Aveline
I was confused. Like actually confused.
Why did Ruby leave like that? No goodbye, no explanation. Just... vanished.
I sent her a voice note. And guess what I got in return? A single thumbs-up emoji.
Ugh. Good to know she knows exactly how to piss me off.
Later that night, I sat at the dinner table with my mom. She wasn't cold about the dance anymore—just oddly quiet. Calm. I didn't dare bring up the competition though. Not yet.
---
> "Hey, Alia…" I said on the phone, curled up in bed. "So that happened. Oh—and she literally rested her forehead against mine and whispered, 'I want you.'
Tell me, Alia… is Ruby summoned straight out of a dark romance novel?"
> "Honestly?" Alia laughed. "She's tall, hot, voice deep and husky—she's the perfect boyfriend. And more than perfect husband material."
I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see me. Of course she was teasing.
> "Alia, I swear—"
"I'm not wrong though."
We talked a little longer before I noticed the time. It was past midnight.
> "Alright, let's sleep. We have early classes tomorrow."
"Correction: if Mr. Kim doesn't murder us first."
> "Valid point."
---
The Next Morning – University
Somehow, we made it on time. Barely.
After three long hours of Mr. Kim's soul-sucking lecture, we slumped in our chairs.
> "Thank God he left," I groaned.
> "Aveline!" a voice called out.
Oh no. Not now. I was already brain-fried.
> "Hey, Kai," I said with a tired smile.
He walked up casually. The kind of guy who always had an easygoing vibe—sports guy, sweet, a little too confident.
> "So… want to go on a date?"
What.
I glanced at Alia, but she was already pretending to drift into her fictional world. Traitor.
> "Uhh, sure. Why not."
> "Alia, you coming?" I asked hopefully.
> "You two go ahead," she smirked, kissed my cheek, and dipped.
She's dead to me.
---
Kai and I went to the park—somewhere quiet. Peaceful.
He held my hand. I let him. It was... fine. But something about it felt off.
I missed her.
That damn mafia.
> "Aveline?" Kai's voice snapped me back.
> "Yeah?"
> "Your birthday's on the 25th, right?"
"Yep. Why?"
> "Then let's celebrate together."
The way he said it gave me chills—and not the good kind. It was hot out, but something about his tone made me uncomfortable. Still, I smiled.
> "Let's see," I replied lightly, my go-to phrase for surviving weird vibes.
We ended up sitting by the lake. It was picturesque. Romantic, even.
He leaned in.
I panicked.
My phone rang.
Bless that ringtone. Bless it.
I picked up without checking who it was.
> "Hello?"
"Hello, little rabbit. You like surprises, right?" Ruby's voice purred through the speaker.
Oh no. Oh yes. I was spiraling.
> "I… I do. Why?"
"Just checking. My sun told me you like them."
> "What are you up to, Ruby?"
"Be careful, okay? And don't sleep before midnight. I've got something for you."
> "Why are you giving me surprises?" I asked, barely holding it together.
> "Because you're mine, little rabbit."
Damn. Damn. Damn.
Her voice was so husky, so low and teasing—it made my heart go rogue.
> "W-whatever. I'm busy. Bye."
I hung up in a flustered mess and turned to Kai. He was staring at my phone like he wanted to burn it.
> "Kai…? You okay?"
"Just thinking about your special day," he said flatly.
Weird. Really weird energy. But maybe I was just overthinking?
---
Later That Night
I waited. I was pacing in my room, glaring at the clock like it owed me money.
11:58 PM.
11:59 PM.
12:00 AM.
Ding-dong.
My heart leapt.
I opened the door.
No one was there—just a gorgeous bouquet of roses. Expensive ones. Rich red and lush.
Tucked inside was a letter.
---
> To my little bunny,
Happy Birthday to you.
I hope you enjoy your special day with endless happiness.
Do what you love. Follow your dreams, Aveline.
And... I still have one more surprise left for you.
Can't wait to see my sunshine again.
Take care—and count the roses for me.
—From, Your Hot Mafia 🖤
---
I hugged the letter to my chest, blushing like a complete idiot.
I started counting the roses.
511.
I had no clue what that meant, but I snapped a picture and sent it to her anyway.
By the way I damn know about that roses thing I guess...