The early morning breeze made Rose shiver as she sat up in bed. Her hair was a tangled mess, yet she still looked beautiful—her lips as red as before, her cheeks a soft rosy hue. As she recalled everything that had happened the previous day, a smile spread across her face, making her lips even brighter. She fell back onto her bed, soft as a flower.
"Hey, Rosy. You look beautiful," a voice called out.
Startled, Rose turned around and saw Sam sitting by the window. She was paralyzed with shock—he had entered so silently.
"Hey, beautiful. Looking hot," Sam teased.
Rose remained frozen for a moment before finally regaining her senses. "Ugh...?"
Without hesitation, Sam kissed her. "Yesterday was amazing," he murmured. "So, should we have some fun?"
"What?" Rose stammered, taken aback. "I... Well, thanks, um... I—"
Seeing her flustered state, Sam smirked and kissed her again. "8 AM, our usual spot for breakfast," he whispered. "I'll see you there." Then, with a mischievous grin, he left.
Rose was still blushing, her heart pounding. "That man... ugh! He's making me blush again. I better get ready before he plans something else."
---
"Do you seriously want to do this? And why are you dragging us into it, Sam? I am not dancing!"
"Oh, well, alright then. Kevin and I will dance with Rose while you sit there, suffering in agony," Sam replied smugly.
"Wait—Rose is in our music video too?" John asked in surprise.
"Obviously! So, who's the goofball now?" Sam teased.
"You are," John shot back, smacking Sam's back.
Kevin, noticing something, subtly signaled to Sam that Rose had arrived.
"Rosy! Over here," Sam called, waving his hand.
John tensed at hearing that name. He was the first and only one to call her "Rosy"—and it irked him that Sam used it so casually. For a moment, he considered leaving, but he reminded himself of the music video. He decided, then and there, to execute his own secret plan involving Rose.
"Hey, guys!" Rose greeted, waving.
When she saw Sam, memories of the morning kiss flashed in her mind. It wasn't her first kiss, but it was her first while wearing transparent pajamas. The thought alone made her blush furiously. "I... I need to use the restroom!" she blurted, rushing off.
Sam noticed her reaction and smirked. "Interesting..."
---
"Okay, spill it," John demanded, shooting Sam a knowing look.
"It's none of your business," Sam replied nonchalantly, taking a bite of his chicken burger.
"Fine!" John huffed, digging into his own meal.
Kevin, uninterested in their petty argument, excused himself. "I'll be back in five."
"Sure," John and Sam answered in unison, secretly wishing he wouldn't return so soon.
Outside, Kevin found Rose sitting alone on a bench, taking deep breaths.
"This shouldn't keep happening," she muttered to herself. Then, with sudden determination, she threw her hands up and declared, "I ain't gonna blush anymore!"
"Ain't gonna blush, huh?" Kevin teased, standing behind her.
Rose jumped. "Oops! I mean, haha... well—"
"It's okay," Kevin reassured her. "I know everything. Don't worry, he's yours, somehow."
Rose smiled. "You're right."
They returned inside, where Sam and John were deep in discussion about the music video.
"I heard from Kevin that we're making a music video," Rose said. "But... what song are we singing?"
"Don't worry," Sam assured her. "We've got it covered."
"Oh, really?" John eyed him suspiciously.
"Really, really," Sam grinned. Turning to Rose and Kevin, he revealed, "We're doing a cover of Backstreet Boys—Everybody!"
"You've gotta be kidding me," John and Kevin groaned in unison.
Rose, however, was thrilled. "That's great! But we need to practice."
"Of course," Sam agreed. "Three rehearsals, then we film. My camera crew is already waiting at my studio."
"Your studio?" John asked, uneasy. "Uh, Sam, why not use my company's studio? I gifted it to Rose for her birthday."
"Yeah, she knows. But she hasn't seen my studio yet. So, we're going there. Now get in the car."
John scowled but didn't argue.
---
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at a massive stadium.
Rose gasped. Her name was displayed on the building's front wall, along with her photo. Was this a dream? It felt unreal. Overcome with emotion, she began to cry.
"Thank you, Sam!" she said tearfully. But then she remembered—John had done something similar for her before. She turned and hugged him as well, not wanting him to feel left out. And finally, she pulled Kevin into the embrace.
"This place is amazing," Rose said, her eyes shining.
John nodded. "Yeah... it's incredible."
Kevin took one look at the building and grinned. "No wonder your dad is a brilliant architect."
"No kidding," John agreed.
They sat together, discussing the music video details.
"We'll need outfits, right?" Rose asked.
The three boys nodded.
They filmed the video. It was tough at first, but they powered through and completed it. Sam took charge of editing, determined to make it look spectacular.
---
As Rose rummaged through her sling bag, her phone rang. It was her mom. She called back.
After ten minutes, she hung up—completely speechless.
Noticing her distressed look, John rushed over. "Rose, what's wrong? What did your mother say?"
Tears welled in her eyes. "She... she enrolled me in college. She wants me to study Arts."
"What?!" John exclaimed.
Sam nearly shouted. "Are you serious?!"
Kevin, thoughtful as always, saw a silver lining. "Maybe we can convince her to change her mind," he suggested.
John and Sam were furious. "Your mom is unbelievable!" Sam growled.
Kevin intervened before their anger escalated. "Guys, calm down. I have a plan."
Rose's heart steadied. "Really?" she asked, eyes filled with hope.
"Yes, really," Kevin smiled. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. "Here, take this. Consider it a token of my gratitude."
Laughter erupted among them.
Rose wiped her tears. "With you guys around, I feel like I have nothing to be afraid of."
The three boys blushed furiously at her words.
---
Later that night, her father called her over.
"How was your day, sweetheart?" he asked kindly.
"It was great, Dad. I loved it."
"Good. What are your interests in music? Maybe you can pursue your dream by studying more about it."
Kevin was stunned. This sudden change of heart was unexpected but welcome.
Her mother, however, was furious. A heated argument erupted between her parents.
"If you ever speak ill of my daughter again," her father warned, "be prepared for a divorce."
That shut her mother up.
He turned to Rose. "Take your friends and enjoy the night."
---
"Okay, so which college should we go to?" John asked casually.
"Actually," Kevin interjected, "your dad already chose for us."
"What?!" Sam, John, and Rose exclaimed.
"We're all going to St. Matthews."
John's face paled.
"What's wrong?" Kevin asked.
"That's where... Sarah and Leah go," John muttered. "I just checked the attendance records."
"You've got to be kidding me," Sam groaned.
"Nope. I'm serious," Kevin confirmed.
John exhaled heavily. "Well then... this is going to be one hell of a year."
"To St. Matthews!" Kevin cheered.
John, however, sighed. "No… it feels like going back to the past."