan expression. "You know I'd love to-" *cough, cough* "but I've got this terrible cold. Very contagious. Wouldn't want to risk it."

Before Willow can respond, I bolt, the doors slamming shut behind us. We make it back to the cabin before I collapse onto the bed.

"We are so screwed."

"Don't panic. He probably doesn't even remember us,"

"He literally said, 'I'd like to get to know you, some more than others.' That's not a casual greeting, Hayden!"

She groans, pinching the bridge of her nose. "For my own sanity, let's pretend it is.

I glare at her. "I doubt that."

Burying my face in the pillow, I groan. "We're going to die."

"Chill out, Tae. There's a bonding activity happening right now. Come with me. It'll clear your head."

"Fine. Two minutes. But if anyone cries, I'm out."

*******

I would describe the said activity as a learning experience. The chairs are set up in a circle again, with refreshments in the corner. Hayden joins the group, but I hang by the door, arms crossed.

Willow then introduces herself and the topic of the day: Confession. Her voice is soft and inviting, but the room shifts uncomfortably. A few people even get up to leave.

I, however, decided to stay.

"Look, I get it," Willow says, her tone sincere. "Confessing your feelings, especially in a room full of strangers is scary. But this is a safe space. If we're all sharing, there's no room for judgment. Remember the manifesto: This is a judge-free zone."

"Okay, hear me out first and then make your choice." She pauses, taking a deep breath. For the first time, she looks nervous. Vulnerable. "Well," she begins clearing her throat. "As you know, I've struggled with people pleasing my whole life. I know that it may look like that is not the case now, but it hasn't always been this manageable. In high school, I... well, I betrayed a friend. Let's call her Julie...."

She pauses to take another breath. "As a young child whose sole purpose was sole purpose was based on outside validation, like many of you, I did a lot of things I am not proud of."

Another breath in. "This is a lot harder than I thought it would be, anyway," she chuckles nervously and wipes an invisible sweat. "Well, long story short, I knew this girl, let's call her Julie. Julie and I were childhood friends, though we attended different schools. When I transferred to Julie's high school, I was thrilled. Everything seemed perfect at first. Julie had two other friends, Carey and Anne, who were the type of people everyone liked; popular, funny, confident. And because they liked Julie, I assumed they'd like me too.

"For a while, we were this tight-knit group; the famous four, always laughing and hanging out. But over time, I started to feel left out. They'd talk about inside jokes from past hangouts or crushes on seniors who'd already graduated, and I'd just sit there, smiling, pretending I belonged. Deep down, I felt like a placeholder. Like they only included me because of Julie."

"So when the opportunity came to change that, I took it. You see, Julie and I shared a lot of secrets. Some about Carey and Anne. Like how she once thought Carey was being fake to Anne because of something she said during a drunk conversation. Desperate for their attention, I decided to betray her. I told Carey and Anne everything Julie had said about them, hoping it would bring me closer to them. And it worked. For two months, I was the centre of their attention.

"But it didn't last, because the truth was, they only ever tolerated me because of Julie. Without her, I had to constantly fight for their approval, and it drained me. I became boring to them-expendable. Eventually, they dumped me, just like that. To make things worse, they later reconciled with Julie, and I was left alone.

"What I did was terrible. I betrayed a friend, and I deserved the fallout. I ended up friendless, in a new school, surrounded by people who hated me. If it hadn't been for my boyfriend, I'm not sure I'd have made it through."

I don't know why, but a part of me stirs. Before I can figure out why, Willow is back to her cheerful self. "See people? Doesn't that make it easier? We don't like to admit it, but sometimes listening to other people's issues makes us feel better about ourselves." The silence in the room is so thick, I can almost hear it. "Now, who's next." She concludes, scanning the room.

"Bitch isn't she?" Suwi mutters from beside me, nearly making me jump.

"What....?"

She chuckles softly. "If only people knew. That isn't even the worth thing she's done."

I want to pry further, but choose not to.

Person after person, people share very detailed stories of their lives and even though I am not the greatest, I find myself judging some of them. Like this one guy, who confessed to having a furry fetish so bad that he let his dog......No, I can't even finish the thought.

"These people don't need therapy," Suwi whispers, mortified. "They need Jesus. Because God knows their problems can only be cured by an exorcism."

"I couldn't agree more," I mutter, just as horrified. When I glance at her, she's already halfway to the door. "Where are you going?" I ask

"To get cleansed," she states blankly. "Before I accidentally carry some of this energy home with me." And just like that, she disappears.

"Good idea," I murmur to myself, following suit, not giving them a second look.

*******

Like the welcoming party, the talent show is being held by the campfire pit.

By the time we get there, most of the setup is already done. A large, wide, cream coloured stage is positioned with a small microphone at its centre. Two strangers are adjusting the speakers while Willow hovers nearby, shouting instructions.

Hayden heads over to Andre, who's building some decorations by the pit. Suwi is balanced on a small wooden ladder, hanging streamers, while Sebastian holds it steady and hands her supplies.

And just like that, the pit from earlier feels even deeper. Unsure of what to do, I scan the area and notice the refreshments are still boxed up. Remembering those renovation shows Dad used to force me to watch, I decide to test my skills.

I pull out the instructions, grab a screwdriver, and start assembling.

Looking at the finished product, I think I did a great job. I step back to admire my handiwork and even give myself a little pat on the back. All that's left is to stand it up; A task that turns out to be much harder than expected.

As I lift it, one of the legs gives way, and a screw tumbles to the ground, forcing me to hold up the right side with all my weight. "Help!" I call out, swallowing my pride.

"Coming!" Sebastian shouts, letting go of the ladder.

"Woah! Falling, falling!" Suwi yells as the ladder wobbles dangerously. Luckily for her, Sebastian runs back to steady it just in time.

"No need, I've got this!" Willow calls, rushing over to me instead. She grabs the other side of the table, holding it steady while I retrieve the loose screw and tighten it properly. Once I'm sure it's secure, I nod for her to let go.

"Thanks for that," I say with a smile.

"No problem. Can't have an executive member getting injured now, can we?" she jokes, matching my smile.

I laugh nervously, unsure of what to say. The silence that follows feels heavier than it should.

"I saw you this afternoon," she says, breaking the tension.

I grab a box of drinks and place it on the table, avoiding her gaze as I begin unpacking them one by one. "Yeah, I was just popping in."

"Yeah, I noticed you left early."

"You saw that?"

She chuckles lightly. "Nothing happens here without me knowing." Her voice drops slightly, and when I glance up, her smile has disappeared too.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I would've stayed, but big groups aren't my thing," I reply, moving on to another box. Willow steps closer, picking up a box herself and beginning to set up some snacks.

"Well, that's a shame. I would've loved to hear your input. That's why we're here, after all; to grow as individuals and as a group." She looks up and smiles at me. I cautiously return it. "Can I give you some advice?"

"I'd rather you don't-"

"From an ex-girlfriend to the new girlfriend-"

"Oh, I'm not his girlfriend."

"Ah okay. I see," she pauses. "But still, It wouldn't be right of me not to give you a heads-up. One I wish someone had given me." She ignores my objection and turns to glance at him as she plays with a packet of crisps. "I know it's great in the beginning. Lord knows that man can shower you with affection, and make you feel like the most precious thing in the world. And in his eyes, you probably are."

I shift my gaze from her to him, trying to make sense of her words. "I don't understand-"

"Just be careful," she cuts in, turning back to look at me as she drops the packet onto the table. "I know that it may not seem like it, but I'm not the only one here with a knack for fixing broken things." I can't help but drop my smile.

She walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. And suddenly, I'm fighting a battle I didn't ask for, wondering whether to believe her or not. I mean, I always suspected there was something off about his attraction to me, but I never thought it could be......that.

Troubled, I glance back at him, searching for answers I know I won't find.

Sensing my gaze, he turns and smiles warmly. But instead of reassuring me, it just confuses me more.

Feeling a headache brewing, I push my thoughts aside and focus on finishing the setup. Once I'm done, I just disappear.

After supper, the talent show kicks off at 9 PM and runs late into the night. I skip supper altogether, choosing instead to sit and ponder the meaning of my existence.

At 8:00, still without answers, I decide to get ready. I hop into the shower after Suwi, taking as long as possible. When I finally step out at 8:45, Willow and Suwi are already gone. Luckily, I catch a glimpse of their outfits before they leave, giving me an idea of what to wear.

Willow's in an emerald-green heart dress with a slit up to her knee, paired with short boots and her hair worn down. Suwi went for jean shorts, a black and white striped crop top, a biker jacket, and black army boots. Hayden insists we match in denim jumpsuits. Hers being black and mine orange.

She finishes her look with purple Jordans, while I match her with white ones. We go for a light layer of makeup; eyeliner, lip gloss, and a bit of blush. Hayden styles her hair in a high ponytail, and I settle for a low bun. When we finally get dressed, I look at the clock and it reads 9:20.

Panicked, Hayden rushes me out the door. Not giving me even get a proper chance to look at myself in the mirror.

As expected, the place is packed. The organisers went with typical stadium-style chairs that rise to maximise space, but even that feels inadequate. Thankfully, Suwi saved us seats on the seventh bench. From left to right, it's Willow, Andre, Suwi, and Sebastian.

Suwi creates a space between herself and Sebastian. Hayden, ever the matchmaker, takes the seat next to Suwi, winks at me, and turns her attention to the guy on stage delivering terrible jokes. Not willing to create a scene, I just sit down and direct my attention to the stage.

For the first five performances, neither of us says a word. But by the sixth, the silence becomes unbearable. Leaning in, I whisper, "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

He turns to face me unexpectedly, our lips almost brushing. "Yeah, sure," he says, standing up first. He waits for me at the aisle's end, then gently takes my hand, leading me down the steps toward a quieter spot by the cabins with more light.

I take a moment to look at him. He's wearing a black shirt with the top button undone, paired with grey trousers. His hair has a slightly messy, wet look that's annoyingly perfect.

"You look nice," I manage after a long silence.

"Thank you. I think you're beautiful too," he blurts out, then corrects himself, "I mean, you look beautiful."

"Thanks," I mumble, another awkward silence stretching between us. I'd replayed this conversation in my head so many times, yet here I am, struggling to get the words out. Finally, I decide to just blurt it all out.

"Sebastian I'm-"

"You've got a little something," he interrupts, stepping closer. His hand brushes my cheek, wiping away whatever it is. His touch makes my thoughts scatter completely, forcing me to meet his gaze as he does it. "Got it," he says softly, letting his hand drop and stepping back.

"What was it?" I ask quietly.

He smirks, lifting his thumb to his lips for a quick taste. "Mmm... cherry, delicious."

"That's my lip gloss."

"Still delicious," He repeats, dropping his hand.

I glare at him, mentally cursing for making it his sole purpose to make me constantly question my morals. "You're not a good person," I say flatly.

His smirk grows. "Oh, wow. If I'd known I was coming out here to be insulted, I would've stayed seated."

"Don't play dumb."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he lies, his grin widening.

"You see? This is why I can never have a serious conversation with you. One way or another, you always find a way to make things dirty."

"I beg to differ. I would say you just have a dirty mind."

I scoff. "I came out here with pure intentions-"

"So did I," he interrupts with a smirk, his tone laced with amusement.

I bite my lip, fighting the urge to snap back.

Then, with a sudden flourish, he pulls something from his back pocket. A book; My book.

"I believe this belongs to you," he says, holding it out with a maddeningly grin.

"Oh my God! I didn't even realise it was missing!" I step forward to grab it, but he swiftly tucks it back into his pocket.

"Not so fast. This is the second time I've saved one of your books from book jail. Something Sven could never manage."

"Sebastian, give me the book."

"Not before I get my reward. Minus the vomit this time, please."

I freeze, mortified. So we did kiss. "You can't be serious."

He runs a hand through his hair. "I'm very serious."

"No kiss, no book?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.

"No kiss, no book."

I sigh, stepping closer. "For the record, I came out here to apologise for this morning-"

"Apology accepted."

I make sure to put as much emphasis in my next words. "But, as usual, you've reminded me why I never do that." I say finishing my sentence.

He grins. "I'm not asking for much. A service was rendered; a payment must follow."

My heart pounds as I close the gap between us, his smirk deepening.
'This is what you want?' I whisper."

"More than you know," he says, voice low.

"Well," I begin, closing the gap further. "Not today, Mr," I say, snatching the book from behind him and stepping back.

Frustrated, he begins pacing. "Okay, yeah. My fault. I should've seen that coming."

"Yes, you should've," I reply, grinning.

But then he stops suddenly, pulling something else from his other pocket. Instantly, my jaw drops.

"Is that-"

"Your phone? Yes," he says smugly, holding it high.

"How-"

"A magician never reveals his secrets."

"Give it to me!" I lunge toward him.

"Not so fast. After that stunt, I'm considering keeping it."

"You can't!"

He shrugs. "I see no reason not to."

I take a step closer. "Please don't."

"Mmmm, I don't know-"

"Please," I repeat, sounding almost desperate, intertwining his empty hand with mine, as I stare deep into his eyes.

He crumbles immediately. "Fine," he says, handing it over. "And you say I use manipulative tactics."

"I learned from the best," I reply, winking.

He laughs softly. "So, what now?"

"Now....." I trail off, pulling him closer by his shirt. "I show you how thankful I am."

Without hesitation, he leans in. I tilt my head slightly, parting my lips just enough, and he captures them in a kiss that deepens, moving together like swans in perfect harmony.

Unlike our first kiss, this one feels natural, and effortless. My hands wrap around his neck, pulling him closer, while his rest on my waist. His lips part slightly, meeting mine in perfect rhythm.

At that moment, every shred of doubt vanishes.

However, the moment is soon interrupted by a throat clearing behind us.

I jump back, stumbling over my feet.

"Willow, hi," he says, stepping protectively in front of me.

She shifts to look at me. "Hi," she says softly, sadness flickering in her eyes.

"Is there something I can do for you?" Sebastian asks.

"Oh yeah, sorry. It's your turn to go up."

He nods. "I'll be right there."

As she walks away, I exhale.

"Ooo, I can't wait to see this," I tease.

"Now I don't want to go."

"Too late."

Before he can reply, I begin dragging him towards the stage. But when we are close enough, he stops.

"What?"

Silent, he leans down and gives me a quick peck. "For good luck."

I roll my eyes and head back to my seat as he goes on.

"You were gone a long time," Hayden mutters.

I glance back at Sebastian and smile. "I got distracted."

Hayden scoffs but doesn't press further.

Willow gives him a simple intro and he quietly thanks her.

On stage, Sebastian settles on a stool with a guitar in hand. At this point, I'm not surprised. "This song goes out to a very special someone who I know is fuming seeing me hold this," he says, winking at me. "And before you ask, yes baby, I can sing too." He teases, a little too confidently. Then he begins to play, his voice melting into the m

I curse under my breath. "Damn you, Sebastian. Why do you have to make this so hard?"

As I lose myself in the song, my phone buzzes in my pocket. For a moment, I turn and glance down at the screen.

And instantly, I regret it.

*******

Author's note:

Hey people, I hope that you enjoyed the chapter. Sorry for the wait, editing this chapter took longer than I expected😭.

As usual, I would love to thank you for reading until this far. I love you all, honestly📘❤️.

Please do not forget to comment and vote.

And if you see any mistakes or errors please feel free to reach out.

Well that's all from me. I hope you have a blessed day and blessed week.😊.