"Girl, please stop that."
I ignored Apple's objections and her glare as I began to blast out Maroon 5's "Animals."
"Just choose another song, Tinnie. Come on. Give up the sultry tunes already; they're embarrassing!" Apple looked at me and protested.
I smiled and continued to sing.
"Maybe you think that you can hide; I can smell your scent for miles, Just like animals, animals, like animals, oh…"
Sunshine snickered, glancing up from her notes. "Ap, she's in a mood. Let her feel the moment."
It was true. When I'm in a certain mood, I sing a particular kind of song, usually edgy, flirty, or high-energy. Today, I felt bold and didn't care who heard me.
"But Tinnie, you're so noisy," Virginia interrupted, rolling her eyes. She's the oldest in our group and always the first to grumble about the ruckus we make.
I shot her a teasing smile. "I don't care, Tita V!" I laughed, and the others joined.
I pulled out my phone, scrolling mindlessly through social media, when a headline caught my eye:
"The famous model Ariana Dale Dawson was spotted on a dinner date with Anthony Kiel Cruise, son of the CEO of Cruise Securities Inc. Are they back together?"
Ardy again. Ugh.
I felt that familiar pang of jealousy. I'd liked Aki for a while, but he's the kind of guy who only notices you when you stop caring. And with an ex like Ariana Dale Dawson…well, who could compete with that?
I let out a sigh and told myself, "Nope. No crying. Not about him." I threw my shoulders back. "I'm strong. I can do this."
Just as I was about to head to class, I ran into Angelo.
He looked at me, concerned. "You don't look okay. Should I accompany you? And if you plan to say no, don't bother. I won't take your no."
"Of course! I'm fine," I replied, forcing a smile that even I knew wasn't convincing.
He raised an eyebrow. "You look tough, but I'm sure you are in pain." Then he softened. "Even if you think I'm weird, I'm here for you."
Something broke loose, and the truth slipped out: "I'm not okay."
He nodded like he'd known all along. "Let's go," he said, guiding me toward the parking lot. Before I knew it, we were in his car.
"Alien, where on earth are you taking me?" I punched his arm as he climbed into the driver's seat, but he just grinned.
"We're going to get your mind off this." He winked. "This alien's got your back."
My eyes widened. "Are you seriously taking me to a bar?" I asked, half in shock and half amused. He nodded, unbothered.
He pulled up to a high-end bar that seemed way out of my league because it looked expensive and only applied to high-society people.
"My brother owns the place, so don't worry. We're VIP tonight. Courtesy of him, I get to enjoy this kind of luxury." He led me to a cozy VIP room with a full KTV setup and handed me a beer. "Here, drink this. I think it won't make you drunk, or you will. Who knows"
"Alright, Alien. Maybe you're not so bad after all. And you are indecisive." I grinned as he laughed. Since I wasn't a singer tonight, I just started humming. The music pulsed, and I felt the heaviness in my chest begin to lift a little.
"You know," he said, watching me. "You should try to join the music club. You've got the voice, the rap skills, and that extra swag."
I just laughed. Me? Music club? Yeah, right. Although I sing in front of people, I do, and that's a hard pass.
"Not to mention, some girl will be fortunate to have you."
I shrugged with a smile. "Maybe."
He held out the mic to me and said, "Your turn. Promise I'll go after you." I gave him a wink and let him take the mic. He chose a song with a soft, steady rhythm, and I recognized it immediately. The words washed over me like a warm wave, and I could feel his energy shift.
"It's her hair and her eyes today that simply take me away, and the feeling that I'm falling further in love…"
His gaze was on me, a little softer, more serious. My heart skipped. Was he singing to me?
"'Cause I love her with all that I am, and my voice shakes along with my hands, 'cause she's all that I see, and she's all that I need…"
Was I imagining it? Was he singing this for me? Or am I just assuming?
"And I'm out of my league once again."
Then he looked right at me, a playful spark in his eyes. "That was all for you, Cristina Rielle Cordova."
My mind went blank, and the room faded to black.