26. Lost

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Alba's POV

"Alba—" she began, but you interrupted.

"No, Aina. I'm an adult," you stated firmly.

"But—" she tried again.

"No," you insisted. "Can we change the subject? How was your trip?"

"It was good." She grinned.

You looked at her with real interest. "Did you do anything fun?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yeah, I won the case."

"No way!" You couldn't hide your excitement. "I'm so proud of you!"

She smiled; a bit shy. "Thanks. But there's more."

"What?" You leaned in, curious.

"They want me to work as a legal helper. If I do great on my exams, I might even join their team."

You jumped up and wrapped your arms around her. "That's awesome! Congrats!"

"Thanks," she said, hugging you back.

You pulled away, beaming. "I'm just so happy for you."

"Think you'll take it?" you asked.

She nodded. "For sure. It's a big chance, and it'll make my job history look good."

"Wow," you breathed. "That's really something." with a smile that didn't feel genuine to you, "At least one of us is living the dream, huh?"

"Hey, don't talk like that," she said, giving you a gentle punch on the arm.

"Ouch! Why are you so rough today?" you grumbled, rubbing your arm.

Her face turned serious. "Don't say that stuff. What happened yesterday doesn't change how creative and skilled you are."

She took your hand in hers. "You just had a bad day. It happens to everyone. Don't beat yourself up over it."

You pulled her close again, hugging her tight. "I'm just so, so proud of you," you whispered, feeling a mix of emotions wash over you.

Aina looked at you and smiled. Suddenly, you both burst out laughing.

"Seriously, Alba. I love you," she said warmly.

"Me too. I'm proud of you," you replied, smiling back.

Aina's tone turned curious. "So, what happened after you guys... you know had sex?"

You frowned. "I don't want to talk about him anymore. I'm tired of thinking and talking about him all day."

"Okay, let's change the subject," Aina suggested quickly.

"Yes, please," you nodded, relieved.

"Want to go out tonight?" she asked.

"Where to?" you asked.

"Mingyu and I are getting dinner. You should join us." She suggested.

You hesitated, not wanting to be a third wheel. "I'm pretty tired..."

"Come on, it'll be fun. We'll have pizza," Aina urged.

"I'll join next time," you said, getting up and heading to the kitchen.

"If you're sure," Aina called after you.

As you poured yourself some water, Aina's eyes lit up. "I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?" you asked, curious.

"Close your eyes," she said, grinning.

You did, and heard her run to her room. When she told you to look, you saw her holding markers and paintbrushes you'd been eyeing for ages.

"I thought you were buying a dress for your date," you said, surprised.

"Oh, I bought that. I bought these too," she explained, waving them at you.

You hugged her tight. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" jumping in excitement.

"You're welcome," she laughed. "Now go start painting."

"Yes, mom," you chuckled, rushing to your room. Literally like a toddler.

***

Later in the evening, Aina appeared in your doorway, dressed for her date. Aina stood there, radiating confidence and excitement for her evening out, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for her date with Mingyu. She wore a fitted black dress, falling just above her knees. Over it, she had on a cropped denim jacket, giving her outfit a casual-chic vibe. Her feet were adorned with sleek ankle boots, adding a touch of edge to the ensemble. Around her neck was a delicate silver necklace. Her pink hair was styled in loose waves, framing her face beautifully. She had applied light makeup, just enough to enhance her natural features—a touch of mascara, a hint of blush, and a swipe of nude lipstick.

As she stood there, "Alba, don't forget our deal, okay? I'm heading out now."

You complimented her outfit. "OMG! Babe, you are looking so hot. Mingyu's going to have a dessert tonight." You winked. She gave you those glaring eyes. You unbothered jumped up to grab a cute beanie from your closet. "Here, this'll complete the look. Have fun!"

The beanie you gave her—a soft, burgundy knit—added the perfect finishing touch, bringing a cozy and playful element to her date-night look. It complemented her outfit wonderfully, balancing the dressy and casual elements.

"You too," she said, nodding at your art stationary-covered table.

"Thanks," you replied, smiling. "By the way, where are you guys going tonight?"

"We're trying out that new Italian place downtown," Aina said, adjusting the beanie on her head. "I've heard the pasta is to die for."

"Sounds amazing! Don't forget to bring me leftovers," you teased.

She chuckled. "I'll see what I can do. And remember, no wild parties while I'm gone," she added with a wink.

"Who, me? Never!" you said, feigning innocence. "Just me, my sketchpad, and a quiet night in."

"Alright, I'll hold you to that," she said, stepping into the hallway. "Text me if you need anything."

"Will do. Enjoy your date, Aina!"

As she left, you settled back into your world of colors and imagination, happily lost in your art. The house felt quieter without her, but you found comfort in the rhythmic strokes of your pencil and the creative freedom of your sketchpad.

It was midnight when you finally put down your markers, satisfied with your art. You'd drawn a perfect sunset with the moon, stars, and clouds. On days like these, when you felt down, you always turned to drawing your emotions instead of fashion sketches. It was your way of coping without burdening others.

Aina knew you so well that she'd given you your, sensing you needed it today after everything that had happened.

Just then, Saddie jumped onto your lap, purring. You stroked her fur.

You glanced at your sketches spread out on the table, feeling a surge of determination. You wouldn't let him control your thoughts or your emotions, you put away your art supplies. Feeling sleepy but starving, you headed to the bathroom for a warm shower for your aching body. Afterwards, you went to the kitchen to make some ramen - you hadn't eaten all day because of that jerk. While waiting for the water to boil, you fed Saddie.


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