i dont know how long this has been sitting in the drafts but i couldnt help myself to click publish over there. sadly to say, tyb is almost finished. im planning finishing the story by chapter twenty-four, twenty-five the most. okay, i'll admit, i really procastinated on updating this chapter because i have up 'till chapter twenty written and i dont want tyb to end just yet! love you babes!💘

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"Okay," I pouted, "fine, you guys won but that's only because I'm a gentleman and I let you ladies kick my butt in Monopoly."

"Whatever." Aaliyah rolled her eyes, "Men and their egos. Just admit that for once, you lost."

"Even if you always lose." Camila interjected.

"I always win," I insisted. "I demand a rematch and this time, I won't go easy on you two."

"Fine. One round. That's it.", Aaliyah nodded before collecting our cash and counting them again.

---

I know what you guys are probably thinking.

I lost.

Not really.

In fact, I won.

"Who's put to shame now?" I manage a smirk. "You guys are."

"It's almost midnight." Camila yawned, "Wanna watch the ball drop?"

"There's tons of people there." I groaned, "I don't wanna—"

"I know a place with a good view. Just let me take a phone call." Aaliyah chimed

I nodded at her whilst gathering our coats. Once Aaliyah was done, I asked her, "So where's this place?"

"Dylan's rooftop. He's currently in Japan to spend the New Year's. No one's home." she smiled.

We all headed outside with our coats. Our parents were busy drinking wine and all those adult talks. We met Sinuhe's (Mrs. Cabello) fiancé, George, just as we were about to leave.

"Please tell me we're not going to break into his house or something." I opened the car door for Camila before diving into the passenger's seat.

"Relax," Aaliyah said, "we're not."

"Let me guess," I rolled my eyes, "he keeps his spare key under the door mat."

"Close enough." Aaliyah shrugged.

Wait, what?

"What?" my voice snapped. "What do you mean?"

"He keeps his behind the third bush."

"You're not serious!" Camila snorted.

"But I am."

"No way!" Camila started squirming in her seat, "I have to meet Dylan!"

"Why?" my brows furrowed.

"I do the same."

---

"The view is indeed amazing," Camila gazed at the Times Square.

"You must be really close with Dylan," I pointed out, "How come I've never met nor have ever seen him?"

"I usually go over to his place." she said. "Because his parents are always busy for work, he's been left with only a nanny for almost 9 years. And his nanny is really overprotective of him and won't let him have sleepovers anywhere she can't keep an eye out for him. But Dylan and I," she paused for a moment, catching her breath, "we're just like you and Camila, Shawn."

I smiled at my sister and kissed her on the cheek. "I'd love to meet Dylan. And I hope you two turn out to be really like me and Camila."

"Does he always go out of town or country every New Year's?" Camila shouted. The music had started blasting off several minutes ago.

"Yes," Aaliyah shouted back. "Why?"

"The noise explains why. I mean, living right next to the Empire State Building is super quiet and peaceful come New Year's, isn't it?"

I chuckled at their childish behaviours. "Quit shouting!" I shouted.

How ironic.

"They're starting countdown."

Camila was right next to me, her gaze fixed on the ball, waiting to be dropped. Her hands were resting on her chin and her elbows were placed above the railings.

Her eyes quickly moved from the ball to the screen, counting down the minutes 'till New Year's.

11:59:57

I locked gazes with Aaliyah and gave her an i-need-time-alone-with-Camila look which she fortunately understood and left. She was probably going to watch the ball drop from the balcony view.

I glanced over at Camila and we locked gazes. I smiled at her before breaking eye contact; shifting my gaze onto the clock.

Just a few more seconds.

Camila started to shiver and I took off my coat and draped it over her. It was big on her yet it fit her just right. I smiled and placed a hand on her cheek, rubbing it softly. Our eyes met and there were no words exchanged. Yet somehow, the silence was comforting. It was as if we both wanted to say something, but afraid it would ruin the moment.

"Three," the people counted.

"Two." I took a step further.

"One." I close the gap between us and placed my lips onto hers.

I pulled away and locked gazes with her,catching my breath at the same time. "Happy 2017, Camila."