The music roared through the air as a sea of students filled the outdoor dance floor. Laughter and excitement intertwined with the bass pounding from the speakers. Lights flickered across faces glistening with sweat, capturing the unrestrained energy of youth. It was the first night of the semester at Levesque University, and Isaxshe Night Club, the pride and joy of the Fuccgirls—Navia, Meira, Seira, and Sharon—was alive with celebration.
This wasn't new for the Fuccgirls. Partying was their way of embracing their youth and breaking free from any semblance of monotony. While others were busy adjusting to the start of the school year, they were setting the stage for the unforgettable.
Isaxshe, a private female-only club run by students, was no ordinary hangout. Owned and managed by the Fuccgirls, it catered exclusively to Levesque's female students. The house they rented near the docks had been transformed into a haven for nights like this, with its outdoor dance floor and tables positioned under string lights, ensuring the music didn't disturb anyone outside their bubble. Sharon's grandparents, supportive of her ventures, even sponsored the wine that flowed freely.
As the night wore on, Sharon sat on a plush chair near the bar, her mind elsewhere. Her sharp features were softened by the lights, but her distracted expression didn't go unnoticed. The Fuccgirls, gathered nearby, exchanged glances.
Seira was the first to break the silence. "Sharon, you've been zoning out all night. Something on your mind?"
Sharon barely heard her. She was still replaying the kiss on her cheek from earlier that afternoon. Her fingers grazed the spot absentmindedly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Seira opened her mouth to tease her further, but the moment was interrupted by a striking redhead with emerald-green eyes and freckles dotting her cheeks. The young woman approached Sharon with an air of confidence, her Irish lilt cutting through the music.
"Dia duit, gorgeous," she greeted, her smile playful as her gaze locked on Sharon.
Sharon raised an eyebrow, smirking as she tapped her lap. The invitation was clear, and the redhead didn't hesitate, settling onto Sharon's lap like she belonged there. Everyone watching knew what that meant. If Sharon allowed someone that close, the night would end with more than just casual flirtation.
The redhead leaned in, her fingers playing with Sharon's dark locks. "Can I be your girl tonight?" she whispered.
Sharon tilted her head, her teasing smile widening. "That depends," she replied, her tone dripping with charm. "What's your department?"
The question threw the redhead off for a second. Most people would've asked for her name. But Sharon had a habit of remembering departments, not names—it was easier that way.
"Engineering," the redhead replied, recovering quickly.
Sharon chuckled, her voice taking on a seductive edge. "Oh, so you must be good at welding."
"I am," the redhead shot back, her lips curving into a smirk. "But I think you'll weld better."
"You bet," Sharon murmured, her hand trailing up the girl's thigh. Her fingers pinched gently before massaging the spot, her smirk deepening. "Wanna prove it?"
Before the redhead could respond, Sharon's phone buzzed against her thigh. She sighed and glanced at the screen, her playful demeanor slipping away.
"Something came up," Sharon said, looking up at the redhead. "But don't worry—I'll be back." She kissed the girl's hand, a silent promise lingering in the gesture.
The redhead smiled, though disappointment flickered in her eyes. "I'll wait for you." She slid off Sharon's lap gracefully and returned to her group of friends.
As Sharon watched her go, Seira spoke up, her voice cutting through the moment. "Hey, Ninja," she teased, using Sharon's nickname, "I guess you've forgotten about what happened earlier."
Sharon sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Talk to you later, I have to be home."
"Family dinner?" Seira guessed, knowing Sharon well enough to connect the dots.
"Yeah. Mom wants everyone home tonight." Sharon stood, brushing herself off. "I'll see you guys later."
Seira nodded, and the other girls offered quick goodbyes as Sharon headed toward the parking lot.
The cool night air hit Sharon as she stepped outside, momentarily grounding her. Her sleek car was parked just a few steps away, its black paint glinting under the dim streetlights. As much as she hated leaving the party, she couldn't say no to her mother's request.
Sliding into the driver's seat, Sharon started the engine. The low hum was almost soothing as she navigated the quiet streets leading away from the docks. Her thoughts wandered back to the Irish girl and the easy chemistry they'd shared. But as much as she wanted to indulge in the moment, duty called.
Sharon respected her mother deeply. Despite their occasional clashes, her mother had been her anchor through life's storms. As she drove, her mind drifted back to the afternoon's events.
The cheek kiss that had left her in a daze wasn't just from anyone—it was from someone who mattered. She could still feel the warmth of it, the unspoken emotions that had lingered between them.
She shook her head, focusing on the road. It wasn't like her to get caught up in moments like that. She prided herself on being grounded, yet here she was, distracted by something as fleeting as a kiss.
The city lights blurred past her as she approached the neighborhood where her family's home was nestled. It was a stark contrast to the lively chaos of the nightclub. The quiet streets and well-kept lawns spoke of stability and comfort, two things Sharon often took for granted.
In less than an hour, Sharon arrived at the main house. Normally, the trip would take two hours via the highway, but she had taken bumpy shortcuts to avoid traffic, not caring about the damage to her tires.
She arrived perfectly on time. Mrs. Kim was still setting the table, but soon, the dishes were laid out, filling the room with the aroma of freshly prepared food. Sharon and Katarina sat side by side, directly across from their mothers.
"How was your first day?" Nivada asked Sharon as they began to eat.
Sharon sipped her water with deliberate grace, her eyes flicking to Katarina, who was relishing the local cuisine with evident joy. Sharon's lips quirked in amusement as she watched Katarina savor a rice ball, oblivious to the grain of rice stuck on her cheek.
"First day…" Sharon murmured, resting her chin on her hand as she thought back to the morning at the university. Her voice was soft but loaded with a meaning only she understood. "It was… interesting."
Nivada arched a brow knowingly. "What entertained you more? The new subjects or the new girls?"
Sharon's gaze lingered on Katarina, who finally noticed the rice on her face and froze mid-chew. Without missing a beat, Sharon leaned over, picked the grain off, and placed it neatly on her own plate.
Katarina blinked in surprise, her cheeks tinged pink, but brushed it off as an act of kindness.
Sharon leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Let's not talk about me. I'd rather discuss why I was called here."
The air shifted, tension seeping into the room. Nivada exchanged a glance with Silvia before sighing. "You smell like alcohol, so I'll be brief. Whether you like it or not, Katarina is going to live with you."
Sharon frowned, her displeasure clear. "At my place?"
"Exactly."
"Why?"
"She doesn't know the area yet," Nivada replied patiently.
"You could hire her a driver," Sharon countered.
"Do you expect her to spend hours commuting daily?"
"She could stay in the dorms," Sharon retorted.
Their argument remained calm, their voices never rising. They didn't yell—they didn't need to.
Nivada's tone softened but remained firm. "Sharon, I've always given you freedom, even when I disagreed with your choices. Just this once, I'm asking you to do something for me."
Sharon sighed deeply, her frustration evident.
"She's family now," Nivada continued. "I don't just want her to focus on her studies. I want you two to grow closer. I thought you'd accepted her already. Why are you acting like this?"
Sharon looked away, her jaw tightening. "Mom, I love you and your partner. I accepted this family. But my house is my space. I don't like sharing it."
"You need to adapt, Sharon. Some of your principles have to change," Nivada said, cutting through Sharon's resistance.
Sharon's mind wandered to the events of the day, to the unspoken principles that Katarina had already managed to challenge. A girl she barely knew, stepping into her life with a boldness that unnerved her.
Nivada's voice brought her back. "You're the older one. Look after her. The university is just fifteen minutes from your place. Think about it."
Sharon's pride flared. "Fine. She can stay with me," she said sharply, fixing her gaze on Katarina. "But I won't change who I am. My house, my rules. We'll see if she can handle that."
Nivada frowned. "Don't bully her, Sharon."
Sharon ignored her and turned to Silvia. "I won't pretend to be a saint around your daughter. She'll have to adjust to my lifestyle."
Silvia smiled kindly. "I trust you, Sharon. Please take care of her."
Sharon leaned forward, her tone unwavering. "I'll take her with me, but if she can't handle it, the door is always open for her to leave."
Katarina met Sharon's gaze, her dimples showing as she smiled. "Don't worry. I'm patient, and I'll behave."
Sharon smirked, amused. Beneath the table, she slid her hand under Katarina's skirt and gave her thigh a gentle pinch, testing her resolve. Katarina's cheeks flushed, but she said nothing, her composure intact.
Leaning in, Sharon whispered, "This is who I am. Consider yourself warned." She pulled back, patting Katarina's head with mock affection. "You're adorable."
The mothers exchanged relieved glances, unaware of the silent exchange.
Sharon stood abruptly. "Get your things. You have ten seconds to get in my car, or you're on your own." She walked toward the door without looking back.
Katarina hesitated, her parents urging her to follow. She hurried after Sharon, forgetting her suitcase in her rush.
At the table, Nivada sighed. "Are you sure this is a good idea? I feel sorry for Katarina."
Silvia chuckled softly. "Don't worry. Sharon's a good person, and my daughter is a charmer. They'll figure it out."