"Fiona?" I asked under my breath.

She looked at me and stood up quickly, settling the creases on her dress.

"What's going on?" I asked, confused.

"Nothing Blakie, we were just having a random conversation." She spoke every word with the utmost caution, as though she was afraid of spilling out the truth.

"Do you even know Marc that well to have a random conversation with him?" I furrowed my brows and smirked.

"Blake," She inhaled deeply and spoke.
"I didn't tell you, but I am already well-acquainted with Marc. I know him since last month. Remember my contest in Brazil? I met him there." She spoke, avoiding my gaze.

"Wow. That's news to me. And you didn't even bother to tell me?" My voice held an unintentional tone of annoyance.

"Come on, Blakie. That's such a trivial thing to fuss over," She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah right. I am the one who is being an idiot here. You all are great people, after all." I threw my hands up in the air.

"Hey man. Calm down!" Marc butted in.

"Who are you to intervene? Stay out of this."

I gave him a slight push on the chest.

To my amazement, his sturdily built stature didn't even budge by my clumsy action. He gazed rageously at my hands which were still fixed on his chest.
Sweat trickled down my forehead and I gulped.

Damn. I shouldn't have done that.

I promptly withdrew my hand and subconsciously pulled my shoulders back. He grabbed me by my T-shirt's collar and pulled me close to his face. His firm grip nearly made me struggle for air, his fingers brushed against my trachea ruthlessly.

"Don't you dare do that again," Marc's deadly gaze petrified me.

"Leave him Marc." Fiona yelled at him. He immediately got rid of my collar and clenched his fist, letting out a long sigh.

I bent down and coughed vigorously.
"Blake, are you okay?" Fiona lightly patted my back.
"Marc, please leave. Just do." She whispered with frustration as she wrapped her hands cautiously around my shoulders, causing my forehead to slightly bump against hers.

"Marc? What's happening?" I heard Leah's voice from a distance. She inched closer and suddenly came to a halt. Her gaze penetrated deep into mine, her hazel eyes unsure of her expression when she saw me wrapped up in Fiona's arms. She blinked a few times and looked away.

"I...we just had a little quarrel. Nothing severe." He shrugged, followed by a nervous giggle. "It's already time now, I must leave."

Leah followed Marc outside, turning back and briefly glancing at us every now and then. It looked like the flowers in her eyes had suddenly wilted, her face had lost its light.

****

The hall was filled with exhilarated murmurs.
"The decorating committee. Dammit, I am so happy." Rachel squealed with excitement.

"Same Rachel," I chuckled at her childish behaviour.

"Oh my God Blake. Leah is in this committee too. That means we're gonna be working together," She almost jumped at the thought.

I forced a smile on my face that flawlessly masked my inner despair. The Grand High School Prom. That's what they call it. That's the event that all teen movies exaggerate. They say it's the night you find your love. They say that it has an uncanny charm. For me, it's all like a beautiful illusion.

Rachel snapped near my face. "Where are you lost boy?"

"Stop annoying him," Ethan took over as he gave me a comforting look.

The best friend I could ever ask for.

"I got the catering committee cause boy, food is bae." Ethan dodged the topic like a pro.

"Graphic designing here," Fiona chimed in.

They all chatted incessantly, their dramatic expressions changing every moment. The sight in front of me brought a natural smile on my face. While Rachel spoke, her fingers kept brushing against that of Ethan. His eyes were fixed on his phone screen but the slight smirk on his face revealing his prominent dimples, was evident.

At least he had someone to go to prom with. I, on the other hand, wasn't even sure if I was going.

"See you guys," I waved at them and started making my way out of the main hall. The bag felt heavy on my shoulders so I pulled its straps. As I reverted my gaze to the front, I bumped my shoulder hard into someone else's.

"I am so sorr-" I stopped and gazed at the person standing in front.

Leah.

She casually dusted her shoulder and marched forward, like I didn't even exist. It hurt me everytime I expected her to look back, because she didn't. Maybe, she felt the same when I didn't bother to listen to her last night. Maybe, just maybe, I should have looked back once.

But I didn't.

And now, when Karma was doing its job, why was it breaking me apart?

With a long sigh, I continued walking.

***

I banged my room door open. I sat down on the floor and carefully outstretched my legs in front of me, resting my palms on the harsh rug. It kind of satisfied me. A thought struck me.

A new characteristic today.

I rushed to my study and quickly grabbed The Soulmate Guide. It always acted as a natural mood lifter, even though all it caused was perplexity and frustration.

Hello Blakie (I hope I can call you that)

I let out a chortle.

I have got a very simple characteristic for you. Easy to comprehend and definitely worth it. Your soulmate likes you. Did I say like? Sorry about that. She absolutely loves you. Not easy enough? I'll drop a hint. You are aware of her love for you. Just know that. That's all for today. Don't miss me buddy, I'll be back tomorrow with the last characteristic. Good night, let the bed bugs bite.

Fiona loves me. Leah loves me too. Wow. How easy is that?

I kept tossing and turning on the rug, casually humming my favourite song.

"Blake. Come out now."

I heard Fiona's voice and rushed to the window. I goggled at her.
"Oh my God Fiona. What have you done?" I facepalmed.

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