Ace's POV
I've been holed up in my room all day. I had no intention of going to school, so I sent a message to Liam and Ken to let them know I wouldn't be coming in.
I know Sophie doesn't want to see me, and I'm too embarrassed to face her after what happened. I didn't mean to kiss Briana, and I know she didn't want it either.
She was drunk that day, so she thought I was her ex. She apologized to me for what happened, and I know she's blaming herself for the argument Sophie and I are having now.
What I don't get is that alcohol is banned at the ball because we're still in high school. Yet, somehow, many students manage to sneak it in, which could explain why Briana was drunk.
I wanted to explain everything to Sophie that night, but she ran off before I could speak to her. I've tried messaging and calling her, but she's not responding.
I won't deny that I've grown close to Briana. She's beautiful and kind, just like Mira, but I only see her as a friend. Sophie is the one I want, the one I love. She's the only woman I've ever loved in my life. She's the only one I've ever taken this seriously, which is why I'm so affected by what's happening between us now.
I didn't realize I'd drifted off to sleep, lost in my whirlwind of thoughts. The sound of my phone buzzing woke me up. I quickly checked it, and it was a message from Liam.
'Dude, don't just mope around. Act before it's too late. Clear things up with her before you lose your chance.'
His message was short, but it hit me like a slap in the face. I immediately got up and got dressed. I checked the time, and it was already dismissal. Sophie wouldn't be at school. I quickly headed to her house, hoping she'd be home. And I wasn't wrong, her car was parked in the driveway.
I texted her that I was outside her house, but she didn't reply or come out. I waited for hours, but there was still no sign of her.
It seemed like no one in her house was willing to face me. I pleaded with their maids, but it was to no avail. Maybe she wasn't ready to talk to me yet, so I decided to leave.
Suddenly, I remembered Briana. I thought she might be able to help me explain things to Sophie. After all, she and I were the only ones who knew the truth about what really happened.
I messaged her right away, and thankfully, she responded. She suggested we meet at Mira's house, where she was currently staying.
I immediately drove to Mira's house. She greeted me as soon as I arrived.
We went to their garden to talk. "Ace, first of all, I want to apologize for what happened at the ball. I didn't mean for you and Sophie to fight. I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have done that." She looked down, unable to meet my gaze.
"It's all good, Briana. That's why I'm here."
She looked at me, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I need your help. I believe you're the only one who can."
"Help with what?"
"I need you to help me explain everything to Sophie. You're the only one I can think of who can help me sort things out because we're the only ones who know what really happened, right?" I reached out and took her hand that was resting on the table. I hoped she would agree.
She tightened her grip on my hand and smiled. "Of course, I'll help you."
I couldn't hold back and hugged her. "Thank you, Briana." I didn't expect her to agree so readily. We chatted for a bit before realizing that Mira and Liam were standing behind us.
"What are you doing here?" Mira's tone and Liam's gaze told me they were already thinking the worst.
Briana excused herself, and I explained everything to them why I was here and what Briana and I had discussed. They were utterly shocked, especially Mira, to learn that Briana had agreed to help me. I wasn't sure why they reacted so strongly.
"Are you serious? Sophie didn't even listen to me, why would she listen to Briana? Have you lost your mind?!"
"I know you and Briana aren't on the best terms, but I need her to mend things between Sophie and me. I know Sophie doesn't like Briana either, but she's my only shot. Who knows, maybe this time she'll listen to Briana." I explained.
"Dude, are you sure about this? You said it yourself, Sophie doesn't like Briana. Do you think she'll listen to what she has to say? And also, wasn't she the reason you guys are not okay?" Liam asked.
"I trust her, guys. I believe she's the key to making things right." They exchanged glances at my words.
"If that's what you believe, then I guess there's not much more we can do. Just remember, we're here for you if things go south."
"I know." I replied, managing a weak smile.
Mira's POV
After dropping them off outside, I went up to Briana's room to talk to her.
I knocked on the door to let her know I was there. "Come in!" She yelled from inside.
I opened the door and found her sitting on her bed.
"What is it?" She asked me rudely when she saw me.
"What are you up to, Briana?" I said, standing in front of her.
She raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Come on, Briana. Don't act like you don't know what I mean! Why did you agree to help Ace? Because you have some ulterior motive, right?!"
She chuckled slightly at what I said. "I did it because it was the right thing to do. I'm the reason they fought, and I wanted her to know that she was wrong. That it wasn't something the two of us wanted. I kissed him because I thought he was my ex." She said seriously.
"Did you really think I would believe you? Just stop acting! And who's this ex, Chris?"
"He's not the only ex I've had, Mira. You're not aware of everyone I've been in a relationship with."
"Well, I wouldn't be shocked. After all, it seems like every month, you're with a different guy." I saw her close her eyes in frustration, trying to hold herself back from responding.
She took a deep sigh. "I am trying to be nice to your friend, Mira. Just be thankful for that. Maybe you're right, I steal every guy I like, but you know what? I've changed my mind. I won't go after Ace because I won't gain anything from it." She stood up and faced me. "I'd rather focus on what you have, Mira. Because when it comes to you, I can easily get what I want." She continued.
I didn't let her words affect me. "I dare you. That's all you're good at, right?!" I didn't wait for her to respond. I stormed out of her room and slammed the door shut.
I entered my room and was surprised by what greeted me. Why were my things scattered everywhere? My books and other belongings that were neatly arranged on my study table were now scattered on the floor. I rolled my eyes when I saw my dog Yuan coming out from under my bed. Now I know who's responsible for the mess.
I quickly picked up my things and arranged them back on my study table. I was about to walk towards my bed when I felt something under my foot. I quickly picked it up. It was Liam's diary. With everything that has been happening, I completely forgot about it.
I think now is the right time to dive into the drama of his diary once again.