Aria's P.O.V.
The next day, I got myself ready since the event starts at 1 pm. I told Kai that I had somewhere to go and looked for the address that was on the invitation. Hannah's house was so big it was practically a mansion.
I was overwhelmed while looking at it from the outside. I handed my invitation card to the guard, and he let me in. There was catering in the garden near the garage.
It was noisy because of the loud music, and there was a DJ on stage. There were a lot of people. I saw a few familiar faces—students from the university. Everyone was dressed up, looking so classy and elegant that I felt like I didn't belong here.
But here I am, and besides, Asher bought me this dress and sandals, so it wouldn't be right not to show up. I don't know why, but I was... excited to see Asher here at the event.
"Isn't that Aria?"
"Oh, yeah, what's she doing here?"
"Tsk, was she even invited?"
"Maybe she's working part-time with the catering service."
I heard whispers followed by laughter. I just looked down. I didn't know where to go or where to place myself since I didn't know anyone here except for Hannah and the four princes. But I couldn't see them right now. I was just standing at the side, feeling like a fool. Then, I felt them approach me.
"Oh, Aria, you're here." one girl said to me.
"How much are you getting paid for catering here?" another one said, and they laughed.
"Hey, why are you just standing there? Go serve the food." They continued.
I was getting annoyed with their comments, but I tried to hold back and not cause a scene at Hannah's welcome party. I let them insult me and just stayed quiet. Until I suddenly felt someone put their arm around me. I looked up to see who it was. It was Asher. My heart started beating fast; he looked so handsome in his tuxedo and styled hair. I didn't realize I was staring at him.
"I'm glad to see you here, Aria." Asher said, looking at me.
"The dress we bought looks great on you." he added, smiling at me. I felt like I was melting from his smile.
"Oh my gosh, did they buy a dress together?"
"I guess Aria really was invited."
"Come on, girls, let's just enjoy tonight."
The girls said, and then they left. Asher and I were left alone. I could still feel his arm around me; it was awkward... and I could still hear my heart beating fast. After a moment, he took his arm off my shoulder and faced me.
"Aria, please don't let them insult you like that next time, even when I'm not around. Please stand up for yourself." Asher told me, and I just looked down at his words.
"I know you're brave, Aria. I don't even think Cairo can handle you." Asher added.
"I just didn't want to cause trouble here. But thank you, Asher, for always being by my side when I can't handle the situation. Honestly, I don't know how else I can thank you." I said as I looked at him. He stared into my eyes for a while, then smiled.
"Seeing you happy and smiling is enough for me. You don't have to thank me, Aria." Asher said, still not taking his eyes off mine. Those words... they're melting my heart. If he keeps acting like this, I might just get used to it. >__<
I kept looking into his eyes, and I didn't know what to say.
"Hey! Asher, Aria!" I heard someone call from not too far away, and Asher and I turned at the same time. It was Denzel and Sade, approaching us with glasses of wine in hand.
"Let's have fun today, guys." Sade said.
"Oh, Aria, you look so beautiful today. I almost didn't recognize you." Denzel said, and I just laughed.
"Haha, I might start believing that." I replied.
"But it's true, Aria. You're always beautiful, but today, you look even more stunning." Denzel added. I didn't respond because I didn't know what to say; having these guys tell me I'm pretty—I just can't imagine it.
"See? I told you, Aria, I'm not lying. You're really beautiful." Asher whispered to me. I just smiled and couldn't take my eyes off him. Suddenly...
"Hello everyone, may we have your attention?" the MC on stage said, catching everyone's eyes, including ours.
"Today, you will see Hannah. Let's welcome Hannah Marie Del Fuego!" said the MC, and everyone clapped. A door on the side of the stage opened, and out came Hannah and Cairo.
Hannah was holding onto Cairo's arm, and he was guiding her as they walked. Hannah looked stunning, like a model, and Cairo—despite his bad attitude—was undeniably handsome.
If we're just talking about looks, he's really good-looking, with beautiful eyes and a sharp, pointed nose. He looks almost foreign. He and Hannah look great together.
"I just want to say I'm happy you came back here to the Philippines. Enjoy this day." Cairo said when the MC asked what he wanted to say to Hannah. Hannah smiled at him and hugged him, prompting cheers from the crowd.
"Okay, guys, let's enjoy the party!" the MC announced. The DJ switched the music to disco, and more people flooded the dance floor. The sound system got louder, making it hard to hear each other unless you raised your voice.
Hannah and Cairo stepped down from the stage. Shortly after, a waiter arrived carrying a tray of wine glasses. Asher grabbed one and took a sip.
"Aria, you should try this wine. It's awesome." Denzel said, raising his voice so I could hear him.
"I don't drink alcohol!" I shouted back. We really had to yell at each other because the music was so loud.
"Don't be such a killjoy, Aria. Try it just this once; I'm sure you'll like it." Sade insisted.
"Dude, don't force Aria. She can enjoy the party without getting drunk." Asher intervened, stopping Sade and Denzel. The waiter with the wine glasses then walked away.
"Haha, we forgot you're playing Aria's dad." Denzel teased, and Sade burst out laughing. I was trying not to laugh, too.
"What?" Asher said with a frown, giving Denzel a slightly annoyed look. Asher was so cute, I couldn't help but stare at him.
"C'mon, let's dance!" Denzel shouted as he headed to the dance floor and started dancing with the girls there. Such a ladies' man. Sade soon followed him to the dance floor, leaving Asher and me alone.
"What do you want to do, Aria? Do you want to dance?" Asher asked me.
"Oh no, I don't. I don't even know how to dance, haha." I said, laughing.
"I can teach you if you want." Asher offered.
"Oh no, that's embarrassing. I might end up stepping on your feet." I said, and Asher just laughed.
"I'm hungry, I'll head to the dining area first to eat. Go enjoy yourself, Asher, and join them on the dance floor." I told him and started walking towards the dining area. But I noticed Asher walking beside me.
"Why? Don't you want to dance? Just go over there." I said to him.
"I'm not in the mood to dance. I feel like eating too." he replied.
So we went to the dining area together.
There was so much food, and I picked out the dishes and desserts that looked the most delicious. Asher also got some food, but he only took a little.
"Aria, can we dance later?" Asher asked me while we were eating at the table.
"I already told you, Asher, I don't know how to dance. Do you really want me to step on your feet?" I said.
"Well, I don't mind if you step on my feet." he said, smiling at me. I stopped chewing my food and looked at him. Then he moved his face closer to mine, reaching out like he was about to touch my cheek, which made me lean back.
What is he doing? This is so embarrassing, it's so awkward, and I think my heartbeat is speeding up. Huhu >__<
Then he brushed his finger against the corner of my lips.
"You have some rice on the side of your mouth. Eat your food slowly, Aria." Asher said with a smile.
Oh my gosh, this is so embarrassing. I thought he was going to do something else—like kiss me! Ugh, why does he have to be like this? I'm so embarrassed, I feel like I'm being too presumptuous.
"Ah... is that so? Haha, I didn't notice." I said awkwardly and went back to eating, avoiding his gaze.
"Haha, you're so cute." he said softly, but it was loud enough for me to hear. I tried to calm my heart, which was racing because of Asher's actions. A moment later, Asher's phone rang.
"Excuse me, Aria, my dad's calling... it's too noisy here, so I have to go outside. Wait for me here; we'll dance later." Asher said.
He stood up from his seat and walked away. Left alone, I just finished the food on my plate. After a while, I saw Hannah and Cairo heading in my direction. Every time I see Cairo, I can't help but remember what he said in the parking lot at the university. It's like I want to hide from him. >__<