Aveline
I was done thinking.
Today, I'm going to confess.
I was getting ready. I'd already called Kai and told him to come pick me up. I even chose the place myself—it was a restaurant, great food, and I love it there, by the way.
He came exactly at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Before evening, I had to be back home, no matter what, because tomorrow's my competition and I had to practice—one last time.
Anyway, he was waiting for me.
I went downstairs and saw him leaning against his car—a BMW limited edition. Damn. He was looking handsome. Not to mention he's one of the hottest guys at the university.
(Again: not to mention.)
"Hey! Aveline, you're looking beautiful."
I mean, I know I'm beautiful.
"Thanks, Kai. You're also looking handsome."
He just chuckled and opened the car door for me. I sat down, and he started driving.
But my mind kept drifting—again and again—towards Ruby. I don't know why.
We reached the restaurant and started eating. I'm a foodie, okay? No judgment.
Kai began speaking. He was clearly nervous.
(Like I'm going to slap him or threaten him? Unless he crosses his limits, of course.)
"Sooo... Aveline, you wanted to talk about something, right?"
"Yes, Kai. I wanted to tell you something important."
I took a deep breath, looked directly into his eyes.
"Kai... like you said before—you like me, right?" (He nodded.)
"I also like you... so I agree to be your girlfriend."
The last sentence came out like a whisper. I was trying to make sure I was saying the right thing.
"Pardon me...? Really, Aveline? Thank you so much. I promise, I'll make you the happiest girl in the world."
(If you know, you know—that sentence.)
Anyway, he was holding my hands like he was already my boyfriend.
So... that's normal, I guess.
Thank God he didn't hug me—or I'd slap him.
Physical closeness? Suddenly, I don't like it.
But with Ruby? I'm way too physical...
I don't want to think about anything else.
Not right now.
We were just talking, all random stuff.
Like:
"What's your birthday?"
"How many siblings do you have?"
"You want my biodata or something...?"
After lunch, we were eating ice cream. He said he could come pick me up for the competition.
HELL nah.
I don't want a slap on my face just before my big day.
"Kai, well... Ruby's going to drop me. You know her temper—I can't say no."
"Maybe next time."
He just smiled at me.
Couldn't tell if it was fake or real.
"So... you're close to Ruby Daniel Sun? That cold, heartless CEO that everyone fears?"
I mean... her aura is amazing.
Untouchable.
Like if you touch her, you choose death. That type.
I looked at him and said,
"That's her aura. I respect her. She's definitely a CEO—with no heart—but she's damn popular. One of the youngest, richest girls out there."
"Yeah, I respect that. Also... she's your friend, right?"
Friend?
More than that.
"Friends with benefits," said my inner voice.
"Well... our families know each other. So yeah, she's a family friend. And also... a friend."
(She's not just a friend—but not everyone needs to know that.)
We arrived at my house.
"Okay, bye Kai. Thanks for the ride."
Before I could open the door, he suddenly held my hand. I looked at him.
"Anything else, Kai?"
He reached out and slowly tucked my hair behind my ear.
I knew what was next.
"Kai, let's give each other time. To understand. Okay?"
"Yeah... yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. Bye. Take care."
I sighed, walking toward the house.
It hasn't even been a full day since he became my boyfriend and he's already acting like I'm a physical person?
Nope. I'm not.
---
I was heading upstairs when Mireline called out my name from the kitchen.
I groaned and went to her. She's older than me—I can't ignore her. And she's still healing from her accident.
"Yes, sis?"
"Come here and drink this milkshake."
She handed me my favorite—mango milkshake, with ice and tiny mango pieces inside.
"Love you, sis." I hugged her.
(I was just cursing her a moment ago. Now I'm hugging her. Excellent, Aveline.)
"So, how was the date with that Kai?"
"It was good. Like, normal. Just some talks... but he clearly tried to kiss me, sis."
Mireline raised an eyebrow mid-sip.
"Aveline, as your big sister, my advice: don't let him get too close. Especially not physically. Not yet. Teach him about limits. Even if he's your boyfriend—set a visible boundary. And don't let him cross it. Don't cross it yourself either."
She rarely gives advice, but she's right.
"I'll make sure, sis. Now I'm going to rest a little. Thanks for the world's best milkshake."
I went upstairs. Mireline just rolled her eyes at my dramatic comment.
---
Next morning...
I woke up early, dancing in my room. Practicing.
It was 8 o'clock.
I texted her.
Me: Hey!
Ruby: Hmmm?
(I wasn't expecting her to reply so fast... she wasn't sleeping?)
Me: Are you ready for tomorrow's competition? You're my dance partner, so be ready.
Ruby: I'm always ready.
Me: Good. You'll wear red with me, okay? Matching outfits.
Ruby: Sure. Now lemme sleep.
What??
She was sleeping, but her replies were fast. Her tone... can't guess. Whatever.
I finished my practice and was now waiting for Ruby.
We needed to rehearse our waltz—and the other dance was going to be random. The judges could assign anything.
But I have faith in Ruby. So, no worries.
I was eating breakfast.
Today, Dad and Sis had to fly abroad.
I didn't want her to go...
But duty calls.
They were leaving at 11 o'clock. It was already 10.
I was in my sister's room, sitting on her bed and swinging my legs like a child who doesn't want someone to leave.
"So who's your dance partner, little rabbit?" she whispered.
Even without looking at her, I replied,
"It's Ruby."
"Then your problem is solved. She'll come pick you up."
I sighed and mumbled,
"Can you convince my mom, Ruby?"
"Okay, little rabbit. I need a hug before leaving."
I hugged her. I didn't want to let go.
"Be good with Mom. And don't get into fights with her. I'm not around to protect you now. And win that competition, my rabbit—so I can tell my employers that she's my sister. My little rabbit, okay?"
"Yes, sis. I love you."
"Love you too, rabbit. Bye-bye."
I said goodbye to Dad and Sis.
Now...
I'm with Mom.
---