The air felt heavy in the empty classroom, the dim light filtering through the blinds casting faint shadows across David's face. His words clung to the walls like a haunting melody, pulling at emotions I wasn't sure I wanted to acknowledge.
"My brother and I had a conversation yesterday," David began, his voice soft yet deliberate. His hand brushed against my cheek—a touch so light, yet it set my heart racing. "And I just found out he's taking an interest in Katherine."
A whirlwind of emotions surged within me—jealousy, confusion, and a pang of something I couldn't name. Was it fear? Resentment?
Katherine—the girl who always seems to be by Devieh's side. I've seen them together countless times. Word has it that she has her sights set on Noah too.
She has always been poised, charming, and seemingly untouchable, a perfect match for someone like Noah. But why did David care so much? Why was he the one telling me this?
Lately, David had been unusually close—too close. His cryptic remarks, teasing smiles, and lingering touches left me questioning his intentions. And now, pulling me into an empty classroom like this... What did he want from me?
"So?" I muttered, forcing nonchalance as I leaned against the desk, my arms crossed in defense. "Why does it matter if Noah likes Katherine?"
David's lips curled into a sly smile. "Why does it matter?" he repeated, his voice dripping with mock disbelief. "Because you like him, Serena. Or have you forgotten?"
I froze, his words striking a nerve. Of course, I hadn't forgotten. How could I, when every glance, every casual conversation with Noah felt like a silent plea for his attention?
But Katherine? She was always near him, her effortless charm drawing him in like a moth to a flame. And now, hearing that Noah might be interested in her felt like salt on an open wound.
"Katherine and Noah," I said slowly, testing the words on my tongue. They tasted bitter. "If that's true, good for them. I'm not going to fight over someone who doesn't want me."
David's chuckle was low and mocking. He stepped closer, his diamond earring catching the light as he tilted his head.
"Tss. Serena, Serena, Serena," he murmured, his tone both teasing and exasperated. "You've been trying to get Noah's attention for years. Now that he's looking somewhere else, you're just going to let it happen? You're really going to let her take him?"
I bristled, meeting his gaze with a defiant glare. "I don't own Noah, David. His heart is his, not mine. Besides, it was just a compliment. Why are you making such a big deal out of this? Are you into Katherine?"
His laugh echoed in the room, light and genuine this time. "Katherine? No," he said, shaking his head.
Then, as if on impulse, he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch lingered for a moment too long, and I found myself unable to look away.
"You don't get it, do you?" he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I just don't like seeing you hurt. That's all."
His words hung between us, heavy with unspoken meaning. My heart pounded as I searched his face, trying to decipher the emotions behind his enigmatic smile. Was he being sincere, or was this just another one of his games?
The bell rang, breaking the moment. David stepped back, his expression unreadable once more. "Think about what I said," he called over his shoulder as he walked away, leaving me alone in the empty classroom.
That night, his words replayed in my mind on an endless loop. 'Are you really going to let that slide? Don't you want him all to yourself?'
I tossed and turned, unable to silence the nagging doubts he'd planted. Noah had always been my anchor, the one person I'd dreamed of being with for years. But now, the idea of him with Katherine felt like a cruel twist of fate.
If there's any truth to what he said about Noah and Katherine, I won't be shocked. That girl is stunning; it's no wonder Noah might be drawn to her.
But how am I supposed to feel about it? Support them? Smile through the pain of watching someone I've liked for over three years potentially fall for someone else?
Noah is captivating and passionate; when he commits to something, he pours every ounce of himself into it. The thought of him giving his heart to someone else is both heartbreaking and confusing. I should root for their happiness, but deep down, I can't ignore the ache this brings.
I was nervously adjusting my outfit when Ashly knocked on my door, her curious eyes immediately falling on the small gift bag in my hands.
"You have another gift?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh, yes. This is the first time I've been invited to Noah's birthday, so aside from what I sent to the fan club, I also bought him another gift," I explained, quickly fiddling with the ribbon on my present as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror.
I was wearing a white mesh, flared sleeve, fitted midriff top that paired with stretchy printed flared pants, tied together by a white bow on the left side. It was casual but still felt special—after all, this was Noah's birthday, and I wanted to make a good impression.
"What's inside?" Ashly asked, clearly teasing.
"Is there anyone else we know coming?" I bit my lip as I tried to change the subject.
She shrugged. "I think so. I've heard it's a pretty big party. Ian said Noah invited a lot of people because… well, apparently, he likes someone," She added.
I went silent as I turned my attention back to the present.
Ashly's face lit up with mischief. "Ooh, are you jealous?"
I shook my head, trying to act nonchalant. "I've heard Noah likes girls, but I've never seen him make a move. He's too shy. Plus, his pride's sky-high. He wouldn't admit to anything, especially not love. He's too proud for that."
Ashly raised an eyebrow at me. "But, are you jealous? Now that maybe, he will finally have the courage to make a move, but not for you?"
I let out a small laugh. "No. It's just... Noah doesn't seem the type to fall for anyone easily. He'd rather stay distant than show vulnerability. That's just who he is."
I wasn't even judging him. Over the years, I'd gotten to know Noah, and his arrogance was undeniable. You could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, and feel it in his every movement. He was always untouchable.
He will never bow to anyone, not even a girl, even for love. That's Noah Laurent Vander for you. And girls who are hopeless romantic will never have their chance with him.
But I knew, deep down, one day someone would come along who would make him lower that towering wall of pride he'd built around himself. I just never expected to be that person.
Ashly and I stepped into the car, still talking as Ian drove. My stomach was in knots, though. This wasn't a formal party, but meeting Noah's parents felt like a big deal.
"We're here!" Ian announced as we pulled up in front of a large, imposing gate.
The house behind the gate was hidden behind tall concrete walls, making it feel like an exclusive fortress. It wasn't the type of home you could casually glance at as you walked by. It was secluded, purposefully private.
Ashly, still puzzled, asked, "What's their business?"
Ian shrugged. "I think they do with engineering or cement, something like that. I'm not sure. They don't exactly advertise what they do."
As the car moved further along, I saw the house wasn't just far from the gate—it was a sprawling estate, surrounded by wide, beautiful gardens. There were already cars parked along the road, some with large, ornate gifts for Noah. I felt a little out of place but pushed those thoughts away.
"Do you think his parents are here?" Ashly asked, her voice lowering.
"Yup, they're here," Ian said, pointing toward a man and woman standing near the double doors, exuding an intimidating air. It was clear where Noah got his looks.
We stepped out of the car, and I straightened up, suddenly feeling nervous. I was about to meet Noah's parents!
Ian smiled, greeting them with a respectful blessing. "¡Hola, Tita! Uncle!"
Noah's mom, with her warm smile, greeted us. "¡Hola, hijo! Noah, Sam, and Alex are waiting for you inside."
I stood quietly behind Ashly, waiting to be introduced.
Ian waved a hand. "This is Ashly, my cousin," he said, as Ashly immediately went up to Noah's mom, giving her a blessing and a nod to Noah's dad. "And my other cousin, Serena. She's a big fan of Noah."
"¡Hola, Tita! ¡Tito!" I smiled, giving them a respectful blessing, and nodding at Noah's dad. I couldn't help but notice how similar he and Noah looked. Not that I was complaining—Noah's dad was handsome in a cool, composed way.
Noah's dad gave me a teasing smile. "Oh? My son has a fan as beautiful as you?" he said, his voice playful. "He's one lucky guy, then. Did he ask you out?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "Oh, no. He doesn't even notice me," I said lightly, trying to play it off.
Noah's mom sighed dramatically. "That boy. Sorry about him. He's a bit of a snob sometimes. I honestly don't know what's up with him."
Her voice had a warm, friendly edge, but there was an underlying authority to it, making the situation feel a little less awkward.
Just then, we heard someone calling for Ian from inside the house. It sounded like Alex, and we followed him inside. The house was buzzing with activity, with people greeting each other and chatting loudly. The living room was full of familiar faces.
I immediately spotted a few girls whispering and giggling while sitting on Noah's couch, and I felt a twinge of curiosity. Who were they?
I also saw Devieh, Noah's sister, talking to Katherine. I looked around more, my gaze scanning the crowd for David, and there he was, sitting on the couch, surrounded by girls.
"There's Noah," Ashly said, pointing. "I think he's in the middle of something."
He was sitting near the pool, arms crossed and laughing with his guy friends. He looked casual in a white long-sleeve polo and dark jeans, but even in the crowd, he had a certain presence. I wanted to approach him to give him my gift, but he seemed to be enjoying the conversation. I decided to let him be for now.
"Happy birthday, Noah," I whispered to myself, my eyes now wandering over to the spread of food laid out on a long table. I could feel my stomach growling in protest.
"Ash…" I called out, looking around for my cousin. She had already disappeared into a corner, talking to some friends.
Ian, on the other hand, was deep in conversation with Noah.
I shrugged and made my way toward the food. There was so much variety, from international dishes to local delicacies, and the smell was mouth-watering. I grabbed a plate and filled it with a few things, glancing around the room for a place to sit.
"Hey, I knew you'd be here."
I almost dropped my plate in surprise, the familiar voice coming from behind me. I turned, startled, only to laugh when I saw Yuri.
"Yuri, you're here!" I said, shaking my head in disbelief.
He grinned. "Yeah! I'm a friend of the Vander's," he explained with a wink.
I smiled, relieved to see a friendly face. I often ran into Yuri at school, and we would chat over lunch. We shared a love for travel and had even bonded over New York—he'd visited, and so had I.
I'd learned that he was half Japanese, half Filipino. After his parents separated, he moved to the Philippines with his dad while his mom went back to Japan to remarry a Japanese.
Our conversation was cut short when Sam appeared, calling my name and offering me a hug.
"Serena!" he said, smiling broadly, though his eyes briefly flickered to Yuri.
"Sam," I greeted him with a smile, looking over at Noah, who was still chatting with his friends.
Sam pulled me into a hug, and then glanced back at Yuri. "This is Yuri," I said, introducing them. "Yuri, this is Sam."
Yuri nodded and flashed a smile at Sam, then turned back to me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Need a place to sit? You're looking like you might pass out from hunger."
I laughed, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I could use a seat," I admitted, handing my plate to Yuri as I looked over at Sam.
"Let's eat, Sam," I suggested, already scanning the room for a place to sit.
Sam nodded. "You're friends with him, huh?," Sam smiled at me, though his smile seemed a little forced as he stared at Yuri.
Yuri fought his stares.
"Well…" I continued eating as my mind went curious about Sam being so skeptical of Yuri. This is awkward.
"Let's go eat somewhere else." I heard Yuri, his voice seems impatient. Hurrying me to change table.