If someone told her, she'd be infatuated enough to follow a guy to work... well, it was impossible. Amara didn't like leaving things to chance. She'd weigh the options first if the decision was truly worth it.

It was his fault. Those damn brown eyes got her distracted.

"Amara, was it?" he mumbled as they took the elevator.

"So, you really don't know me?"

Zeke's forehead knitted as he shook his head. "Are you a vlogger or something? 'Cause I don't watch those."

Amara chuckled. "No. But I understand that you're more into sports. Is that why?"

"Kind of." He shrugged. "Listen..." Zeke turned to her. "About the other day, I'm sorry for being harsh. I think you're really talented."

Her ears perked up and warmth blossomed on her chest. She liked compliments after all. "Thanks. It's not gonna be a career though."

"How are you so sure? You're still young. Wait. Why aren't you in school?"

She licked her lips. "It's my birthday yesterday. I'm allowed to skip."

Zeke laughed, rubbing at his forehead. "Is that a rule now?"

Amara thought maybe her impulsive decision wasn't so bad. She wanted to know this man more. "What are you applying for anyway?"

"A waiter."

What!

She regretted following him instantly. No matter how hot he was. Amara was stretched thin at being nice. And now, she would work in the service industry? Oh, no.

The doors opened and they stepped out. Amara saw the restaurant with its golden interiors and white columns. Her heartbeat thudded because the owner was none other than her Aunt Mallorie.

She bit her lip as Zeke ushered her inside. Her eyes met with her aunt's questioning gaze.

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm here to apply—"

"I know," Aunt Mallorie said and held out her palm. She waited for Zeke to pull his papers from his bag.

Amara put a finger against her lips, begging her aunt to stay quiet. She was here now. She'd reprimand herself for this stupid decision later.

Her aunt lifted an eyebrow before she addressed her. "And you, young lady?"

"Uhm..." Amara cleared her throat. "I already gave you my resumé yesterday... ma'am."

"I see." The older woman scanned Zeke's papers before she directed him to the restaurant's maître d'. Her voice lowered when she turned to the younger girl. "What are you playing at, princess? I need a waitress here."

"I can be a waitress," she said, acting smug despite her lack of experience.

Aunt Mallorie wasn't convinced but she breathed a sigh, knowing she couldn't say no to her. "Fine. But if you mess up, I'll fire you."

Zeke and Amara were taught the basics of the restaurant service. She was familiar with every aspect except dealing with real-life breathing customers. She wasn't that good with people.

Well, now's a good time to practice.

They were wiping the tables after changing into a white and black uniform when Primo texted her. Amara's problems slapped her in the face as the boy asked if they could hang out.

Because for the thousandth time, Natasha was busy.

"Hey!" She waited for Zeke to look at her. "What will you do if you suspect that someone might be cheating on a friend?"

"Well..." Zeke grabbed a tablecloth as he pondered her question. "That depends."

"On what?"

"Maybe they had a reason why they cheated, right?"

Amara was bewildered. She was used to Primo's beliefs that she never thought about other's opinions before. "Other than lust?"

"If only things were that simple..." he muttered, his palms smoothing over the white tablecloth. "What I'm saying is... if the pain isn't worth it, I don't think you should bring it up."

Amara clenched her teeth in anger. Of course, it wasn't worth it. Primo didn't deserve to be reminded of his pain just because a girl couldn't make up her mind.

"Is it an important friend?" Zeke queried, glancing at her.

"He's my best friend."

Zeke nodded. "He's lucky to have someone like you."

✘✘

Amara had parted ways with the girls after their last period. She had received Benny's emails and skimmed through them while in class.

Apparently, the reason Natasha had transferred to New York was because of what happened last year. The girl had failed to get the play's lead role because of her weight. Natasha had kept it a secret and tried to rectify the situation. She went to extreme lengths until she was diagnosed with an eating disorder.

And her mother blamed Elijah for everything that happened.

Natasha was doing much better now but Amara was certain she wouldn't have the courage to date Elijah anymore. Or risked facing her mother's wrath.

The worst part was... they were indeed dating in secret. Benny had sent her several pictures as proof. Kissing, hugging, booking hotel rooms... they did all of that.

Amara understood the full picture. Natasha and Elijah were star-crossed lovers. And the couple wouldn't be able to fix their problem if Primo was on the scene.

Now, she needed to distract Primo, make him forget all about Natasha. The question was... how would she do it?

She wondered if she could find a magic mirror to ask.

"Princess!"

She turned to see Primo approached her from the right hallway. Amara hid her phone as she put it in her locker combination. Students were scarce as the sun began to set.

"Wait!" he yelled.

Amara winced because he was next to her. "What? This is my locker!"

Primo grasped her arm. He pulled her to him and they faced the lockers together. "I haven't given you your gift yet."

Her heart pounded. "If a snake's gonna pop out, I'm gonna catch it and choke you with it."

He chuckled. "I'm not like that."

Amara remained cautious but she reached out and yanked the door open. Her eyes widened as hundreds of blue roses burst out. A sweet fragrance wafted in the air as petals continued falling all over them.

She gazed inside and saw a jewelry box, encrusted with silver roses and blue gems.

The sight was breathtaking.

"Do you like it?"

She nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment. Primo didn't know how to hold back that his gifts were always lavish yet remained personal.

Primo lifted a hand. He opened his palm and a sapphire teardrop necklace dangled from it. "I know you don't normally wear accessories but this one comes with that jewelry box. I know you would like it."

He stepped forward and clasped the necklace around her neck. Primo retrieved his hand but Amara gripped it tight. "Why blue roses?"

He swallowed thickly at her question. His blue eyes were uneasy as he spoke. "I just... I think it suits you."

Amara didn't back down despite the thundering in her chest. Blue rose is for unattainable love. "How?"

"Because you are unattainable. Like the wind..." He curled a finger around a stray hair. "It starts soft, gentle... but before you know it, it becomes a storm. Something you will never be able to catch."

She hated the riddles he spoke. Amara had known that there was an unspoken rule between friends. Once, she had been asked why she wouldn't date Primo. And her answer had been... he's not an option.

But why though? Why was he not an option? Why was she unattainable?

Who said all of that?

Hmm.

Amara stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Primo, should we talk about this?"

He raised an eyebrow, his finger tracing her jawline. "About what?"

"About you imagining me naked?"

Primo's face reddened as he stumbled backward. "W-what the fuck, Amara?"

Amara smiled as the answer to her problems became clear. It was none other than herself.

There's no need for a magic mirror after all.

✘✘

ahhh, finally!

wait Amara, you wanna seduce two boys?!

votes and comments are appreciated!