Why in the world is Ciara my perfect match? Out of all the people, why the heartbreaker? My mind reeled with questions, each more frustrating than the last. The perfect match system was supposed to pair us with someone who complemented us in every way.
So how on earth did it pick Ciara for me? She was a walking chaos, an absolute disaster of emotions and impulses. My complete opposite. Sure, opposites attract, but this felt more like a cruel joke than fate.
Every time I thought about the few interactions we'd had, all I could remember was her arrogance, her cocky smirk, and those piercing eyes that seemed to look right through me. She had a way of getting under my skin like no one else, and not in a good way.
Yet here I was, trapped in her room because some damn magical system said we were meant for each other. It was infuriating. I didn't want to believe it, and yet, a small part of me was curious about what the system saw that I didn't.
As my eyes wandered around the room, I couldn't help but notice how organized it was. I had always imagined Ciara's space to be a chaotic mess, reflecting her personality. Instead, everything was in its place. The books were neatly arranged on the shelves, the bed was perfectly made, and even her desk was spotless.
It was a surprise, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Ciara than what she let on. Maybe, just maybe, there was a side to her that I hadn't seen yet. Not that it mattered. I still didn't believe she was my perfect match.
Ciara paced back and forth, frustration mounting with every step. "Great. Just fucking great. Trapped in a room with you of all people."
Her words snapped me out of my thoughts. "Oh, believe me, the feeling is mutual," I shot back, crossing my arms. "This is the last place I want to be."
She stopped pacing and glared at me. "Then why don't you make yourself useful and figure out how to get us out of here?"
"Why don't you? You're the one with the magical flames or whatever," I retorted. "Oh, wait, you can't use them right now. Too bad."
"Don't push me, Aeliana," she growled, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not in the mood."
"Like I care about your mood," I snapped. "This is ridiculous. I don't want to be here any more than you do."
We stood there, glaring at each other, the tension in the room almost palpable.
"I don't want to sleep with you," I finally said, breaking the silence.
"Trust me, princess, the feeling is mutual," Ciara sneered. "You can sleep in the bathroom for all I care. I'm taking the bed."
"Like hell you are!" I shot back. "This is your room. If anyone's sleeping in the bathroom, it's you."
"Oh, really?" Ciara said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because I'm definitely going to let you dictate where I sleep. Not happening."
"Fine," I said, throwing up my hands in exasperation. "Then we can both sleep on the floor."
Ciara rolled her eyes. "You know what? Let's just agree to not talk to each other. At all. This whole situation is a nightmare, and I don't need you making it worse."
"Agreed," I said, turning away from her. "I'd rather not listen to you whine all night."
Just then, the door of the room opened, and a servant entered, carrying trays of food. The smell of roasted meat and vegetables filled the room, and my stomach growled in response. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.
"Your dinner, ladies," the servant said, setting the trays down on a small table. "Please enjoy."
Ciara, never one to miss an opportunity, made a beeline for the door. But as soon as she got close, the magical barrier shimmered into view, blocking her path.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" she cursed, pounding her fist against the invisible wall. "This is bullshit!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at her frustration. "Looks like you're stuck with me after all," I said, taking a tray of food and sitting down to eat. "Might as well make the best of it."
Ciara shot me a glare but said nothing, grabbing her own tray and plopping down on the floor. We ate in silence, the only sounds in the room the clinking of cutlery and the occasional huff of annoyance from Ciara.
Despite the awkward situation, I found the food surprisingly good. Maybe being stuck here wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Then again, I was trapped with Ciara. Anything was possible.
As I took another bite, I couldn't help but steal a glance at her. She was clearly as miserable as I was, and part of me felt a tiny bit of satisfaction in that. Maybe we were both learning a lesson in humility. Or maybe, just maybe, this was the universe's way of forcing us to confront our differences.
Either way, it was going to be a long night.
As the silence stretched on, the awkwardness became almost unbearable. I finished my meal and stood up, ready to escape into the bathroom for a long, hot shower. I needed to wash away the stress of this bizarre day.
Just as I was about to head for the bathroom door, Ciara shot up from her spot on the floor. "Where do you think you're going?"
"To take a shower," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. "I need to relax."
Ciara scoffed, crossing her arms. "Not so fast, princess. I need a shower too, and I'm going first."
"Why should you go first?" I demanded, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm just as stressed as you are. Maybe more."
"Because this is my room," she said, stepping closer. "And I decide who gets to use the bathroom first."
"That's ridiculous," I snapped. "We're both stuck here, and we should take turns."
Ciara rolled her eyes, her irritation evident. "Fine. Let's settle this like adults."
"Rock, paper, scissors?" I suggested sarcastically.
She smirked. "How about I just go first, and you can sulk about it while you wait?"
Before I could respond, she brushed past me and opened the bathroom door. "Fine," I muttered, seething with anger as she stepped inside. "But don't take all night."
Ciara flashed me a triumphant grin before closing the door behind her. I heard the water start to run, and I couldn't help but fume. This was going to be a long, challenging ordeal. Maybe once she was out of the shower, things would be a little less tense.
Or maybe not. Either way, I was stuck here, and we'd have to find some way to coexist without tearing each other apart.