Kate pov:
I woke up with a groan my back felt like it had been trampled by a herd of elephants. Maybe sleeping in weird positions while overthinking wasn't a great idea. I stretched, hissed, and mumbled to myself, "Congratulations, Kate, your back officially hates you."
Today was Saturday a day for peace, pajamas, and zero socializing. I didn't even bother changing my loose T-shirt and shorts when I trudged downstairs… until I heard laughter.
Ashi's laughter.
And his.
Oh great. Kevin and Ashi were here. Just what my aching back needed
witnesses.
I darted back to my room faster than lightning and changed into a pink top and a white skirt. I glanced at myself in the mirror and muttered, "Look at you pretending to have your life together."
When I went down again, Ashi greeted me sweetly, "Good morning, Kate!""Good morning," I replied with a fake calmness that deserved an Oscar.
Kalix looked up from his phone, smiling. "Wow, you're wearing a skirt today. No loose shirts?""Brother, we have guests," I said pointedly.
"Relax," he teased. "You look nice, though."
I smiled slightly, but my eyes accidentally found Kevin's. He was already looking at me — and oh God, was that a blush on his face?
Did I do something yesterday? Why was he smiling like that?
Kalix was still talking, something about a theme park, but my brain was too busy replaying Kevin's expression in slow motion.
"Kate, you're coming, right?" Ashi asked."Sorry, I don't want to go," I said and quickly stood
Ashi's POV:
Was she… jealous? Or just annoyed because I'm dating her brother? Hmm. I looked at Kalix."The plan isn't working," I whispered.
"What plan?" Kevin asked suspiciously.
"Nothing!" I said too quickly, then glared at him. "Go talk to her and fix her mood.""What? Why me?" he groaned."Because she actually listens to you," I said and folded my arms.
He sighed. "Fine. But if she yells, I'm blaming you."
As he walked away, Kalix leaned closer. "So, what's your plan now?"I smirked. "The same one you made Operation Make Kate Smile."
FLASHBACK
"Hello, Ashi?" Kalix's voice came through the phone."Yeah?""Can you and Kevin come over? I have a plan.""What kind of plan?""To make Kate and Kevin closer.""Closer? Are we forcing them?""No," he said confidently. "Just a little push."
I couldn't resist that kind of drama. "Fine. Give me ten minutes."
kate POV:
I sat in the living room, staring at my brother Alex. When he stood up and walked away without even looking at me, my chest tightened painfully.
Why did it always have to feel like I wasn't enough for him? I bit my lip, but the tears came anyway.
I didn't even notice Kevin approaching until he knelt in front of me."Kate?" His voice was soft, careful. "Why are you crying?"
"Nothing," I muttered. "Something went in my eye."
"Do I look like a kid to you?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
My lips trembled. "My brother never loves me," I admitted. "He doesn't even see me."
And before I knew it, Kevin's arms wrapped around me. I froze, then broke — crying against his shoulder like a child.
"It's okay," he said quietly. "You're allowed to feel hurt. Just don't stop trying."
For a moment, it didn't hurt as much. His words felt safe. When he finally pulled back, I saw a small smile on his face that melted me instantly.
"I'm sorry," he said softly."It's okay," I whispered back. "And… thank you."
kalix'x POV:
Finally, the plan was moving. When I peeked from the hallway and saw Kate smiling through her tears, I couldn't help but grin.
"Step one, success," I said under my breath.Ashi nudged me playfully. "Told you. Love works faster than medicine.""Love?" I scoffed. "They don't even realize they're halfway there already."
Kate's POV
I finally agreed to go with them.
Kalix looked thrilled. "You're joining us? Great!"He handed me clothes and said, "Here shirt, jeans, jacket. Go get ready. And maybe try a little blush, yeah?"
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Fine."
After a quick shower, I threw on the outfit a shirt with half a heart printed on it. Cute. When I went downstairs, Kalix and Ashi were wearing matching half-star shirts.
"Who's matching with me?" I asked jokingly."Kevin," Kalix said, smirking.
My heart skipped. "What?"
Kevin appeared at the stairs, wearing the other half-heart shirt. Oh no. Oh no.
kevin POV :
When I saw Kate wearing that matching shirt, I almost forgot how to breathe. She looked… amazing.
Ashi grinned knowingly. "You both look perfect."I could practically hear Kate's internal screaming.
We drove to the theme park Ashi and Kalix chatting in front while Kate fell asleep beside me, her head resting lightly on the window.
For some reason, watching her sleep made me… smile. Peaceful.
When we reached, she woke up, grabbed Ashi's hand but Ashi smoothly placed Kate's hand around my arm instead.
Perfect, she mouthed.
My heartbeat went wild.
Kate looked up at me and smiled shyly. I swear, my soul left my body for a second.
The rides were loud, chaotic, and full of laughter. Kate screamed the loudest on the roller coaster.
"Didn't you say you weren't scared?" I teased."I'm not! I was just—""Calling for your mommy?" I finished, dodging her playful slap.
Then came the Ferris wheel. Fireworks exploded in the sky, and she gasped, eyes lighting up. "It's so beautiful!" she said, taking photos.
I took one of her, not the sky.
When the ride stopped, we found a quiet bench near the river. The air smelled like popcorn and cold wind.
"Can I ask something?" she said suddenly."Sure.""Why were you so harsh with Michael that day?"
I sighed. "Because before you, there were girls in our class who were hurt harassed. I didn't want that happening to you."
Her eyes softened. "So, you were protecting me?""Always," I said simply.
She smiled genuinely this time. "Thank you, Kevin."
We got ice cream afterward her favorite my favorite caramel, and hers cookie n cream .
She looked up, spoon in hand. "How did you know caramel's my favorite?""Lucky guess," I said, pretending not to notice the heat creeping up my neck.
Then she took out her phone. "Smile!"
Click.
Her laughter filled the night. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something neither of us was ready to name yet.