( I wake up when sunlight slips into my room, painting golden lines on the floor. I stretch my arms and yawn softly, feeling strangely refreshed today. I don't know why, but Noah's words still echo in the back of my mind — *"Rylan was watching us."*)
I shake my head, trying to push the thought away. "No, that can't be," I mumble to myself and walk toward the window. The air is cool and crisp as I open the glass panes. Morning feels peaceful, lighter than usual — like the world decided to go easy on me today.
( When I glance at the clock, it's already 7:00 a.m. My class starts at 9:00, so I rush for a shower. I go through my routine quickly — shower, brush, skincare. Then I stand in front of my wardrobe, thinking what to wear. After a minute of staring at clothes like they might answer me, I finally pick a black pant and a baby pink top.)
( I put on a little lip balm and some light blush — yeah, I only know about 10% of makeup stuff, so I always end up looking simple. I braid my hair neatly and check my reflection. "Perfect,"I whisper with a small smile.)
( The clock says 8:00 a.m. now. I slide my laptop and books into my bag, wear my shoes, and step out of my room. When I open the dining room door, everyone's already seated — laughing and chatting. The whole atmosphere feels warm and happy.)
*See?* I think.* Maybe today really will be a good day.*
I take my usual seat. "Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Noah. Good morning, Richard."
They all reply with bright smiles, "Good morning, aira."
[ Then my eyes automatically drift to Rylan — sitting at the far end, scrolling through his phone and eating his sandwich].
"R–Rylan," I say hesitantly, "good morning."
[ He lifts his eyes from the phone for a second, looks at me, gives a slight nod, and goes right back to scrolling.]
"Yeah… no fighting," I whisper to myself. "Today *is* a good day."
( The maid places a plate in front of me — sandwiches and pancakes. I start eating quietly while Mom, Richard, and Noah talk about everything under the sun. It feels normal, almost peaceful.)
Then I open my mouth to ask, "Mom, are you dropping me at college today?"
Mom looks up, her face turning a little apologetic. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry. I have to go somewhere urgent with Richard. Can you go with Rylan today?"
[ I freeze. My eyes slowly move to Rylan, who finally looks up from his phone, one eyebrow raised.]
Richard says cheerfully, "Yeah, that's a good idea! Rylan, you're also going toward your college, right?"
Rylan scoffs softly. "No. I'm going to my friend's house for a group project. Not college."
"Don't lie, Rylan," Richard says firmly. "Drop her. End of discussion."
Rylan's voice sharpens. "Dad, I don't have time to waste. The route is totally different from her college. I'll be late for my project."
I quickly jump in before it turns into another father-son argument. "It's okay. I'll take a cab."
But Richard shakes his head. "No, Aira. You're new here. I don't want you taking a cab alone." He sighs and adds, "The driver will drop you. Don't worry."
( The tension at the table thickens. Richard glares at Rylan, but when his eyes move to Mom, his expression softens — he loves her too much to stay angry for long.)
( The rest of breakfast passes in silence. Forks clink against plates, but no one talks. When I finish eating, I get up and force a smile.)
"Okay, Mom. I'm leaving."
Richard nods. "The driver's waiting outside. Tell him to take you straight to college, alright? And take care."
I smile. "Okay, Richard. Thank you."
I hug Noah, then Mom. "Bye!"
( As I walk out of the dining room, I can't help but think how that space feels cursed for arguments — first me and Rylan, now Richard and Rylan. Maybe the dining table is just a battlefield in disguise.)
Outside, I spot the driver near the car and walk toward him.
"Good morning, Mr. **Harris**," I greet with a smile.
He nods warmly. "Good morning, Miss Aira. So, I'm your ride today, huh?"
I laugh softly. "Yes, looks like you are."
( Mr. Harris is in his forties, though he doesn't look it — more like early thirties. Strong build, sharp posture. He looks more like a bodyguard than a driver, but he's always been kind to me.)
[ Just as I open the car door to sit, a deep voice comes from behind me.]
"Hey, little liar."
I freeze.
That voice.
I turn slowly — and there he is. Luka.
[ Leaning back on his bike, he looked effortlessly cool under the morning sun.]
I quickly walked up to him, my heart racing a little, and asked softly,
"W-What are you doing here?"
He smirked, "Why, little liar? Can't I come here?"
I quickly glanced toward the house entrance, worried someone might see us.
"How did you even get in here? The guards don't just let anyone walk in like that."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and teasing. "Sweetie, I have my ways. So, don't worry."
I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. "Then tell me, why did you come here?"
With a full smirk on his face, he said, "To pick you up, obviously."
I sighed. "Seriously, Luka, you shouldn't come here like this."
( Before we could talk more, Richard stepped out of the house—followed by Rylan. My heart skipped. I quickly took a step back from Luka.)
Richard walked toward us, smiling. "Luka, you're here?"
I blinked, confused. *Wait… Richard knows him?*
Luka gave a polite smile. "Good morning, Uncle. Yeah, actually, Aira and I are friends from college, so I thought I'd pick her up."
Richard looked between us with a pleased expression. "Oh, that's great, Aira.
He's my friend's son. He's a good guy. Luka, take care of Aira, okay? You two go ahead, I have some work."
I nodded awkwardly, forcing a small smile. "Sure, Richard."
[ He walked away toward his driver, Mr. Harris.]
Luka turned to me with that same mischievous grin. "So now I'm officially allowed to come here, huh?"
I scoffed. "You're something else, seriously. Let's just go."
He chuckled, pulling out his helmet and gently placing it on my head. "There. Perfect."
He got onto his bike, and I moved to sit behind him—but then I saw *him.*
(Rylan, leaning against his car, arms crossed, watching everything. His eyes… dark, unreadable, burning into us.)
"Sweetie, sit down," Luka said over his shoulder. "We'll be late if you keep standing there."
"Yeah, yeah," I mumbled, finally sitting behind him.
( The engine roared to life, and I instinctively clung to the side of his jacket. But even as we drove off, Rylan's gaze stayed in my mind—flashing over and over like a scene stuck on repeat.)
( The morning air brushed against my face as Luka's bike sped down the quiet streets. My fingers gripped the edge of his jacket, not too tight, but enough to stop myself from falling. The city was still waking up — streets half empty, sunlight sneaking through the buildings, painting everything in gold.)
"Scared, little liar?" Luka's teasing voice carried through the wind.
I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn't see me. "No. Just… don't drive like a maniac."
He laughed, that deep, carefree laugh of his. "Don't worry, sweetie. You're safe with me."
Safe.
That word echoed in my mind for a second, like it didn't belong there.
( Because when Rylan's face flashed in my thoughts — that dark look in his eyes, the anger mixed with something else — I didn't feel safe. I felt confused.)
( The bike slowed as we entered the college gates. Students were scattered everywhere — some rushing, some chatting, and some, like always, staring. Luka parked near the lot and turned the engine off, running a hand through his hair like he just walked out of a movie.)
"Thanks for the ride," I said, unfastening the helmet and handing it back.
He smirked. "You sure you don't want me to walk you to class, little liar? People might think we're a couple."
I glared at him. "You wish."
He chuckled. "Yeah, I do."
Before I could respond, someone called out behind me.
"Aira!"
( I turned to see Ava running toward me with her usual bright smile. Mila and Rhea followed right behind her.)
"Ohh, your fan club," Luka whispered, leaning closer. "Should I give you a goodbye kiss to make it interesting?"
"Luka!" I hissed, stepping back.
He laughed and raised his hands in surrender. "Relax, little liar. I'm going. See you in class."
( He winked and got back on his bike, the engine growling before he took off through the gate towards the parking, leaving a few staring students and a trail of gossip behind.)
Ava looked at me with wide eyes. "Something going on between you both, huh?"
I rolled my eyes. "Nothing's going on between us."
Mila crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Then how come you came on his bike, hmm? Tell me, Aira. Is there something we should know?"
I sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Listen, guys. He just came to pick me up, that's it. And coincidentally, he's my step father's friend's son, okay? Nothing serious between us. Really. Trust me."
Ava smirked, her lips curving up playfully. "Okay, Aira. If you say so."
[ Mila and Ava exchanged glances before both chuckling under their breath.]
"Guys, I'm going," I said quickly, adjusting my bag. "If you want, come."
( They laughed again, whispering something I couldn't catch as I started walking ahead — my steps quick, my heart weirdly fast.)
{ Because even if I denied it, that small moment — Luka putting the helmet on me so gently — kept replaying in my head…}
and somewhere deep down, I wasn't sure *why* it made me smile.
And that smile dropped the moment I saw him—Rylan—coming out of his car.
I froze mid-step.
So he was lying when he said he wasn't coming to college.
( He looked perfectly fine, laughing with his friends… and that girl. She wrapped her arms around him like they were something.)
My hands clenched into fists.
*So that's why he didn't want to take me to college? Because he's ashamed of me?*
( I turned away, walking fast, anger burning in my chest. I didn't even know how this beautiful morning suddenly turned into something that ruined my mood.)
Rylan. He was the reason.
Classes went by in a blur. I took notes, but my mind wouldn't stop overthinking — his laugh, that girl, his cold eyes.
Was he really ashamed of me?
(The whole day passed like that. I barely talked to my friends, just nodding or saying "okay" whenever they asked something.)
When classes finally ended, Ava left with her driver, and Mila and Rhea went together in Mila's car.
I stayed back, saying I needed to issue some books from the library.
After finding a few books, I walked out, hugging them close to my chest — and that's when my steps stopped.
Because right outside the library…
Rylan was there. Leaning casually against the wall, like he'd been waiting for me.
Waiting...
Yeah right waiting....