Sophie's POV
"Not really. What were you guys talking about?" Liam asked with a serious tone.
Mira and I shared a brief glance, unsure of how to answer. Mira's nervousness was evident.
"I-Im was just suggesting that Briana and her should pretend to be okay in front of her mom." I stammered as an excuse. Damn it, I stumbled over my words.
Why did Mira have to get herself into this situation? Now I'm getting dragged into it too. My gosh!
"Ah, I see. You should stop worrying about your cousin, Mira. I'll just go to the restroom." Liam nodded and left us.
We both let out a sigh of relief as he walked away.
"That was too close." Mira whispered, as if a thorn had been removed. She headed back to our table, and I followed along.
I don't know what's wrong with this girl, she doesn't think. I understand why she took that action because she has a crush on the guy, but Liam is different. He's well-known in the whole school because he's the nephew of the school owner and a varsity player.
Most people know that Mira has feelings for him. It seems like Liam is the only one who doesn't know. Thankfully, others don't spread it around because I know they notice what I notice.
I have a feeling that Liam also has some feelings for Mira. Not a strong liking, but I know he feels something for her. Whenever he used to get bullied or teased, I could see in his eyes that he cared, but even so, he never interfered with Mira. He never helped her. I've also caught him looking at Mira sometimes. Not just a simple glance, but a different kind of look. The kind of look that says you really like someone.
I really don't want Mira to have feelings for Liam, even though I feel like he does. I think he'll end up hurting her as he did with his past relationships. It was just a pastime for him.
Because someone like Mira shouldn't be hurt or made to cry, especially since she's so innocent. She's easily hurt. Like when she broke up with my brother because of Briana, she was so devastated. She cried for nights, spent nights staring blankly and lost her appetite. But with the help of me and Jhea, she slowly moved on.
Now that I've gotten to know Liam better, I'm allowing her to develop feelings for him and get closer to him. I know that if Mira falls, he will catch her. I can sense that.
I've come to realize that when Liam truly loves someone, he is serious and willing to give everything to that person. I know that if his feelings for Mira deepen, he will do the same.
According to Ace, the reason why Liam used to have pastimes is because it was a coping mechanism he used in his past relationship. It was his way of moving on. He used to be involved with different girls almost every day, but now it's slowed down.
Ace parked the car in front of our house. I didn't get out and stayed seated. He was about to get out and open the door for me, but I stopped him.
He grinned and suddenly leaned closer to me. This guy, he always had such dirty thoughts.
"What are you trying to do?" I asked, slightly leaning back and furrowing my brow.
"I'm going to kiss you. Isn't that what you want?" He replied.
I chuckled lightly. "No, I just need to ask you something."
He let out a deep sigh of disappointment and leaned back on the driver's seat. "If it's about Liam and Jhea again, don't push it, Sophie."
I faced him and held his hands. "Come on, pretty please? I won't tell anyone, I swear!"
He gave a weak smile. "Even if I wanted to tell you, I can't. I'm not in the right position to tell you. Only Liam and Jhea can."
"They won't even spill the beans, Ace."
"Then respect their decision for now. The time will come when you and Mira will find out. Just wait for the right time, Sophie." He lectured me.
—–—
As I walked towards my locker, I saw Briana, walking on the opposite side. She had a mischievous grin on her face, as if she had something up her sleeve. I didn't want to entertain her because I was happy right now, so I continued walking and ignored her. I tried to avoid her not-so-pleasant figure so I wouldn't collide with her, but she quickly approached me and bumped into my shoulder, causing the books I was about to put in my locker to fall.
"Oops! I'm sorry," she annoyingly said.
"What the hell is your problem, Briana?! You did it on purpose, didn't you?" I muttered after picking up the dropped books.
She just grinned and crossed her arms in response. This infuriating girl! Is she really Mira's cousin? She really got on my nerves! I glared at her and walked past her. I was about to continue walking away when she suddenly spoke, causing me to stop. What's this girl's problem?
"I like Ace, Sophie. And I promise, I will steal him from you."
I faced her. "Oh, what are you going to do? Are you trying to scare me? Well, I'm telling you, it's not effective. And by the way, ask him first if he even wants to be taken away by someone like you." I turned around and walked away from her.
"You'll see." I heard her respond. She's crazy! No, I won't be intimidated by her. I know Ace loves me and I'm not afraid that Briana will snatch him away from me. He wouldn't be interested in someone like Briana. And besides, her looks can't even compare to mine, she's nothing compared to me. She's just all makeup, duh.
When I entered the classroom, Briana, Rhian, and Sam were already there, sitting at the front. They gave me a mean look, especially Briana.
"Babe!" I stopped in front of Briana and turned around to see Ace, who had just arrived and was approaching me. He hugged me in front of them. I subtly glanced at Briana and could clearly see how annoyed she was. Be jealous, bitch!
"Let's go?" I said and we continued walking towards where Mira was. I sit beside her while Ace sit next to Ken, who was right behind us.
"I saw the way you and Briana were looking at each other earlier. Especially the look on her face when Ace hugged you right in front of them." Mira said to me.
"That cousin of yours is so annoying. Did you know that she bumped into me in the hallway earlier and threatened to steal Ace away from me? Of course, I didn't let it bother me."
"So she told you too?"
"Told me what?" I asked.
"She told me that she will do everything to snatch Ace away from you. If she can steal Chris away from me, she thinks she can take Ace from you. Btw, that's the reason why I slapped her." She explained.
"Oh, why didn't you tell me?" I suddenly felt touched.
"Because I know you're happy because your dad is coming home again, and I don't want to ruin your happiness." My friend is so sweet.
"But he's not coming home again. Something came up at our clothing line branch in States, and he can't leave. I'm so disappointed." I said.
It feels like my brother and I hardly even feel our dad's presence anymore. He's always busy with work. Even when he comes home, it still feels like he's not really there because he's preoccupied with running our family business, which is managed by our grandparents. We understand him, and we know that he also wants to bond with us, but he just doesn't have the time. So sometimes, he tries to make up for it with gifts, but that's not what we want. We want quality time with him as our father.
"Wait, why isn't Liam here yet?" Ken asked.
Just as he said that, Liam walked in through the door.
We saw Rhian trying to act cute and saying good morning to him, but he ignored her. He just looked at her with an annoyed expression and walked past her. The four of us couldn't help but laugh at Rhian's face. It was obvious that she felt embarrassed. Maybe Rhian still thinks that Liam likes her. Because of that one night stand, she's been spreading rumors about them having a serious relationship, even though it's not true.
Liam went straight to the back and sat next to them, beside Ace.
"Oh, why does it seem like you're not having a good day?" I asked him.
"Those freaking girls drive me nuts! They won't leave me alone about my stupid lost diary and keep bugging me to go with them to the stupid ball!" He grumbled with an annoyed expression. This guy is really popular. He has this cool kid vibe.
"Isn't that what happens to you every day? But who's your date though?" Ace chimed in.
He unzipped his bag and took something out. "I'm not going." He said casually.
The four of us exchanged looks. Mira's disappointment was evident on her face. If I know, she's assuming that Liam would be her date to the ball, but it looks like that's not going to happen.
"Huh? Why not?"
"I need to fetch my sister from Korea. There's no one else who can pick her up, so I volunteered. Also, you know I'm not really into those events." Yeah, when did he ever show interest in the ball? He doesn't even go to the past ones.
"But isn't she already grown up? Does she really need to be picked up from Korea? And it's so close by." Ken said.
"She's not used to traveling alone, and I also have other obligations to attend to." We just nodded at what he said. You're really difficult to deal with, Liam.
In the midst of our conversation, Mira's phone suddenly rang. She excused herself and answered her mom's call outside the classroom.
"So, let's just say you're going to the ball, who would you ask if ever?" Ace curiously asked. Liam hesitated for a moment, pondering whether to reveal his answer or not.
"Come on! Spit it out! Who?" I insisted.
"Maybe Mira." Oh my gosh, he said it! He must really have feelings for my friend.
I don't know why, but I felt a flutter of excitement at his response. While the two of them teased him, "You like Mira, don't you?" Ken asked.
"Nope. You asked me, and I just answered. Plus, you girls are the only ones I'm close to, and we can't ask someone from another section or outside the school as our partner, so I have no choice but Mira." His words reeked of denial.
Mira returned and sat back beside me. "Why are you guys looking at me like that?"
"Nothing." I replied, giving Liam an annoying look.
"Mira."
Mira looked at Ken. "What's up?"
"What if you and I go to the ball together?"
Liam glanced at him. It was evident on his face that he disagreed with Ken asking Mira. This guy is so easy to read. His actions give him away. And Mira, she doesn't even realize that her crush might have feelings for her.
Without any hesitation, Mira agreed. "Sure, why not." She said it nonchalantly, without any reaction on her face, as if she wasn't surprised at all by the invitation to the ball.
———
"Are you really serious about asking Mira to the ball earlier, or did you just do it to tease Liam?" I asked Ken while we waited for our friends to get food at the Canteen.
"Both, actually. That idiot is in denial. It's obvious he likes Mira, but he denies it like it's not obvious at all."
"Wait, do you like Mira too?"
He didn't immediately respond to my question. "Uh, no, but I find her cute. I have feelings for someone else, but I can't ask her to the ball because she's in a different section."
"Wow, who is it? Do I know her?"
"Secret. Don't be nosy!"
I was left speechless by his response. Just then, our friends arrived and we started eating. However, in the middle of the meal, all of their phones suddenly rang simultaneously. They all read the messages. "We need to leave. Coach texted that we have practice for soccer." Ace said his goodbyes.
They stood up and bid us farewell. "Take care." the three of us said.
"Oh, wait, Sophie, I need my goodbye kiss." Ace leaned in, bringing his face close to mine and even puckering his lips.
"Haven't you had enough last night?" I said sarcastically.
They all exchanged glances, as if I said something wrong. "Last night?" They all said simultaneously.
Yup, there's something that happened between us last night that I can't disclose to them.
I was about to make an excuse, but Ace kissed me on the forehead, laughing, and pulled his two friends away from the canteen.
When I turned to my friends, they were looking at me mischievously.
"Oh, why are you guys looking at me like that?" I pretended not to notice.
"Nothing." The two of them replied, focusing back on their food.
"By the way, Jhea, who's your date for the ball?" Mira asked.
"That's what I was about to tell you. I won't be able to go."
"Huh? You too? Why?" I asked.
"I have to pick up my cousin from California and attend a wedding." she explained.
"You know, Jhea, you and Liam have the same reason. Could it be that you're meant to be?"
She playfully hit Mira. "I already said there's nothing between us. And I don't like that guy, okay? There are just certain things that need to be prioritized."
"Fine! No need to hit me. So, who's this cousin of yours?" She asked again.
"Blaire." She answered briefly.
"What a beautiful name. I bet she's beautiful too. Introduce her to us, please."
Upon hearing Mira's words, Jhea's expression suddenly changed. "Uh, sure." She said with a forced smile.
After a long day of classes, I dropped Mira off at her house before deciding to head home. As I entered the house, I immediately caught my brother talking on the phone. I couldn't help but eavesdrop. "Really? When are you coming home? Alright. I'll see you then. Bye. I miss you too, Hailey."
He hung up the phone and looked at me. "Have you been here the whole time?"
"Not really. Who were you talking to? Your girlfriend that you haven't introduced to us yet?" I teased him.
"She's not my girlfriend yet. I'm still courting her." He explained. "By the way, it's unusual for you to come home early today, isn't it?" From the way he spoke, it seemed like he didn't want me around. This guy is so annoying.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Whatever. Igh, you're so annoying!" I retorted and went up to my room. I heard him laughing.
I quickly left the house and went back to school because they just informed me that we had a meeting with my dance clubmates that I was not informed about earlier. I couldn't help but curse under my breath as I walked back to school.
While I was walking, I saw Ace and Briana talking happily in the field. They were laughing and enjoying each other's company. Ace briefly left as if he had to get something. I couldn't help but feel annoyed. I immediately approached Briana and slapped her. "You flirt! I already warned you!" I shouted at her.
She looked at me as if she didn't care about the pain from the slap. Well, she does have a thick face, so she probably didn't feel anything.
She smirked. "I told you, I will do everything to make him mine." I was boiling with anger at this girl!
I closed my eyes in frustration. I was about to slap her again when someone stopped me. "What are you doing, Sophie?" Ace interjected.
I looked at Briana, who was now crying. I sighed in exasperation. She's acting again. "Briana, are you okay?" Ace asked with concern.
She nodded and acted as if I was the bad girl in this situation. "Come on, Briana! Stop pretending. Show everyone how much of a flirt you are and how bad your attitude is!"
"Enough, Sophie. Stop it. Do you really think she's flirting with me? She's not. I was the one who approached her first. I just returned the book I borrowed from her the other day."
"I'm leaving." Briana said goodbye and gave me an annoying smirk. I was about to go after her again, but Ace stopped me. This bitch is really getting on my nerves. "Sophie, that's enough."
Ace, that girl has feelings for you! What if she steals you away from me? Which she will, eventually. I'm just trying to protect our relationship from her.
"So you're just being my protective girlfriend." He said with a smile.
"Why are you smiling like that?" I replied with a annoying tone.
"Nothing. That's just so sweet of you." He suddenly hugged me. "You have nothing to worry about, I'm yours and yours alone."
In that moment, all the anger in me suddenly disappeared. "Promise?" I asked while he still had me in his arms. His hug tightened even more.
"I promise. I will never let go of you, never."