Niki's room was a mess, with clothes scattered everywhere. She stood in front of the mirror, holding a dress in her hand, still unable to decide what to wear.
"You're still not ready?"
Sums stood at the door, her eyes scanning the chaos in the room before shaking her head.
"You've been running a clothing store in here for so long, and you still haven't decided?"
"I just can't figure it outâŠ" Niki muttered.
Sums picked up a dress and handed it to her. "Just wear this and stop overthinking. You're not walking a fashion ramp, you're just going to meet your friends."
Niki let out a small laugh and finally started getting ready.
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As she was leaving, her parents had only one thing to say, "Come back soon."
"Yes, Mom," Niki replied with a smile and walked out.
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The moment she got into the car, her friends started teasing her.
"Why so late?"
"It took me a while to get ready," Niki replied.
"No worries! Tonight, we're just going to have fun!"
The car ride was filled with laughterâreminiscing about school mischief, imitating their teachers, and sharing inside jokes.
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The club was buzzing with loud music. The colorful lights flickered, and people were lost in their own worlds, dancing and laughing.
Niki looked aroundâeveryone was enjoying themselves, immersed in the moment.
For a while, she joined in on the fun with her friends, but after some time, she started feeling uneasy.
"You go to the dance floor; I'll be there in a bit," she told one of her friends.
She stepped out of the club, taking a deep breath of the cool night air. Nearby, she spotted a small restaurant, a much quieter place. Deciding it was a better spot for the moment, she walked in.
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The restaurant was dimly lit, with a peaceful atmosphere.
"Niki?"
She turned around, surprised. Standing in front of her was Bikkyâher middle school classmate.
"Oh! You're here?"
"Yeah! I work here part-time," Bikky replied with a smile.
"Wow!"
"How have you been?"
"I'm good⊠and you?"
"Doing great!" Bikky pulled out a chair and sat across from her.
"Do you remember how my grandma used to scold you back in school?" Niki asked, laughing.
Bikky chuckled. "Oh yeah! She always looked at me like I was the biggest troublemaker!"
"And you used to sayâ'I've always been a troublemaker!'"
They both burst out laughing.
"How is she now?" Bikky asked.
"Not as strict as before⊠She's gotten softer, more affectionate," Niki replied with a small smile.
"That's nice to hear!"
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with nostalgia and laughter.
Just then, Niki sensed someone standing behind her.
She straightened up.
Bikky casually said, "This is my friend. We study together in college."
Niki slowly turned around.
And at that moment...