Ruby
I decided to throw a party at a café because Aveline won the competition.
I know—I'm technically no one to her. Just a "family friend," sort of.
But still… I wanted to celebrate her happiness. With her. For her.
I was in my Mercedes, I was driving she was sitting at passenger seat. Aveline was beside me, so calm, so silent.
She looked… breathtaking.
Wait. Why the hell am I thinking that?
I shook my head quickly, trying to snap out of it—but then I caught sight of her sister and best friend through the rearview mirror.
Both of them were staring directly at me… smirking.
Like they knew. Like they could read me.
Even though reading me is damn near impossible.
We arrived at this cozy little café. The staff knew me well—of course they did. I'm the Lune's Foundation owner.
Also, well… mafia.
Anyway, we stepped inside and chose a quiet corner table near the window.
She sat beside me, and Alia sat across from us.
The vibes? Straight out of a web novel café—warm lights, soft indie music, the scent of espresso in the air. It felt unreal.
I started things off, raising my voice just a little and saying,
> "It's my treat. Whatever you all want—order it.
Today's about Aveline Vale.
Our first-place winner."
We laughed, joked, had fun.
But I kept noticing Aveline. Something about her felt… distracted. Uneasy.
I knew why.
Her mother.
I don't get it—why is her mom so against dance?
It's not like Aveline's bad at it. She's incredible. She just won first prize out of everyone.
And it's not just some silly phase—she's passionate. She lives and breathes it.
But she was afraid.
She was afraid of being seen online. Of going viral. Of her mom finding out.
I could see that fear clinging to her like a shadow, even in her happiest moment.
And all I could think was—
I wanted to protect her.
I wanted to stand in front of her mother and ask why.
Why do you hate her dream?
Because she's a girl? Because you think she needs to learn how to be a "proper housewife"?
Screw that mindset.
That old-school, dead-weight way of thinking.
If my wife wanted to dance—even if the world hated it—I'd stand beside her.
I'd fight the world if I had to.
I'd believe in her dream like it was my own.
God.
Ruby Sun, what the hell are you even saying?
Why are you even thinking like this?
I sighed quietly, glancing at Aveline.
She was chewing her lip, eyes flicking toward her phone now and then.
So nervous. So caught up in something she couldn't even name.
We eventually finished our little celebration. I offered to drive everyone home.
First, I dropped off Alia.
Then Mireline, who smirked and said,
> "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Hot."
She winked playfully, and I just gave her a half-smile. Classic her.
Finally, it was Aveline's turn.
She looked at me—those eyes, calm but deep—and said,
> "Thank you… for everything.
For the rose.
For coming to see me dance.
For celebrating with me.
I know you didn't have to."
I looked at her, something tugging at my chest. I shrugged casually and said,
> "My pleasure. No worries.
Just… be careful.
We might end up seeing each other more often."
She blinked, confused. I didn't explain.
Didn't tell her about the event my company's organizing.
Didn't tell her about the famous guests, or that she might be one of them.
Didn't tell her I was a guest speaker.
I just wanted to see that surprised face.
That beautiful confusion in her eyes.
That's all.
At least… for now.