The following week — Monday Morning
At Greenwood Academy
The fourth-floor hallway buzzed with chatter and laughter as students swapped weekend stories, the sound echoing off the marble walls. Amid the chaos, Alan Mendes walked calmly, his hands tucked into his pockets, his sharp features composed as ever.
He stopped before a door labeled 12-A and pushed it open. Instantly, the noise died. Every head turned toward him.
Whispers flared like wildfire.
"Oh my god, what's he doing in our classroom?"
"Do you think he's dating anyone?"
"He looks even better in daylight. I could die right now and have no regrets!"
Alan ignored them, walking past the gawking crowd until he reached the table beside the window—where two girls sat deep in conversation. Unlike the rest, they didn't react to his entrance.
"Hi," he greeted, his voice calm but direct.
Both girls looked up. Nikki blinked in surprise, while Amber raised an eyebrow.
"Alan?" Nikki said softly.
"Can we talk outside?" he asked, his gaze fixed on her.
The room fell into stunned silence. The girls in the class leaned toward each other, whispering furiously.
"Did he just say Nikki?"
"No way, that Nikki?"
"I knew she was different!"
The boys, meanwhile, looked less amused—some glaring, others shaking their heads.
"What do you want to talk about?" Amber asked suspiciously.
Alan smirked. "I just wanted to give my girlfriend her bracelet. She left it in my car after our date on Saturday. And I also wanted to get my morning kiss. Now that I've explained myself, can I talk to my girlfriend in private?"
A collective gasp swept through the classroom.
"He's dating her?!"
"That can't be real!"
"I guess it's true—good-looking people really do find each other."
Nikki shot him a glare. "What do you think you're doing?" she hissed under her breath.
"Do you want me to make it worse," he murmured back, "or are you coming with me?"
"Fine," she muttered, pushing her chair back.
"I'll go."
"Nikki—" Amber began.
"I'll be back soon," Nikki cut her off, then grabbed Alan's hand and dragged him out of the classroom under a sea of jealous stares.
In the Biology Lab
Nikki walked in first, still holding Alan's hand, before abruptly letting go. "Alright. Talk."
Alan leaned against a table, studying her. "I just wanted to check if you got any rest after what happened on Saturday."
"Since when did you start caring?" she folded her arms.
"Hey, I'm trying to be nice here," he said, his tone light but sincere.
"I'm fine. You don't have to worry."
"I feel like I was the main reason things went south at the party," he admitted.
"Well, you're not wrong about that," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
He sighed. "You could've at least pretended to disagree."
"Is that all?" she asked.
"Yes. That's all I wanted to say."
"Thanks for checking on me—and for what you did that night," she said as she started walking toward the door.
"Thanks for coming with me," he replied.
"We both did each other a favor. I'll see you around," she waved before leaving.
Alan watched her go, shaking his head with a quiet laugh. "Still as impossible as ever."
Later That Day — After the Closing Bell
In front of the school building
Amber and Nikki walked toward the parking lot when someone suddenly brushed past Nikki, almost knocking her over.
"I'm really sorry!" the person said before bolting down the corridor.
"What's his problem?" Amber frowned.
"It's fine," Nikki said, brushing off her clothes—only to notice a pink sticky note clinging to her skirt. She peeled it off and read it.
If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be?
If you have an answer, meet me in my car in the next five minutes.
Her eyes lingered on the corner of the note, where a small symbol had been drawn—the same one she'd seen on Alan's artwork: the heart divided by four directions and an X beneath it.
Of course. It had to be him.
"Nikki? You look like you've seen a ghost," Amber said, concerned.
"Amber, tell Mother I'll be home soon. I just need to take care of something."
"Where are you going?"
"I can't say, but I promise I'll be back before dinner."
"I'm coming with you."
"No, I need to do this alone."
Amber frowned. "You've been acting strange lately."
"I'll be fine," Nikki said, already jogging off. "I just can't miss my ride!"
Amber watched her go, sighing. "What are you up to this time?"
At the Parking Lot
Nikki scanned the lot, her eyes darting between the rows of cars. "Where is he?" she muttered.
Just then, asleek black Mercedes rolled up beside her. The tinted window of the back seat slid down, revealing Alan, relaxed and smiling faintly.
"Looking for me?" he asked.
"You could've mentioned you came with a different car today."
"That would've ruined the fun," he said casually.
"Why the note?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Hop in," he replied, the window sliding up again.
Nikki huffed. "He's unbelievable," she muttered, then opened the door and got in.
The door closed with a soft click, and the Mercedes pulled smoothly out of the lot, leaving Greenwood Academy behind.
At Val Desserts
A cozy shop filled with the scent of caramel and cocoa. Rows of cakes, tarts, and macarons lined the glass display, while soft jazz music played in the background. Near the window, Alan and Nikki sat opposite each other at a small round table, sunlight pouring in through the glass.
A tall glass of chocolate sundae sat before Alan, while Nikki had a strawberry sundae, pink and perfect.
"I've got to say, I'm surprised by your choice," Alan remarked, spooning up a bit of chocolate.
"What's wrong with this place?" Nikki asked, speaking between bites of ice cream, her tone innocent.
"How is this the first place you wanted to come to? Out of all the places in the world, you picked an ice cream shop."
"What's wrong with wanting ice cream?" she countered, lifting her chin slightly.
"Absolutely nothing," he admitted, smiling.
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Then why does it sound like you're judging me?"
"Just mildly shocked, that's all."
"Anyways, what's with the dramatic invite? You could've just walked up to me and asked me out like a normal person."
"After the stunt I pulled this morning?" he scoffed. "Amber would've eaten me alive if I came anywhere near you."
Nikki chuckled. "Amber doesn't bite."
"No, but she kills. I'm pretty sure she's capable of it," he said deadpan. "And I kind of like living."
"Well then, avoid pissing her off," Nikki advised, grinning.
"I was hoping you'd have my back if things went south."
"I'm sorry to break your heart," she said sweetly, "but you're on your own."
"That hurts, Nikki."
"Stop being a baby."
Alan leaned back. "So… how's the engagement going? Any wedding bells yet?"
"I knew there was an ulterior motive for this sudden ice cream outing," she said, rolling her eyes.
"So, are you going to answer my question?"
"Do I even have a choice?"
"That's what I like about you—you don't waste time pretending."
Nikki sighed. "Fine. What do you want to know?"
"Everything," he said simply. "What kind of 'responsibilities' make an eighteen-year-old get married?"
"You're so nosy for a guy," she muttered.
"Just answer the question."
"I didn't choose this, Alan," she said, stirring her sundae absently. "It's part of being the first child in my family. Sometimes duty matters more than what we want. My marriage is… just one of those things."
He watched her for a moment before speaking softly. "To Rylan Randall, right?"
Her spoon froze mid-air. "…Yes."
"I'm not judging," he said, "but that sounds insane to me. Why give up your happiness for a family name?"
"You wouldn't understand. Someone like you doesn't know what it's like to live with that kind of burden."
"You're right," he said honestly. "I don't. I just don't get why honour should come before love."
"Well, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree," she murmured.
"We agree to disagree," he repeated with a faint smile.
"Enough about me," she said, leaning forward. "Tell me about the mysterious Alan Mendes."
"Is that your way of saying you're interested in me?" he teased, lips curling slightly.
"Don't flatter yourself. I just want to know how you became… like this." She gestured vaguely at him.
He chuckled, then grew quiet. "My mum's… fragile. Too emotional. When my dad disappeared, it broke her. I was four, and suddenly I was the one taking care of her instead of the other way around. So yeah, I know what responsibility feels like."
Nikki blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. "That must've been tough."
"It was," he said simply. "But she made it easier by trying to stay strong for me."
"She's lucky to have you," Nikki said softly.
"I'm not sure about that," he smiled faintly.
"These days, she keeps begging me to bring a girl home. Says she wants a grandchild—even if it's from a one-night stand."
Nikki burst out laughing. "You can't be serious."
"I wish I wasn't."
"Sounds like you have it rough," she said between chuckles.
"Yeah. Tragic, right?" he sighed dramatically.
"You're… interesting, Alan," she said, smiling genuinely now.
He stared at her for a moment. "I never thought I'd see you smile for real," he said quietly. "You're prettier when you do."
She tilted her head, smirking. "Tell me, Alan Mendes, are you starting to fall in love with me?"
"Don't flatter yourself, shortie. I have standards."
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, eyes narrowing.
"It means I'm too good for you. I wouldn't want you feeling inferior your whole life."
"My whole life?"
"Well, I plan to get married after finding the right candidate," he said casually.
"You'll just… marry someone because you love them?"
"Yeah, why not?" he asked, spooning more chocolate.
"You're too young to be thinking about marriage. And love isn't that simple, you know. You can't just meet someone and decide they're 'the one.'"
"What's wrong with that? You're marrying someone you barely know too."
"Mine is different."
"Yeah," he said, grinning. "Yours is different because I'll have a line of suitors while you're stuck with one."
"You make it sound like marrying you would be a privilege."
He smirked. "If I announced I was looking for a bride, there'd be a stampede of volunteers."
Nikki laughed. "Wow. I knew you were self-absorbed, but this is new even for you."
"You should know better than anyone how charming I am."
"Unfortunately, I've seen it first-hand."
They both laughed, and for a moment, the teasing faded into something quieter—comfortable.
"I'm glad we're getting along," he said finally.
"The feeling's mutual," she replied with a small, real smile.
They stayed there another hour, trading stories and half-serious arguments over who had worse taste in desserts. When they finally left, Alan had his driver drop Nikki off at the Sawyer mansion before heading home himself—each pretending not to notice how much lighter the day felt after sharing it together.