𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒶 | 𝟏𝟖+

9.

Ellianna Kingston

As I stood under the hot water, letting it work its magic on my sore muscles, my mind kept drifting back to Kairos. The way he moved, how he'd known exactly where to press and how much pressure to use.

But more than that, I couldn't shake the nagging question in the back of my mind—how did he even get into the room in the first place? I hadn't heard the door open, no click of a key or a creak of the hinges. One moment, I was alone, and the next, he was just... there.

I massaged shampoo into my hair, the rhythm of my fingers doing little to distract me from the thought. Was it planned? Did he somehow have access to my key card? The idea seemed absurd, but I couldn't think of another explanation.

It was a playful surprise but also coincidental.

I stayed in the shower a little longer than usual, the water becoming a cocoon of warmth that I didn't want to leave just yet. I let the water run until I felt cleansed until the aches had dulled to a faint, pleasant throb that I could live with. Eventually, I twisted the knob back, and the room grew quiet except for the drip of water falling from my hair and skin.

I reached for a towel, wrapping it snugly around me, the soft fabric a stark contrast against the cool air.

I started to run a comb through my hair when a sudden knock echoed through the quiet room. My breath caught in my throat, and I froze for a moment, half-expecting Kairos to somehow appear on the other side of the door again. But this time, it was just silence, no voice calling out, no second knock.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I padded over to the door, still wrapped in the towel. I peered through the peephole, and there, on the floor outside, was a tray. I unlocked the door cautiously and opened it just wide enough to reach down and grab the tray. It was topped with a steaming cup of coffee, and beside it, a small white pill nestled in a clear plastic cup.

My brows furrowed in confusion as I set the tray down on the table and noticed the folded note tucked beneath the cup.

I picked up the note, unfolding it slowly. The words were written in his neat script: "Just in case. Thought you might need this. Plan B, take it if you want. Dinner at 9 p.m. Don't be late."

I stared at the pill in its little cup, the implication sinking in. It was as if my body went cold despite the warmth still lingering from the shower.

I guess the last time I had to pop one of these the realization didn't set in. A reminder of what had happened, and what could happen next if I didn't act. I quickly gulped it. Another slip-up.

I took a steadying breath and set the note down, glancing at the clock. It was already late afternoon, and dinner was just a few hours away.

If I was having outfit struggles before I was going to another one. Couldn't he at least tell me the theme, casual or formal? I was already stressing and thinking about it.

I need help.

—

Fifteen minutes later, Nadia swept into the room like a whirlwind, a garment bag slung over her shoulder and an excited glint in her eyes. "Okay, let's see the damage," she teased, glancing at the discarded dresses I threw around the place while waiting for her.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Go ahead, judge away," I said, gesturing to the chaos on the bed.

She ignored the mess and unzipped the garment bag with a flourish, revealing a dark brown satin dress that shimmered slightly under the room's light. "I had a feeling you'd need this," she said, pulling it out and holding it up. "Trust me, this one's going to be perfect."

I reached out, running my fingers over the soft fabric. "Where did you even get this?" I asked, half in awe. "It's gorgeous."

Nadia grinned. "I've had it for a while. Never found the right occasion to wear it, but I figured you'd look way better in it than I ever could. Plus, I know neutrals are kind of your thing," she added, her tone playful.

I found her statement odd. Lavi packed bold, daring options I would never wear. But she didn't know that. Yeah she was right, I stuck to light, similar colors but how would she know that?

Eh.

"Now, let's get you into this, and then we'll work on your hair and makeup. We have a whole transformation to complete, and the clock's ticking."

As I slipped into the dress, Nadia started fussing with my hair, gathering it up with quick, nimble fingers. "I'm thinking of a loose updo, something effortless but still elegant," she murmured, already pulling pins from her bag. The words Lukas had said about how I should always leave my hair down lingered in my head. 'Doesn't suit you'.

But I wasn't the same girl he was able to tear down. If I wanted to wear my hair up I would.

I found it almost amusing to see her get to work. Almost like it was her job but the way her face lit up like she enjoyed doing it.

I watched her in the mirror as she worked, her face scrunched in concentration. "How do you know all this?" I asked, genuinely curious. "It's like you've done this a hundred times."

She chuckled. "Well, I've never had a sister. My mom didn't really care about the whole beauty thing. Had to figure it out myself."

"I didn't have sisters either or brothers. But my friends always helped me." She smiled, as she twisted the last strand of my hair. "What about your mom?"

I gazed off, thinking about her question. "She died when I was younger. Didn't really know her." It was just my dad. She hummed and stepped back to admire her handiwork. "There, you're all set. Now, makeup time!" She reached for a brush, but I caught her wrist gently.

"Nadia," I said, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "Thank you. Seriously, you didn't have to do all this."

She shook her head, her smile widening. "Elle, come on. That's what friends are for, right? Now sit down and let me finish making you look like a goddess."

I laughed and took my seat, letting her work her magic. With each brushstroke, each touch of lipstick, I could feel the tension melting away, replaced by something lighter, warmer. It wasn't just about looking good; it was about the small, unexpected comfort of knowing that I had someone in my corner, someone who cared enough to drop everything and show up.

It meant a lot.

And as Nadia stepped back, a proud smile on her face, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I didn't just look different—I felt different, too. Maybe tonight wasn't going to be just any dinner after all.