𝑯𝒆'𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓 | 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒊 𝑭𝑭

A DATE??

Niki Pov:

Niki's dad barged into his room, his voice echoing off the walls. "Niki, wake up! We've got a gathering with the Rivers tonight," he exclaimed, his tone urgent. "And this one's important, son. We need to make a good impression."

As Niki grumbled and rolled out of bed, his dad continued, "I know it's late, but this could be a big opportunity for us. We need to show them that we're still in the game."

Later, as Niki prepared to leave for the errands, his dad handed him a list. "Don't forget the flowers and groceries, Niki," he reminded sternly. "And be quick about it. We don't want to keep the Rivers waiting."

When Niki returned home with the items, his dad greeted him with a nod of approval. "Good job, son," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Now let's focus on making this gathering a success. We've got a reputation to uphold."

As Niki's eyes scanned the room, they widened in surprise as he locked gazes with Eunji, his academic rival. Eunji mirrored his expression, her own eyes widening in equal astonishment. They had never expected to encounter each other outside of school, let alone at a gathering like this.

Before they could recover from the initial shock, their parents began talking and bickering, oblivious to the awkward tension between Niki and Eunji. Sensing an opportunity to meddle, Niki's dad proposed an unexpected idea.

"How about these kiddos go on a date?" he suggested with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Niki and Eunji's jaws dropped in unison, their eyes widening even further as they exchanged incredulous glances. "A date?!" they exclaimed simultaneously, their voices filled with disbelief.

Niki's dad seemed undeterred by their protests. "Yeah, a date tomorrow!" he declared with a grin, clearly enjoying the idea of playing matchmaker.

Despite their instinctive desire to refuse, Niki and Eunji found themselves unable to deny their parents' request. With resigned sighs and reluctant nods, they reluctantly agreed to go on the unexpected date, unsure of what the future held for them.

As Niki's dad set the date and time for their rendezvous, Niki felt a sense of resignation wash over him. With a forced smile, he nodded in agreement, knowing that he couldn't escape his fate.

As Eunji excused herself to the bathroom, Niki seized the opportunity to follow suit, despite the fact that the boys' bathroom was on the opposite side of the house. Ignoring the puzzled looks from other guests, he made his way to the balcony where Eunji had disappeared to.

"Hey," Niki greeted awkwardly as he joined her on the balcony, their eyes meeting in silent understanding.

Eunji let out a sigh of relief. "I can't believe our parents are doing this," she muttered, her tone tinged with frustration.

Niki nodded in agreement, running a hand through his hair. "Tell me about it. I never imagined I'd be going on a date with my academic rival," he confessed, a hint of amusement in his voice.

They both shared a rueful laugh, the tension easing slightly as they commiserated over their predicament. "But I guess we don't have much of a choice, do we?" Niki added, glancing at Eunji.

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No, I suppose not," she agreed, her eyes meeting his.

With a shared understanding, Niki and Eunji made a silent pact to make the best of the situation. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow at 7," Niki said with a resigned shrug.

Eunji nodded in agreement. "Yeah, see you then," she replied, a hint of anticipation in her voice as they parted ways, each lost in their own thoughts about the unexpected date that awaited them.