A/N: This chapter contains minor strong language and minor violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Kai

I stood there looking baffled, processing what Alicia said. Not again. I tentatively fix my tie, now feeling constricted as I let out shallow breaths one after another. The sun above strikes another ray of heat and I'm sweating inside my tuxedo, not helping the pressure I already feel.

"I know that look. Relax, ok. Just breathe." Al tries to give a comforting smile. "It'll be fun I promise. And no backsies."

I doubt it. Not when Stephanie's there it's not.

"Am I even invited?" I sneered at the thought.

Al just looked at me with a grin plastered on her face.

Oh no...

Before I could say anything, I noticed our driver was already waiting outside.

"That's our car. It's too late to say no, I take it?"

Alicia only giggled as she high-fived our driver, heading inside the car as her newly bought dress swayed, "Yes!"

"Now I understand why you insisted on me wearing this tuxedo on the go," I said in a monotone voice.

Alicia smiles. "Don't hate me for it, I'll make sure you'll enjoy your first real party."

"What's that supposed to mean? I've been to parties!"

"My debut and your family's company events don't count." Al started doing her makeup while she spoke, "And besides, you just ate your way to the end of those parties, moping around the corner, pretending you're talking to someone on the phone. It's time you go out there and meet other people!"

"You know I hate talking to people, it's exhausting. I can barely manage to interact with you!" I gave her a side glance, moving slightly away from her.

"Then, how do you propose to find your future love if you're acting like this?"

I already found her though.

Her voice breaks into a mellow tone. "You have to try. I'm not doing this for me, it's for you." She took my hands in hers. "I can't always be there beside you, talking to people on your behalf because you're shy or you fear you'll stutter or you'll be judged. We're social creatures by default. And humans communicate, even for a little. Promise you'll try?"

I unconsciously gave a weak yet genuine response. "I promise."

She embraced me tightly and a whiff of sweet rose blessed my senses. I wish we could stay like this forever.

She breaks the hug, hyping me up. "Now! Let's practice that smile!" I flash a grin, showing more teeth to really encapsulate a friendly face.

"What do you think?" I asked. Al touched my face, properly positioning my smile.

"It still needs some work but thank you, for indulging me." Alicia smiles again and I swear she's getting more beautiful whenever she does.

"All righty lads, we're here." Our driver's voice echoed, "Enjoy your time." Saying this while raising his eyebrows suggestively at me and Al. I just shrugged it off as I opened the door for Alicia.

"You look stunning by the way." I tried not to blush but her smile was breathtaking.

"Of course! Got to look my best." Al smooths her dress and my hand instinctively reached for the stray hair on her face, tucking it behind her ear. Her smile widens and my heart flutters. Score!

"What are you doing?" She raised her voice. "It's supposed to be there, silly." Al puts the stray hair back to where it was minutes ago.

Fuck...

She locks arms with me, leading me inside Stephanie's mansion.

"Say cheese!" A flash caught me off guard. "Ahhh! Look! I really have a super duper cute bestie!" Alicia pushed the screen of her phone close to my face and I saw an idiot looking lost, and frankly, irritated.

Bestie...

A thin line resembling a smile appeared on my face as I watched Alicia walk toward the center of the party, joy deeply engraved on her face.

Upbeat music started to play, people gathered, drinks in hand, moving mindlessly without a care in the world. This looks absolutely mind-numbingly boring. I began to lose hope, but a quick whiff of lavender and sweets in the air made me quirk into a smile.

At least Stephanie has a sense of taste in perfume.

My eyes wander around, looking for the food tray. Viola! There it is! But before I could indulge myself, a voice was heard, "You came!" followed by a loud shriek across the room.

Welp, that was early.

It's Stephanie in all her glory, wearing a shiny silver dress with a white fur shawl that insinuates her fit figure. She beams down to hug Alicia tightly.

"Hey! Look how beautiful you are!" Al breaks the hug, caressing Steph's shoulders.

"A compliment from my queen. Not as good-looking as you though, you're way hotter in that dress of yours." Steph replied.

They both giggled, slapping each other faintly.

Seeing them so close together made me feel something, a sudden surge of emotion, I didn't even realize I was already talking. "Nice to meet you too Stiff, oh I mean Steph! Sorry. Thanks for the invite though."

Her smile faded. She flicked open her fan and a staring contest began. "Oh great, I thought you couldn't come."

I let out a restrained laugh, "Great party! What a way to stroke your ego, just like last time."

"You just won't let that go, would you? It's a joke!" Steph cleared her throat. "I prefer to not spar with you little man, just this night though, to honor your fantastic company and my position as the hostess." She saunters over to my front and she breaks into a fake snake smile. "Enjoy this 'great' party! Al said you needed it." She waves to Alicia before leaving.

"I thought after all the time that passed, you guys can finally make amends." Al wanders beside me.

"I can't. She humiliated me and thanks to her, I have a new fear of pools and I don't wear trunks anymore. She's also bitchy to me if you somehow missed that."

"You're the one who started, though. I mean, if you both say sorry I'm sure you'll get along." We walked together and I subtly guided her to the food table.

"Nah, I'm good," I replied, stocking my tray with sweets.

Al sighs. "You're eating your way to the end again."

"Oh come on, I need to eat one sweet for every person I see, they're all giving me anxiety." I took a bite as I intently looked at Alicia.

Al's eyes shrink and she pouts. "Ok. Here's what's gonna happen. I'm going over to Steph's side and you have two choices. Either you apologize to Steph and I'll accompany you tonight, or find someone to talk to and you'll give the deets later. Ok?"

"Hey! That's not fair! That's a trait of a bad friend!" I almost fell to a scream.

She backs away slowly. "Well I wouldn't want to give my friend anxiety now, would I?"

"I'm kidding, ok?" People started to look at us and I fell into a whisper as I followed her. "Don't you dare leave me alone with these people, or I'll go home!"

She placed her hand on my chest and I felt my heart rate slowing down. "Hey, it's ok. You've already met all the people here, you just have to spark a conversation. Or even learn how to hold one with someone."

"I can't--"

"You can!" She cut me off. "I believe in you. And I know you'll not leave because you never break a promise." She took a cookie from my tray before disappearing into the crowd.

"Ok, but can you at least tell me where to find you guys? Nope, she's gone."

People started bopping their heads to the rhythm as the music got louder and louder. How could she expect me to talk to anybody when they're all like this? I started to feel vulnerable just standing at the center. I glanced around, hoping to find someone coherent enough to talk to. But alas, they all looked like chickens dancing.

I should just apologize to Steph. Maybe I'll do it later. The night is quite young. I need to blow off some steam first. I quickly glanced around the living room for some discreet location and the angels sang in unison, pointing in the direction of a maze outside. It's void of any sound, only the cold winds to calm me down.

The smell of fresh air and soft flowers brought me comfort until I heard a girl singing an unfamiliar melody. It's quite slow and soft, more like a lullaby. I followed the song and it led me to an entrance of a maze. Lamposts stood tall among the towering hedges, looking like fireflies dancing beneath the beautiful starry night. A gentle breeze carries the siren's melody, blessing my ears. I duck to a big shrub, panning my attention to the one singing,

She wore a purple dress, adorned with beautiful white butterflies that complimented the shade of her gown. That may be the case, I'm more interested in the song.

I tried getting closer, just to hear her better. Just as when I was about to take another step, a figure in black approached the girl.

She must've known who it was for not panicking in a dark secluded place. Alone.

They talked in a hushed tone but I could see they were not getting along. Lover's quarrel perhaps? Either way, I'm in no place to intervene.

I was about to leave, when suddenly, the girl screamed, "Leave me alone!" She slaps them hard on the face, almost knocking over their hood. She tried to hit them again, but this time, they caught her hand, now retaliating by brandishing a knife!

What the hell?!