October 19.

It’s exactly a month since I lived here. To be honest, I’m proud of myself because I didn’t expect that I’d last this long. So far, my identity remains a secret.

Two days from now, Infinite Chase will start touring. I’m excited because it’ll be my first time to be with them in their concert.

I do pretty much nothing in the house. In the morning, I clean it, and then cook, and when the band is not busy, we watch movies in the entertainment room.

There are times when they practice in their studio down the basement. Even though they didn’t tell me that I’m not allowed to watch, and although every fiber of my being wants to watch, I choose not to. It feels like prying their privacy. It also gives me guilt for deceiving them.

A few days ago, Juliane sent me a paycheck for my first salary. It was a large amount. I felt bad because my job wasn’t tiring. How can I be weary when I’m surrounded with handsome guys?

There are times (a lot of times) when they tease me; probably because I’m the only female human being in the one hundred yard radius. But they’re so adorable; I can’t even stay mad at them for too long.

And then there’s KY.

My unrequited love remains the same.

Seeing him hurts me because even though we live in the same house, it feels like we’re worlds apart.

You can say that our relationship is finally progressing because we’re talking with each other now, like, when I ask him about what food he wants to eat, or does he mind passing me the salad, or if he needs help with anything.

I guess I should be grateful. It’s better than not having a conversation with him.

The band will be on tour for two months, and then they will have two weeks of vacation for the Holidays. We won’t be living in the house so we need to pack our clothes.

One thing I’m looking forward to is living in their car. It’s this huge vehicle that looks like a bus. Inside it are bunk beds, furniture like couches, and television set. It even has a fridge inside. Unfortunately it only has one bathroom. We’ll live in it for a couple of weeks with their team— one body guard which is also their driver, one sound tech, and their PR. I’ll practically be the only girl, but I’m kind of used to it since I’ve been living with the band for a month.

My work is also to make sure we don’t forget anything; even the band’s stuff. I need to double check them because once we’re on the road, we can’t go back again. I’m not worried because I’m organized and all.

I already packed my things days ago, and yes, I’m that excited. I’ll meet other bands that they’ll be touring with. Just thinking about seeing the bands that I only watched on Youtube makes me feel like I’m flying.

I still feel guilty about lying but there’s nothing I can do about that. I’m going to continue pretending until I save money for my tuition fee. Or if worse comes to worse, when they discover my secret. Just thinking about being found out makes my insides squirm uncomfortably.

Dear God, I’m so sorry for deceiving my friends. I have no choice. If my mom finds out that I lost my scholarship, she will kill me. Lying is such a stupid thing to do, but I will repent as soon as this is finished. I promise.

We’re watching a movie in the entertainment room. Actually, I am watching while the band is using their gadgets. All of a sudden, the door bursts open.

I jump in my seat, ready to run for my life when I see it’s just Mr. Handsome. He has a silly grin on his face. He probably feels great catching us off guard.

“Ho hey!” he says. “How are my boys? Are you ready for your next tour?”

“You should have said that you’re coming,” KY says dryly, “Instead of surprising us like that. It’s not funny.”

I’m surprise with the way he talks to their producer.

Mr. Handsome pouts.

He looks so cute. Though he’s probably ten years older than me, he acts childish, and ugh, is being with the team requires being handsome? Because seriously, I’m far from gorgeous.

“Brielle,” he says, “How are you, my dear?”

“I’m fine,” I say as I smile at him.

“I hope the band is not giving you a hard time.”

“No,” I reply. “They’ve all been friendly to me.”

KY snickers.

“Good, good,” Mr. Handsome says.

His accent.

“What brought you here?” asks Nate, not even glancing away from his laptop.

“Are you guys busy?” he asks. “Let’s go out and celebrate before you start touring. It’s my treat!”

“I’m in,” Zeke says as he turns off his PSP.

I observe that they treat Mr. Handsome as a friend, and not as a boss. It’s probably a good thing.

“Where?” Lance asks.

“In the newly open bar of Director Jim,” Mr. Handsome answers.

“Count me in!” Nate says. “I heard it’s cool!”

“Yeah?” Lance says. “Are there pretty chicks there?”

I roll my eyes. All Lance can talk about are women. For a month that I’ve been here, I haven’t seen him go out and date. Or maybe he did. I just didn’t notice because I’m fixated with KY.

“Johnny and the rest of the Milky Way will be there,” Mr. Handsome says.

“Milky Way?” I repeat. They’re one of the best bands in the music industry.

Mr. Handsome smiles at me. “You know them?”

“Yeah!” I say a wide smile on my face. “Their songs are amazing!”

Nate glances at me. “I thought your favorite band is Infinite Chase?”

Yes, they are, but I don’t remember telling Nate about it.

“Come on,” Mr. Handsome says, “Don’t give Brielle a hard time.” He turns to me and says, “If you want, you can go with us.”

“Really?” I ask incredulously. “Are you serious?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” he says amusedly.

I stand up from my seat and about to say that yes! I absolutely want to go with them, when KY suddenly speaks up.

“She’s not going with you,” KY says.

I turn to him with a frown on my face. “Why not?”

“You’re coming with me.”

“Coming with you?” I ask incredulously.

“Hey,” Nate protests, “where will the two of you go? Remember the rules? You can’t date her!”

I force myself not to punch Nate’s arm. Did KY finally realize that—

“We’re just going to my parents’ house,” KY says.

Me. KY. His parents’ house. His family.

“Dude!” Zeke says in a surprised voice. “You’ll introduce her to your parents?”

KY sighs. “No, but I need her with me today.” He turns to Mr. Handsome. “You can go ahead and bring the guys with you. Just leave Brielle alone.”

Just leave Brielle alone.

Just leave Brielle alone.

Just leave Brielle alone.

Is it his first time to say my name? It sounds like heaven to me.

“Fine,” Nate says reluctantly. “Just make sure she’s still in one piece when we get back.”

KY smirks. “You have my word.”

“Okay then,” Mr. Handsome says, “Get ready boys!” He claps his hands together. “I promise you,  we’ll have a blast!”

When it’s time for them to go, I can’t help but feel sad. They’ll be with other bands, and I’m sure it’ll be fun. But then I remember that I’ll be alone with KY, so I become ecstatic.

“I’m sorry you won’t be going with us,” Zeke says. “Have fun with Kyle!”

“Thanks,” I say, though I’m a little bit nervous. I still haven’t spoken with KY yet. I’m thinking that he’s just playing a trick on me. Or maybe he’s making me a reason because he doesn’t want to go with them.

“If he makes a move on you, don’t hesitate to call me,” Nate says, ruffling my hair and giving me his famous smile.

“Fine,” I mutter. As if KY will do that.

“Goodbye, Brielle,” Lance says as they all get inside Mr. Handsome’s car.

They wave at me as they back out of the driveway. As soon as the car is out of sight, I realize that now I’m alone with KY in the house. The first time.

“Are we really going to go to your parents' house?” I ask him.

“Yes,” he says, “It’s my mom’s birthday, and she wants me to be there.”

“When’s her birthday?”

“Today.” He gives me a look like I’m crazy.

“It’s your mom’s birthday and you’re just telling me now?”

“It’s not a big deal,” he says with a shrug.

“It is! I don’t even have a gift!”

“I don’t have a gift as well,” he states.

“You’re rich! You can’t even buy your mom a gift?”

He rolls his eyes. “My presence is much more important for her.”

I sigh, but inwardly, I agree. “I don’t have a gift.”

“It’s not important.”

I frown. “I’m going to your mom’s birthday party without bringing anything? That’s a—“

“I know what you’re thinking,” KY interrupts, putting his forefinger on my forehead. “You can just bake your masterpiece for her.”

I gasp. “Right! You’re a genius!”

He smirks. “I know.”

“I’ll make her a pie.”

“Pie,” KY says amusedly. “I’m sure she’ll like it.”

“Why do I have a feeling that you have an inside joke?” I ask curiously. The way he smiles, and the way his smiles light up.

“You’ll see,” he says.

I purse my lips. “Okay, fine.” I’m about to walk away when he grabs my arm. “What are you doing?” I ask. My heart is beating like crazy. Is Nate right? Is KY starting to make a move on me?

The hairs on my arms are rising. “W-what?” I stammer. He’s making me confused. When the guys are around, he’s acting like I’m the bane of his existence, and now that we’re alone, it’s like he’s a different person.

KY lets go of my arm and turns around. “Just bake,” he says as he walks away.

What was that? This is frustrating. I know that there’s no point in understanding KY.

When I get to the kitchen, I prepare all the ingredients I will need. After, I start to mix them and do the procedures I know by heart. Even if my eyes are closed, I can finish this. It’s that familiar. My dad thought me how to do this.

A half hour later, I put the tray in the oven and set the timer.

As soon as KY tells me to get ready, and that we’re going after an hour, I run to my room and quickly dial Naomi’s phone. She answers at the fourth ring and I put the phone on speaker mode.

“What?” she asks, sounding annoyed. “I’m in Professor Thorn—“

“Emergency!” I interrupt.

“This better be good,” she says wryly. “What is it?”

“KY invited me—“

“Oh my heavens! He invited you to a date? But he only knew you for a month! Well, I have to say that he’s quick.”

I roll my eyes. Here we go again with her wild imaginations. “He invited me to his parents’ house.”

“You’re not even dating yet, and he already asked you to come over his parents’ house? Did something happen to you two?”

“Naomi! It’s his mom’s birthday today,” I explain. “Instead of going home alone because the rest of the guys went out, he decided to bring me instead.”

“Oh.” I can hear the disappointment in her voice. “So, what’s the problem?”

“I don’t know what to wear.”

“You called me just to ask me that?”

“Should I wear a formal dress or something?” I ask Naomi as I search some clothes in the closet.

“Did Kyle say anything about the theme?”

“He didn’t say anything,” I say, “should I ask him?”

She sighs. “That means you can wear anything.”

“Anything?” I raise my eyebrow, and then I remember that she can’t see me.

“Wear anything comfortable,” Naomi says. “It’s not like you’re trying to impress his parents.” When I remain silent, she asks, “Are you?”

I clear my throat. “Of course not,” I deny.

“Okay then. Talk to you later. I’m in the middle of class!”

“Thanks!”

I decide to wear what I just usually wear— skinny jeans, my ankle boots, and a cute blue sweatshirt that is off the shoulders.

My mind is still not processing my current situation. I’m in the state of shock. I’m afraid I’m just dreaming. I pinch my arm to make sure, and holy piece of macaroon, it hurts!

An hour later, true to his word, KY knocks at my door. “Hey!” he calls out.

“A second!” After checking myself on the mirror and making sure I look presentable, I open the door.

I find KY leaning on the wall beside my room with a bored expression on his face. When I look at his outfit, I laugh.

“What’s funny?”

“We match!”

He’s wearing combat boots, a blue plaid long sleeves, and black pants.

His mouth twitches upward.

When will he smile, for real?

“Let’s go,” he says.

I follow him downstairs and we slide in his black Porsche.

Outside, I’m sitting primly, but inside I’m screaming. Like, wow! I can’t believe I’m inside KY’s car. And he’s driving, and I’m sitting on the passenger’s seat.

The stars finally granted my wish. Maybe they got tired of me because I kept on repeating the same wish every time I see a shooting star. I want to cry because hey, this is more than I asked for.

“Wear your seat-belt.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Because of too much excitement I forgot to buckle it.

I don’t have an idea where he lives, and I don’t want to ask him because he might think I’m prying.

I admit that I’m nervous. Never in my imagination had I dreamed that I’ll be meeting his parents. And now it’s going to happen. If I only knew beforehand that he’ll invite me, I would have bought a real gift. The pie I baked is at the backseat; I hope that they will like it.

I haven’t seen KY’s family even in photos. He’s that secretive in his private life. One thing I know is that he has a younger sister in high school.

We’re both quiet as he drives. The atmosphere is kind of awkward. I’m about to suggest that we listen to the radio when he suddenly breaks the silence.

“I'm sorry for the way I acted the first time we met.”

“I think you meant the second time?”

He grins. “I almost forgot that we had a duet. You have a good voice. I watched your video with Nate.”

My cheeks redden at the compliment. "Thanks," I murmur. I know I can sing, but I’m not that good. I mean, I'm far from KY. My voice is only for shower time; meanwhile, his is for concerts and albums.

"So. . ."

"Hmm?"

"I guess we need to start over again," he suggests as he glances at me in the corner of his eyes.

"Sure," I agree. This is the time when all the planets aligned.

To my surprise, he stretches his hand towards me and says, “I'm Kyle Yves”.

"Uh, I'm Brielle,” I say while shaking his hand.

He squeezes it before he lets go.

Oh my my my. My thoughts are jumbled again. I really need to practice breathing and moving when he's around.

"Nice to meet you," I say.

KY laughs and it's the best sound in the world. The bells tinkling, the wind chiming, the—

He interrupts me, still smiling, and says, "The pleasure is mine."

KY is smiling at me. At me. I’m reminded of the time when we went to the supermarket. He also smiled at me then. I realize that he’s not giving his smiles freely. That’s okay though, because I’ll do my best to keep him smiling. To make him happy.

“Don’t make a big deal out of this,” he says as he stomps on the brake when the streetlight turns to red. “Just because I’m talking to you now doesn’t mean we’re friends.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, confused.

“Don’t be surprised if I became cold all of a sudden,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Are you telling me that you’re bipolar?”

His mouth twitches upward. “I’ve been called worse.”

“So why did you decide to bring me to your parents’ house then?” My hands are shaking; I can’t believe this is happening. It feels like I’m on the edge of a cliff; on the verge of falling down.

“You’re the only person that won’t fall head over heels with me,” KY states. “And so far, even though you’re quite childish, it’s much better than bringing random girls. My parents have been asking me about my stupid love life, and it's annoying.”

I must be a good actress than I thought. But KY is only using me. Does he want me to pretend that we're together? I didn’t know that it will affect me this bad. Maybe because I want it to be real, and not a sham.

I shouldn’t have expected that our relationship will turn 360 degree because I’m helping him. I’m an idiot for thinking that it’s just easy to be with him.

As the light turns to green, I face the window and wish that I was anywhere but here.

*****

What do you think will happen on the next chapter? (: I hope you liked it! <3

The song is Worlds Apart by The Mostar Diving Club.

Thank you!