Saturday night had finally arrived, and my room looked like it had been hit by a tornado of dresses, shoes, and makeup. I sat cross-legged on the floor, glancing between two outfits laid out before me—one a sleek black dress that hugged all the right places, and the other a more comfortable, flowy outfit that I could move in. Riri, my sister and natural fashion guru, was perched on my bed, hands on her hips as she examined my choices.
"Definitely the black one, Kei. Tonight's about making an impression," she said, winking. "And this one says, 'I didn't just show up; I came to own the night.'"
I laughed, feeling a spark of excitement in her words. The truth was, I had a little more than just fun on my mind tonight. Five days had passed since my last conversation with Kiel, and every one of those days, I'd been glancing at my phone, hoping to see his name on my screen. Kiel wasn't just any guy; there was a pull I felt toward him, an attraction that was different from the usual fleeting crushes. And tonight, there was a silver of hope that maybe, just maybe, I'd get to see him again.
I slipped into the dress, twisting around to inspect myself in the mirror, and felt a flicker of confidence. Riri nodded approvingly, grabbing her lipstick and waving it at me. "Now for the finishing touch." She handed it to me, her grin mischievous. "Tonight, you're going to be the showstopper, sis."
As I swiped on the color, my phone buzzed. My heart jumped, and I picked it up, my pulse quickening when I saw Kiel's name on the screen.
Hey Keiyi, it's Kiel. How's it going?
I bit my lip to stop myself from grinning too wide, trying to play it cool as I typed back.
Hey, Kiel! Going well—just getting ready for tonight. You?
His response came almost immediately, as if he'd been waiting, too.
I'm heading out as well. Any chance I can meet up with you?
I stared at the screen, barely able to contain my excitement. Trying to keep my cool, I texted back, telling him where Riri and I would be. He responded with a thumbs-up and a See you soon.
Riri peeked over my shoulder, catching sight of his name, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Look at you, Miss Popular! You've got him chasing after you already!"
I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I was thrilled. Riri's confidence was rubbing off on me, filling me with a thrill that tonight was going to be special.
When we arrived at the club, the place was packed, the bass thumping so hard that I could feel it in my bones. Colored lights flashed across the room, illuminating the dancing crowd in a way that made it seem like everyone was moving in sync. I scanned the room, both eager and nervous to spot Kiel. The crowd was thick, but after a few minutes, I saw him.
Kiel was leaning casually against the bar, hands in his pockets, looking comfortable and relaxed, as if he belonged there. He caught my eye almost instantly and broke into a smile, weaving through the crowd toward us. Riri nudged me, her grin wide, then waved at him.
"Hey, ladies," Kiel greeted, giving us both a charming smile. He met my eyes, a flicker of warmth in his gaze. "Glad I could catch up with you."
Riri nudged me again, not so subtly, and then gave Kiel an appraising look. "You better be, Kiel. We're not just letting anyone join our girls' night."
Kiel laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly a little flustered. "I'll try not to intrude too much."
"Good answer," Riri said with a wink, before pulling me closer and whispering in my ear, "He's cute. Go for it."
Before I could respond, she slipped off into the crowd, leaving Kiel and me standing alone in the dim light of the club. I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety, wondering if he could feel my nerves. But then Kiel leaned closer, speaking over the music.
"I was hoping we'd run into each other sooner," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "Been thinking about you all week."
His words sent a thrill through me, and I found myself smiling. "Me too."
Just as we began to relax into our conversation, Riri reappeared, drinks in hand, and with her came another surprise—my cousin Aeri. I hadn't expected her to be here, but as always, Aeri seemed perfectly at ease, even in the chaotic energy of the club. Her lawyer persona slipped away as she smiled warmly, exuding a sense of calm and confidence.
"Aeri!" I exclaimed, surprised but happy to see her. She waved, and we exchanged quick hugs before she turned to Kiel, her eyes studying him curiously.
"So this is the Kiel I've heard about," Aeri said, extending a hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Aeri."
Kiel shook her hand, looking both respectful and slightly intimidated. "Nice to meet you, too. I've heard great things about you."
Aeri raised an eyebrow, giving me a subtle wink. "Likewise. You know, Keiyi doesn't bring people around lightly. Consider yourself lucky."
I felt a blush creep up my face. Riri, ever the instigator, jumped in with a laugh. "See, Kiel? You're already being vetted by the family. That's a big deal."
Kiel chuckled, glancing at me with a mix of amusement and what seemed like genuine appreciation. "Well, I'm honored. I'll do my best to pass the test."
With Aeri's approval seemingly granted, we settled into the night. Riri pulled us all onto the dance floor, her energy contagious as she twirled and laughed. She had a knack for making everyone around her loosen up, and soon even Aeri was swaying to the beat, her serious facade melting away as she let herself have fun.
Kiel stayed close, occasionally leaning in to ask me questions or share a laugh, his attention never straying. Every so often, he'd catch my eye, a soft smile on his face, and I could feel a connection growing, a warmth and depth that felt… real.
As the night wore on, Riri spotted a group of her friends, and she drifted off, promising to come back soon. Aeri had found a quiet spot with her drink, watching the crowd with an amused smile, and I noticed Kiel glancing over at her.
"Your family… they're amazing," he said, voice thoughtful. "It's easy to see how much they care about you."
I looked over at Aeri, feeling a swell of gratitude. "Yeah, they are. Aeri's like the big sister who always has my back. And Riri… well, she's the heart of our little family. Keeps us all laughing."
Kiel nodded, his eyes lingering on me. "I can see that. It's refreshing. Being around people who actually care."
There was something in his tone, a quiet honesty that hinted at something more, something unspoken. I wanted to ask him what he meant, to understand more about the parts of his life that he kept hidden.
Without warning, Riri grabbed my hand, her infectious energy practically pulling me off my feet, and she dragged both Aeri and me towards the pole in the center of the dance floor. "Come on! Tonight, we're making memories!" she shouted over her shoulder, a wild grin spreading across her face. I shot Aeri a quick look, half-excited and half-pleading for help, but she only chuckled, clearly as amused as she was reluctant to be included in our impromptu adventure.
The music's beat was like a pulse in my veins, pounding through the room and blending with the flashing lights, illuminating the dance floor in bursts of neon color. It felt like stepping into a dream, the kind where you can let go of everything and just feel.
Riri wasted no time; she claimed the pole first, her hands wrapping around it as she began to spin with a kind of effortless grace, laughing in a way that made people around us stop to watch. I couldn't help but laugh too, feeling her confidence ripple through me, dissolving my usual reservations. With a quick nudge, she motioned for me to join her.
"Come on, Keiyi!" she encouraged, giving me a look that left no room for saying no.
I took a breath, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves before I grabbed the pole beside her. The cool metal in my hands steadied me as I matched her movements, twirling and leaning back as we spun together. In seconds, all my worries faded, replaced by the rhythm of the music and the thrill of the moment. I felt my inhibitions fall away, replaced by pure exhilaration as Riri and I danced, our laughter and movements synchronized.
Aeri stood just a few feet away, her arms crossed with a smirk that looked half-amused, half-concerned. Every now and then, she glanced around, probably making sure we weren't causing too much of a scene, but even she couldn't fully hide her amusement. I flashed her a quick grin, and she responded with an indulgent eye-roll, clearly torn between humoring us and rescuing us from our own antics.
The crowd around us was cheering now, some people clapping to the beat, others pulling out their phones to record. I caught a glimpse of Kiel near the edge of the crowd, standing by the bar with his phone out, recording with an expression that was a blend of admiration and amusement. His eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room.
Riri must have noticed too, because she leaned over with a mischievous grin and yelled, "Kiel, you're missing out!"
He shook his head, holding up his phone with a playful smirk. "I think I'll let you two have the spotlight," he called back, but the laughter in his voice was clear even over the pounding bass.
With a dramatic spin, Riri released the pole and pulled me into another dance, her hands guiding mine in exaggerated moves as we both laughed. She leaned close, practically shouting over the music. "I swear, you're never this wild!"
"That's because you're never around to get me into trouble!" I shot back, my voice nearly lost in the music.
Just then, Aeri, unable to resist anymore, joined us, grabbing my hand and pulling me into a playful twirl. "One of us has to keep you two in line," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement. It was rare to see her like this, so carefree, and her smile made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be.
Riri and I linked hands and spun around, moving to the beat with a rhythm I didn't know I had. My laughter mixed with hers as we lost ourselves in the music, in the rush of lights and energy around us. It was freeing, unlike anything I'd felt in a long time. The lights, the crowd, the laughter – it all blurred together, and for once, I felt weightless.
As the song reached its climax, Riri took my hand, and together we did a final spin around the pole, the crowd erupting into cheers. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kiel watching, his expression filled with an intensity that sent a thrill through me. There was something in his gaze – a mixture of surprise and admiration – that made my pulse quicken.
The song finally slowed, and with one last breathless laugh, I leaned against the pole, feeling the adrenaline coursing through me. Aeri was there, shaking her head with an indulgent smile, while Riri high-fived me, her face flushed and her eyes sparkling.
Kiel joined us at the bar, holding out a drink with a grin. "You've got moves, Keiyi. I didn't know you had it in you."
I took the drink, still catching my breath, and shrugged, laughing. "Maybe it just took the right crowd."
Aeri gave me a playful nudge. "I didn't think I'd ever see you like this." Her voice held a warmth that made me smile.
As the night continued, we stood there, talking, laughing, and basking in the glow of the night. Riri and Aeri at my side, Kiel's eyes still on me, I felt a joy that was as freeing as it was rare, a memory I knew would stay with me long after the music faded.
______________________________________________________________________________
As the pulse of the music wrapped around us, I leaned back against the bar, taking in the scene. Riri was already mingling with a new group across the room, her laughter carrying over the music. She had a way of being the center of attention without even trying, a gravitational pull that drew everyone toward her energy. But it was good to see her in her element, her freedom infectious and genuine.
Kiel handed me a drink, his gaze lingering as if he was still piecing together what he'd seen. He had that thoughtful look about him, like he was constantly observing the little details, not missing anything. Aeri, standing beside us, gave me a sidelong smile as she took a sip of her drink.
"To be honest," Aeri started, catching both Kiel and me off guard, "I never pictured you like that on a dance floor, Keiyi. You always struck me as the type who might prefer sitting in a quiet café, a book in one hand, tea in the other."
I chuckled, feeling a slight blush at the comment. "Well, you're not entirely wrong. Most of the time, I'd rather avoid the scene. But tonight…" I glanced at Riri, who was leaning in close to a guy I hadn't seen her with before, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I don't know. She just has a way of pulling you into her world."
Kiel nodded, his eyes softening as he took in what I was saying. "That's one of the things I noticed tonight. You have a quiet presence, but… it's like there's a whole other side to you waiting to come out."
Aeri raised an eyebrow, smirking a little as she looked between Kiel and me. "It's rare to find people who notice that, Keiyi. You hide a lot behind that reserved side of yours."
I shrugged, feeling oddly seen by both of them. It was strange but comforting. "Maybe it's just easier that way. But… it's nice to let go once in a while."
Aeri's smile softened. She set her glass down and studied me with an almost sisterly expression. "Well, for the record, I think you should do it more often. This side of you? It suits you."
Kiel gave a warm laugh, nodding in agreement. "You definitely shouldn't hold back." He glanced over his shoulder as Riri returned, her arm now linked with that tall guy who exuded an effortless kind of cool. She gave us a dramatic wink, clearly reveling in her latest conquest.
"Oh, don't worry," Riri declared, squeezing the guy's arm as if to claim him as her prize for the night. "I've got the whole place figured out." She tossed her hair over her shoulder with a sly grin. "You guys just focus on keeping Keiyi entertained."
Aeri rolled her eyes, a fond smile breaking through her usual composure. "Riri, you never quit, do you?"
"Not a chance," Riri shot back, winking before disappearing back into the crowd, her new friend trailing behind her like he was under some kind of spell.
Kiel shook his head, laughing softly. "Your sister… she's like a hurricane."
"She is," I said, watching her as she vanished into the swirling lights and people. "But she means well. She has this way of making everyone feel alive."
Aeri leaned back, a reflective look in her eyes as she watched Riri's retreating figure. "Maybe that's something we could all use a little more of. I've been so busy at work, it's easy to forget what it's like to just… let go."
I nudged her, sensing a rare softness from her tonight. "You work hard, Aeri. You deserve a break more than anyone."
She shrugged, a faint smile breaking through her reserved expression. "I guess I just need a reminder now and then." She took another sip of her drink, looking genuinely relaxed for the first time in ages.
Kiel, watching us with a glint of humor in his eyes, held up his glass. "To letting go," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "To nights like this."
"To letting go," I echoed, clinking my glass against his. Aeri joined in, her smile gentle but appreciative, and we drank to the moment, to each other.
The three of us lingered at the bar, the conversation drifting between light-hearted stories and the deeper thoughts we rarely shared outside of familiar circles. Aeri told us about a particularly tricky case she'd just closed, her eyes lighting up as she explained the thrill of unraveling a complicated argument. Kiel listened with interest, asking questions that showed he wasn't just making small talk but genuinely engaged. And somewhere in between, I found myself letting my usual defenses fall away, relaxing in the company of people who understood me.
Eventually, the lights dimmed a little more, the music shifting to a slower beat that encouraged people to pair up or drift back to the bar. Kiel glanced at me with a small smile, a silent question in his eyes.
"Want to step outside for a minute?" he asked, nodding toward the exit. "It's getting a little loud in here."
I hesitated, but Aeri gave me an encouraging nod. "Go on," she said. "I'll be here if Riri needs anything. And besides, I'll probably enjoy the peace for a few minutes."
Grateful for her understanding, I smiled and followed Kiel outside, stepping into the cool night air. The street was quieter, the muffled bass from the club fading as the door closed behind us. Kiel stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking up at the stars peeking through the city lights.
"It's strange, isn't it?" he said softly. "Being in there, it's like a whole different world. And out here… everything's just calm."
I nodded, glancing up at the sky. "Yeah. I didn't realize how much I needed it until tonight."
Kiel leaned against the building, his eyes thoughtful as he studied me. "You don't seem like someone who gets swept up easily. You're careful, but in a way that feels… intentional. Like you've thought it all through."
I shrugged, not sure how to respond. "Maybe that's just my way of staying grounded. I like knowing what I'm getting into. It's safer."
Kiel smiled, nodding. "I get it. But you don't have to be that way all the time, you know? Sometimes… it's okay to just be in the moment." His gaze held mine, something unspoken lingering between us.
For a few moments, we stood in comfortable silence, the city's sounds blending around us. He looked at me as though he could see past the reservations I kept close, as if he understood without me having to explain.
The club's door swung open, and Aeri stepped outside, a gentle smile on her face as she took in the scene. "You two looked like you were having a moment. I hate to interrupt, but Riri's just about to leave with her new friend, and I thought I'd check if you wanted to stay."
I smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness. "I think… I'm ready to call it a night."
Kiel nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Me too. It's been a good one."