One month later

In the dim twilight of dawn, Symere slumbered peacefully on the plush couch, unaware of the artist's presence. Suddenly, she felt a gentle nudge on her shoulder, startling her awake. As her eyes fluttered open, she saw a man standing over her, his piercing gaze fixed upon her.

"Hey." He muttered, his voice devoid of warmth. "Get up."

Symere groaned softly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What?" She mumbled.

"Chosen said we gotta take your aggy ass to the mall with us." He continued, his tone cold. "Go get dressed and meet us in here."

"I'm a grown fucking woman, I don't want to go anywhere with y'all." She rolled her eyes, yanking the blanket from her body.

Artist felt a surge of anger begin to bubble within him.

"I'm trying my best but you make it so hard. Get fucking dressed, Symere!"

With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Symere alone with her thoughts. She stared after him, a mix of frustration and sadness whirling within her.

Despite Symere's unwavering support and countless acts of kindness, Artist had repaid her with nothing but disdain and mockery. She knew she was being unfair about them joining the team, resulting in her newfound attitude. She was mature enough to admit that she was wrong.

Sighing softly, she dragged herself into her bathroom, turning on the shower. As the shower warmed up, she brushed her teeth and did her skincare routine. After showering and getting dressed, she smiled at the pictures she took of herself.

Seeking solace, Symere reached out to her closest confidante, India, inviting her to escape the confines of her shared house for a much-needed day at the mall. Little did Symere know that India had a surprise in store for her, extending the invitation to her own friend, Morgan.

"Come on, Symere!"

She kicked her legs throwing a silent fit. Rising from her bed, she meet up with the boys in the living room. Mizzy and Tyga greeted her while Artist said nothing. She smiled at them before her face turned stone cold at the sight of Artist.

"I invited my friend India, I hope that's okay with y'all."

"It's cool." Mizzy shrugged.

Artist ignored her statement and headed for the front door.

"Let's roll."

***

"Indi!" Symere squealed, running towards her.

"Sy!" India matched her excitement.

They haven't seen each other since the boys arrived and she missed her. India understood that she was busy but she missed them spending time together. As they shared a hug, Morgan stood aside watching their interaction. Symere wasn't the biggest fan of Morgan and she was aware of that.

Morgan Walker

As they pulled away, her eyes roamed over to Morgan. She gave her a head nod before returning her attention back to India. India could see the anger rising upon her face. She gave her an apologetic look before grabbing her hand.

"Are you going to introduce us to your friends?"

"India, this is Mizani, Michael, and Artist."

"Nice to meet y'all." She smiled, watching Mizzy smirk at her.

"Wassup, India."

They all looked over at Morgan waiting for her to announce her presence. Symere figured she could introduce herself since she didn't invite her.

"I'm Morgan, India's friend."

They all greeted her before parting ways. As they embarked on their retail adventure, Symere couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Morgan, with her coquettish smile and flirtatious demeanor, grated on Symere's nerves. She couldn't help but notice the way Morgan's eyes lingered on Artist, who happened to be browsing the same store.

"Whore." She mumbled to herself.

Artist, noticing Morgan's  interest, began to flirt with her. Morgan, being the flirtatious person she was, played along, and the two of them shared a laugh. She overheard Artist ask Morgan out on a date. Morgan, thrilled by the prospect of spending time with him, eagerly accepted.

A surge of inexplicable emotions washed over Symere. Jealousy, resentment, and a strange sense of protectiveness intertwined within her. She had always dismissed Artist as a shallow and self-absorbed individual, but now, in the presence of a potential threat, she found herself questioning her own feelings.

As the day wore on, Morgan's relentless pursuit of Artist intensified. Symere, unable to contain her growing unease, retreated into herself, her gaze fixed on the retreating figure of the elusive Artist. India, sensing Symere's distress, gently probed her about her feelings.

"Are you okay?" India whispered, her voice laced with concern. "You seem a little down."

Symere hesitated for a moment before confiding in her friend. "It's Artist," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I can't believe how mean he's been to me, even after everything I've done for him. I took accountability for my actions, I knew I was a bitch towards them. I've been more nice lately and open to them being here. And now, with Morgan here..."

India listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and amusement. "I think you might have a crush on Artist," she said, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Symere's heart skipped a beat. "No, that's impossible," she protested weakly. "He's nothing but trouble."

"But you're always defending him,"India pointed out. "You're always making excuses for him. And you're jealous of Morgan because she's flirting with him."

Symere's mind raced as she grappled with the implications of India's words. Could it be true that she had developed feelings for the very person who had hurt her feelings so deeply? In her mind, it was too soon for her to have feelings for him. She convinced herself that his attractiveness was making her think that way.

"I could never be jealous of Morgan, have you seen me?"

"But you're jealous that she has your man's attention."

"He's not my man and he will never be. I don't see myself being with a self-centered cocky ass man."

"If that helps you sleep at night." She shrugged.

As the day drew to a close, they made their way back to the house, the silence between them thick with unspoken emotions. Symere couldn't shake the feeling that her life would never be the same again. Symere couldn't help but feel uneasy about the situation. She knew something was off about Morgan, and she just had to do a background check on her.

"Aye, Tizz, I saw you getting some play back at the mall." Mizzy pointed out.

"Shorty was flirting hard, I couldn't help but give her some attention."

"She was bad too, bro. Seemed a little thirsty if you ask me." Tyga put his input in.

"I agree." Symere muttered.

"You say something, love?" Artist asked, looking at her through the mirror.

"I said I'm hungry."

"Yo pops ordered pizza and wings."

"Cool." She nodded.

As they arrived at the house, Symere pulled Mizzy aside. Mizzy was a man with a wealth of connections and information, and Symere knew he could help her uncover the truth about Morgan.

"Mizzy, I need your help." Symere began, her voice low and urgent. "I have a feeling about Morgan and I need to know more about her."

Mizzy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of information you looking for and why?"

"I need to know about her family, her past, anything that could help me understand her better. She seems sneaky, I don't trust her." Symere explained.

She couldn't quite understand why she felt like Morgan was hiding something. She felt this way, way before Artist entered the picture. Now she had more of a justified reason to investigate.

Mizzy nodded, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I'll see what I can dig up. Give me a few days."

"I always knew you were going to be my favorite. Thank you, Mizzy."

"You owe me!"

"And what do I owe you?"

"Hook me up with India."

"Deal."